A remarkable scene unfolded across Chinese cities as collectors braved winter temperatures to secure newly released Year of the Horse zodiac stamps. China Post officially launched the commemorative collection on Monday, triggering an enthusiastic response from philatelic enthusiasts nationwide.
In Beijing, dedicated collectors began forming queues outside post offices as early as Sunday afternoon. By 8 AM on launch day, sidewalks were lined with enthusiasts spanning generations—from veteran stamp aficionados to younger collectors wrapped in heavy winter coats, all anticipating the special release.
The 2026 stamp collection carries particular cultural significance following UNESCO’s 2024 recognition of Spring Festival traditions as Intangible Cultural Heritage. This designation has amplified public engagement with traditional customs and symbolic celebrations.
The two-stamp set, with a combined face value of 2.40 yuan ($0.34), features distinct artistic interpretations. The first design portrays a vibrant red horse traversing cloud formations, symbolizing sustained economic and social development while reflecting national aspirations outlined in the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-30). The complementary stamp depicts three horses galloping in unison amid auspicious patterns, representing collective effort and national unity in advancing socialist modernization and comprehensive rejuvenation.
Within Chinese cultural context, the horse embodies potent symbolism—representing vitality, perseverance, and achievement. The creature is frequently associated with the popular idiom “Ma Dao Cheng Gong,” conveying the notion of immediate success upon its arrival. Historically valued for transportation and economic contributions, horses remain among the most favored zodiac signs, perceived as heralds of energy and progress.
China Post’s zodiac stamp series, initiated in 1980, consistently generates substantial collector interest. The 2026 edition marks a procedural innovation through a dual-track selection process incorporating public submissions alongside expert and popular voting—a first in the program’s history.
Liu Aili, Chairman of China Post Group, emphasized that “this represents not merely a design breakthrough but a vivid practice of sharing cultural development with the people.” This sentiment resonated with public participants, including one Beijing collector who reported involvement in the voting process three months prior: “Witnessing the stamps I helped select finally reach public sale makes this collection profoundly meaningful to me.”
The issuance includes 26.68 million basic stamp sets alongside specialized formats and collectible booklets. A collaborative souvenir sheet featuring designs from mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macao postal departments debuted simultaneously. The stamps will remain available for six months through designated postal outlets and digital platforms including China Post’s official application and WeChat stores.