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Year of the Horse 2026: predictions, facts, myths and feng shui
From auspicious horse-themed phrases and couplets to whether your luck is in, discover all you need to know about the coming Lunar New Year.
Updated: 13 Aug, 2026
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[1]
Why the Year of the Horse 2026 could bring chaos but also great progress
With 12 animals and 5 elements, the Year of the Fire Horse comes around every 60 years and tends to bring both good fortune and bad.
08 Dec, 2025
[2]
Famous horse-related works of art as the Year of the Horse 2026 approaches
To celebrate the nearing Year of the Fire Horse, we look at paintings, books and plays that show how the use of horses in art has evolved.
12 Dec, 2025
[3]
5 of the best-known horses in Chinese legend, from the Red Hare to qilin
Horses play a fascinating role in Chinese folklore, ranging from the downright disturbing – one kidnaps a girl – to the gently auspicious.
14 Dec, 2025
[4]
Mongolia’s child jockeys are key to its heritage. But are they in danger?
Light and agile, children have long held the reins in Mongolian horse racing. But the hazards of the sport make it anything but child’s play.
16 Dec, 2025
[5]
‘I have witnessed magic’: how horses help Hong Kong people with disabilities
Riding for the Disabled Association instructor Joelle Scott reveals some of the amazing ways equine therapy can help those with disabilities.
19 Dec, 2025
[6]
What is horse oil and why is it a popular skin treatment in East Asia?
Horse oil is said to intensely hydrate skin, fortify hair, and diminish the appearance of wrinkles, but research is lacking on such claims.
21 Dec, 2025
[7]
New restaurant Yurt brings Kazakhstan’s horsemeat tradition to Hong Kong
Horsemeat is a central part of Kazakh and Central Asian culture and, for the team at Yurt, there was no question of it not being on the menu.
23 Dec, 2025
[8]
How China fell in love with My Little Pony collectible cards
When My Little Pony first aired on TV in China, it didn’t take off. Instead, it was collectible cards that saw it become a galloping success.
24 Dec, 2025
[9]
What is the horse pose in yoga? Only ‘3 out of 10 students’ can do it
Horse pose, also known as horse face pose or vatayanasana, is a challenging yoga pose that boosts hip mobility, strength and concentration.
25 Dec, 2025
[10]
How the horse paintings of Xu Beihong have galloped through history
Known as the father of modern Chinese art and famed for his horse paintings, Xu Beihong blended Western techniques with Chinese tradition.
26 Dec, 2025
[11]
7 successful people born in the Year of the Horse, from Ang Lee to Lu Han
Horses are considered to be energetic, capable and driven to succeed. Here are 7 famous, successful Horses who epitomise those characteristics.
30 Dec, 2025
[12]
The Chinese cowboys challenging narratives of the American Old West
Whether through art or immersion in the rancher lifestyle, these Asian men are redefining what it means to be a cowboy in the American West.
31 Dec, 2025
[13]
When a Korean horsehair underskirt sparked a fashion frenzy in China
The maweiqun, an underskirt made from horsehair, was so popular in the Ming dynasty that the government banned it.
03 Jan, 2026
[14]
3 Hong Kong events to celebrate the Year of the Horse 2026
From a horse show to a run in nature to a special character’s appearance at Hong Kong Disneyland, ring in the Lunar New Year at these events.
06 Jan, 2026
[15]
History of Chinese-style ‘frog buttons’, seen on viral Adidas jacket
Used in China for centuries, frog buttons are a key feature of a limited-edition Adidas jacket that has become a huge hit on social media.
07 Jan, 2026
[16]
Why the Year of the Horse will be a profitable but turbulent one for Horses
In this volatile, turbulent year, Horses can expect to prosper at the office or in a new job, but health and romance will not be so lucky.
10 Jan, 2026
[17]
Why the Year of the Horse 2026 will be lucky for Sheep in money and love
A fortune-teller reveals why the Year of the Fire Horse will be a positive one for Sheep and how to take advantage of good fortune.
11 Jan, 2026
[18]
Year of the Horse 2026 predictions for Monkeys, from love to health
In the Year of the Fire Horse, Monkeys should focus on travel and avoid places with heavy yin energy, fortune-teller Tong Pik-ha says.
12 Jan, 2026
[19]
Lunar New Year greetings in Mandarin, Cantonese, Shanghainese and Hokkien
The Year of the Horse 2026 will be welcomed across China with blessings for money, health and more. Here are common ones and their meanings.
12 Jan, 2026
[20]
Why the Year of the Horse 2026 will be lucrative and romantic for Roosters
Lucky stars in the Year of the Fire Horse mean Roosters will prosper at work and could meet their ideal partner. But healthy living is key.
13 Jan, 2026
[21]
What the Chinese surname Ma, meaning ‘horse’, symbolises and how it spread
Ma is one of mainland China’s most common surnames and is interestingly even prevalent among Chinese Muslims. We look at its history.
13 Jan, 2026
[22]
Year of the Horse 2026 predictions for Dogs, from success at work to love
Harmony with the tai sui deity means Dogs’ wealth will grow in the Year of the Fire Horse, but certain relationships will need nurturing.
14 Jan, 2026
[23]
Year of the Horse 2026 predictions for Pigs, from money to love and health
After a volatile year, Pigs will enjoy success at work in the Year of the Fire Horse, but need to pay close attention to their health.
15 Jan, 2026
[24]
7 horse-themed Chinese idioms to use during the Year of the Horse
Horses symbolise strength, speed and health in Chinese culture. Here are seven sayings based on the animal, with Cantonese pronunciations.
15 Jan, 2026
[25]
Why the Year of the Horse 2026 could be a tough one for Rats
Unlucky stars in the Year of the Fire Horse mean Rats will have to work hard to reap rewards at the office, and travel with caution.
16 Jan, 2026
[26]
What’s in a name? When it comes to racehorses it depends on the language
Superstition and fortune-telling also play a big role in picking names, with one owner even naming a horse after the family’s pet.
17 Jan, 2026
[27]
Year of the Horse 2026 predictions for Tigers, from career to romance
The Year of the Fire Horse will bring Tigers increased wealth, but things could get ugly at work, and medical conditions might worsen.
18 Jan, 2026
[28]
Why the Year of the Horse 2026 will be luckier in wealth than love for Oxen
While wealth, career and health fortunes will be good for Oxen in the Year of the Fire Horse, true love might be hard to come by.
19 Jan, 2026
[29]
Year of the Horse 2026 predictions for Rabbits, from career to romance
The Year of the Fire Horse will bring Rabbits good luck at work, and romance will blossom. But they should pay attention to their health.
19 Jan, 2026
[30]
This remote Chinese minority uses horsetail hair to create beautiful embroidery
A craft passed down for thousands of years, the horsetail embroidery of China’s Shui people is deemed a local intangible cultural heritage.
19 Jan, 2026
[31]
Opinion | In Chinese astrology, why are benefactors and networking so important?
Benefactors in Chinese culture are people who swoop in to save you or give a leg up. They are your essential allies – and that’s a big deal.
20 Jan, 2026
[32]
Year of the Horse 2026 predictions for Dragons, from career to romance
The Year of the Fire Horse will bring Dragons good luck in terms of career development, but the outlook for romance and health isn’t so rosy.
21 Jan, 2026
[33]
Year of the Horse 2026 predictions for Snakes, from money to health
Snakes will enjoy increased wealth and stable relationships in the Year of the Fire Horse, but curse stars will bring ailments and stress.
23 Jan, 2026
[34]
What does AI predict will happen in the fiery Year of the Horse 2026?
With the rise of AI mirroring the Year of the Fire Horse’s restless energy, we ask DeepSeek, Perplexity and Gemini their 2026 predictions.
24 Jan, 2026
[35]
Reservations now open for new banknotes for Year of the Horse red packets
HSBC, Standard Chartered and BOC are taking bookings for the new and ‘good as new’ banknote exchange at certain branches from February 3-16.
28 Jan, 2026
[36]
Pony tales: how the Hong Kong Pony Club develops young riders
Hong Kong Pony Club members learn horsemanship, build lasting friendships, and develop a lasting respect for horses and ponies.
29 Jan, 2026
[37]
Reflections | How Chinese new year cards went from elites’ greetings to bribery instruments
Wishing someone a happy new year was a highly formal affair among people of status in imperial China and some cards were even collected.
31 Jan, 2026
[38]
How Horses can appease the tai sui in the Year of the Horse 2026
Horses will be at odds with the tai sui deity in the Year of the Fire Horse. Fortune-teller Tong Pik-ha shares how they can avoid bad luck.
01 Feb, 2026
[39]
This 17-year-old Hong Kong show jumper is making a name at home and abroad
Fu Ka-ching, daughter of actor Alex Fong, talks about the difficulties in balancing riding and studying and the bond between rider and horse.
02 Feb, 2026
[40]
How Rats can appease the tai sui in the Year of the Horse 2026
Rats will clash with the tai sui deity in the Year of the Fire Horse. Fortune-teller Tong Pik-ha reveals how they can improve their fortune.
03 Feb, 2026
[41]
The unicorn has been revered for 4,000 years. It still has us under its spell
From ancient Indus Valley seals to Starbucks cups, the unicorn has long served as a symbol of magic and hope.
04 Feb, 2026
[42]
How Oxen can appease the tai sui in the Year of the Horse 2026
A fortune-teller shares how Oxen can mitigate the negative effects of clashing with the tai sui deity in the coming Year of the Fire Horse.
05 Feb, 2026
[43]
How Rabbits can appease the tai sui in the Year of the Horse 2026
Rats will clash with the tai sui deity in the Year of the Fire Horse. Fortune-teller Tong Pik-ha reveals how they can improve their fortune.
07 Feb, 2026
[44]
Reflections | What do common Lunar New Year snacks in China, Singapore and Malaysia symbolise?
Lunar New Year treats in China vary from those in Singapore and Malaysia, for which some question whether they are truly ‘Chinese’.
07 Feb, 2026
[45]
Feng shui advice for Horses for prosperity and love in the Year of the Horse
Feng shui master Andrew Kwan shares where Horses can put lucky coloured items at home and work for good fortune in the Year of the Fire Horse.
08 Feb, 2026
[46]
All you need to know about the Year of the Horse
Discover the characteristics of people born in the Year of the Horse and why the coming Year of the Fire Horse is so revered in Chinese culture. Find out your Chinese zodiac animal sign, learn about the ancient river race that decided the zodiac order, and uncover the real historical roots of the zodiac system.
08 Feb, 2026
[47]
5 horse-themed Chinese-language movies for the coming Year of the Horse
In films, horses often symbolise strength, gracefulness and agility. Here are five Chinese-language movies where the animal plays a big role.
08 Feb, 2026
[48]
Feng shui advice for Sheep for luck in money and love in the Year of the Horse
Feng shui master Andrew Kwan shares where Sheep can put auspicious coloured items at home and work for luck in the Year of the Fire Horse.
10 Feb, 2026
[49]
Feng shui advice for Monkeys for good luck in the Year of the Horse 2026
Feng shui master Andrew Kwan shares where Monkeys can put lucky coloured items at home and work for luck in the Year of the Fire Horse.
11 Feb, 2026
[50]
Feng shui advice for Roosters for the Year of the Horse, from love to health
Feng shui master Andrew Kwan shares where Roosters can put household items for luck and to appease the tai sui in the Year of the Fire Horse.
12 Feb, 2026
[51]
Where to go for the most luxurious Lunar New Year menus in Hong Kong
Ring in the Year of the Fire Horse in style at these top Chinese restaurants, where festive menus feature premium takes on auspicious dishes.
12 Feb, 2026
[52]
Review | The Snowball on a Sunny Day: Mark Six miss turns into mayhem in family comedy
This witty Lunar New Year film follows a woman pretending to have won the Mark Six lottery after failing to buy the winning ticket.
12 Feb, 2026
[53]
Feng shui advice for Dogs for a romantic, healthy Year of the Horse 2026
Feng shui master Andrew Kwan shares where Dogs can put lucky coloured items at home and work for good fortune in the Year of the Fire Horse.
13 Feb, 2026
[54]
Feng shui advice for Pigs for good luck in the Year of the Horse 2026
Feng shui master Andrew Kwan shares where Pigs can put lucky coloured items at home and work for luck in the Year of the Fire Horse.
14 Feb, 2026
[55]
3 days of Lunar New Year traditions, from red envelopes to the Kitchen God
Lunar New Year dates back 2,000 years and has many customs and traditions. Find out what to do on each day and why.
14 Feb, 2026
[56]
10 great Lunar New Year food and drink gifts available in Hong Kong
From chic hampers with abalone and nuts to local gin, these gifts are great for giving – and sharing – to ring in the Year of the Horse 2026.
14 Feb, 2026
[57]
Feng shui advice for Rats for the Year of the Horse, from career to love
Feng shui master Andrew Kwan shares where Rats can put lucky coloured items at home and work for good fortune in the Year of the Fire Horse.
15 Feb, 2026
[58]
How Horses can find success with their 3 ‘enemy signs’ in the Chinese zodiac
The Rat, Ox and Horse signs are considered ‘enemies’ of those born in a Year of the Horse. Here’s how to build good relationships with them.
15 Feb, 2026
[59]
Opinion | Why is Harry Potter enemy Draco Malfoy trending ahead of the Year of the Horse?
Draco Malfoy’s Chinese name reflects how the character for ‘horse’ influences China’s language, culture, greetings, translations and more.
15 Feb, 2026
[60]
Feng shui advice for Oxen for love, health and money in the Year of the Horse
Feng shui master Andrew Kwan shares where Oxen can put lucky coloured items at home and work for good fortune in the Year of the Fire Horse.
16 Feb, 2026
[61]
Editorial | Hong Kong will approach Year of the Horse with optimism and resilience
As the city marks the Lunar New Year, it can rest assured that the economy seems to be in good shape and the focus is on opportunities ahead.
16 Feb, 2026
[62]
What are the best days to start work after the Lunar New Year break?
Kick-start the Year of the Horse by returning to work on an auspicious day. A Hong Kong feng shui master reveals which days to avoid.
16 Feb, 2026
[63]
Review | Night King: Dayo Wong, Sammi Cheng lead enjoyably fluffy nightclub comedy
While slightly disjointed and overlong, Night King delivers a fun blend of romance and nostalgic glamour set in Hong Kong’s nightclub scene.
16 Feb, 2026
[64]
Feng shui advice for Tigers for a wealthy, romantic Year of the Horse 2026
Feng shui master Andrew Kwan shares where Tigers can put lucky coloured items at home and work for fortune in the Year of the Fire Horse.
17 Feb, 2026
[65]
Beware excessive ‘fire energy’ in Year of the Horse: Hong Kong feng shui masters
Soothsayers warn of potential volatility in coming lunar year, with city having to navigate geopolitical tensions even as its economy improves.
17 Feb, 2026
[66]
8 lucky Lunar New Year foods to welcome the Year of the Horse
From dumplings shaped like gold ingots to longevity noodles, these traditional Lunar New Year dishes are eaten to invite good fortune.
17 Feb, 2026
[67]
Which zodiac signs must appease the tai sui in the Year of the Horse 2026?
Horses, Rats, Oxen and Rabbits clash with the tai sui in the Year of the Fire Horse. Here’s how you can mitigate the adverse effects.
17 Feb, 2026
[68]
Feng shui advice for Rabbits for luck in money, health and romance
Feng shui master Andrew Kwan shares where Rabbits can put lucky coloured items at home and work for good fortune in the Year of the Fire Horse.
18 Feb, 2026
[69]
When should you open your Lunar New Year red packets? The luckiest time, and why
It is considered rude to open lai see in front of the giver but don’t leave the red packets unopened for more than a couple of months.
18 Feb, 2026
[70]
Editorial | Hong Kong should temper optimism with caution in Year of the Horse
Another neutral prophecy puts the onus on the city to proceed with prudence and act to bring about its own good fortune.
19 Feb, 2026
[71]
Feng shui advice for Dragons for a lucky, healthy Year of the Horse 2026
Feng shui master Andrew Kwan shares where Dragons can put auspicious items at home and work for fortune in the Year of the Fire Horse.
19 Feb, 2026
[72]
On the Menu | What do an American reality TV show and Chinese aunties have in common?
A Chinese millennial woman talks fat and fortune as she contrasts the toxic culture of the early noughties with today’s body positivity.
19 Feb, 2026
[73]
Why do Chinese love water chestnuts? All about the lucky ‘horse’s hoof’
A humble and vastly underrated ingredient, water chestnuts are used in a popular Lunar New Year dessert and also have many health benefits.
19 Feb, 2026
[74]
Feng shui advice for Snakes for luck in money, health and romance
Feng shui master Andrew Kwan shares where Snakes can put lucky coloured items at home and work for luck in the Year of the Fire Horse.
20 Feb, 2026
[75]
Feng shui tips for all 12 Chinese zodiac signs for the Year of the Horse 2026
Feng shui master Andrew Kwan shares where each Chinese zodiac sign can place items for good luck in the Year of the Fire Horse.
21 Feb, 2026
[76]
SCMP cartoonist Harry Harrison’s Year of the Horse collection to be auctioned
Bidding for the eight original watercolour and ink works inspired by the Year of the Horse begins on March 13; prices start at HK$2,026.
13 Mar, 2026
[77]
Horse show spectacular to bring ‘magical’ equine energy to Hong Kong
Blending music and equestrian arts, Cavalluna – Gate to the Otherworld will gallop into Kai Tak Arena in September for the Year of the Horse.
03 Jul, 2026
[78]
Year of the Horse 2026 predictions for all 12 zodiac signs. Is your luck in?
A fortune-teller gives Year of the Fire Horse predictions for careers, relationships and more, plus lucky numbers, colours and elements.
08 Jan, 2026
[79]
Is Year of the Horse’s second month lucky for you? Forecasts for all 12 zodiac signs
Feng shui master Andrew Kwan breaks down this lunar month’s prospects for all 12 Chinese zodiac signs in health, love, work and finances.
24 Mar, 2026
[80]
Is the Year of the Horse’s third month lucky for you? Forecasts for all signs
Feng shui master Andrew Kwan breaks down this lunar month’s prospects for all 12 Chinese zodiac signs in health, love, work and finances.
17 Apr, 2026
[81]
Is the Year of the Horse’s fourth month lucky for you? Forecasts for all signs
Feng shui master Andrew Kwan breaks down this lunar month’s prospects for all 12 Chinese zodiac signs in work, finances, romance and health.
17 May, 2026
[82]
Is the Year of the Horse’s fifth month lucky for you? Forecasts for all signs
Feng shui master Andrew Kwan breaks down this lunar month’s prospects for all 12 Chinese zodiac signs in work, finances, romance and health.
14 Jun, 2026
[83]
Is the Year of the Horse’s sixth month lucky for you? Forecasts for all signs
Feng shui master Andrew Kwan breaks down this lunar month’s prospects for all 12 Chinese zodiac signs in work, finances, romance and health.
14 Jul, 2026
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[84]
Is the Year of the Horse’s seventh month lucky for you? Forecasts for all signs
Feng shui master Andrew Kwan breaks down this lunar month’s prospects for all 12 Chinese zodiac signs in work, finances, romance and health.
13 Aug, 2026
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