Move over Labubu — China’s new plushie sensation for 2026 is a frowning horse. The “Crying Horse” has gone viral ahead of Lunar New Year, becoming the must-have soft toy for celebrations.

The Crying Horse was originally a manufacturing error. A worker at Happy Sister, a shop in Yiwu, accidentally sewed the horse’s mouth upside down, giving it a permanent sad expression.

Owner Zhang Huoqing told Reuters that the plush was initially meant to be returned to the customer. However, once a photo of the sad horse circulated online, it quickly captured public attention and started flying off the shelves.

Why crying horse resonates

Zhang believes the plush’s melancholic look strikes a chord with China’s young workforce.

“This crying horse really fits the reality of modern working people,” she said.

The toy’s 20cm height and soft texture make it appealing, while its red color, golden collar, and bell tie into Lunar New Year traditions of luck and prosperity. Embroidered on its chest is the phrase “money comes quickly,” adding a playful wish for good fortune.

New lunar new year icon

Priced at 25 yuan (£2.62), the Crying Horse has quickly overtaken other toys in popularity, echoing the global viral success of Labubus in 2025. Social media platforms in China are flooded with photos and memes featuring the plush, cementing its status as the symbol of this year’s festive season.

The trend highlights a growing appetite for quirky, emotion-driven toys that reflect real-life struggles, humor, and relatability.