Factory flaw turns toy horse into a symbol of China’s collective mood
A plush toy horse with a stitching error has become an unexpected cultural symbol in China ahead of the Lunar New Year, resonating with young workers who see their own exhaustion reflected in its expression.
Reflection of modern life
Vivian Hao, a 39-year-old editor in China’s Anhui Province, discovered the red horse plushie on social media. Though intended as a festive item, the toy struck her as a reflection of modern life.
First sold last year in eastern China, the plushie has short legs, a golden bell around its neck and the phrase “wishing you instant wealth” printed on its side. A manufacturing flaw leaves its mouth sewn upside down, turning a smile into a mournful look. Online, it has become known as the “crying horse.”
More than 190 million views
The toy has surged in popularity ahead of the Lunar New Year, which begins on Feb. 17. On Douyin, China’s version of TikTok, the hashtag associated with the crying horse has received more than 190 million views. A popular joke advises people to bring the crying version to work and leave the smiling one at home.
Many young Chinese workers have embraced the toy as a symbol of burnout and disillusionment. “Its expression perfectly reflects the helplessness of an office worker,” Ms. Hao said. She bought four plushies, both crying and smiling versions.
Demand has exceeded expectations
Demand has far exceeded expectations. Zhang Huoqing, the shopkeeper who first sold the toy, now produces around 15,000 units a day for domestic and overseas markets, according to China’s state broadcaster, after expanding production lines. Operating from Yiwu, the world’s largest wholesale market for small commodities, she has also begun selling the toys through live-streamed social media channels. She declined to be interviewed, citing exhaustion.
The crying horse’s popularity contrasts with traditional symbolism. In the Chinese zodiac, 2026 is the Year of the Fire Horse, associated with ambition and growth. For many young workers, the toy has come to represent the opposite.
Facing slowing growth
After decades of rapid economic growth, analysts say China is now facing slowing growth, stagnant wages and limited social mobility. These pressures have fueled criticism of “996” work culture and inspired online descriptions of life as “garbage time,” a sports term for playing out a game whose outcome is already decided.
The crying horse has joined other cultural expressions, such as the “lying flat” movement and burnout memes, reflecting a generation increasingly skeptical of relentless work.
Jessica Lan, who works at a travel agency in Guangdong Province, keeps one of the plushies on her desk. “I’m a donkey, actually,” she said. “A horse is less tired than me.”
Find more information and a picture of the sad horse in the source description.