Year of the Horse: Winter festivities in full swing

Editor's note: As the Year of the Horse approaches in 2026, festive activities are gathering momentum across China. At Shichahai, just northwest of the Forbidden City in Beijing, an ice and snow carnival is currently underway, blending the cultural heritage of the Beijing Central Axis with traditional Chinese New Year customs. Featuring a range of activities such as ice sleds and ice bicycles, along with traditional market stalls, cultural experiences and immersive exhibitions, the carnival will run through Feb. 23, attracting visitors to embrace the spirit of the coming new year.

A visitor takes a photo with toy horses at the carnival in Shichahai, Beijing, Jan. 13, 2026. [Photo by Zhang Yuxin/China.org.cn]