They are on the hunt for a crimson plush horse with a drooping mouth, a golden bell around its neck, and eyes that seem to shy away from anyone looking directly at it. This toy has gained notoriety on Chinese social platforms in anticipation of the Spring Festival holiday, which this year ushers in the Year of the Horse according to the Chinese zodiac.

Crying horse plushies are showcased in advance of the upcoming Chinese Lunar New Year, which will welcome the Year of the Horse, at Yiwu International Trade City in Yiwu, Zhejiang province, China, on January 21, 2026. Photo by Reuters.

Dubbed the "crying horse" by internet users, this toy was originally intended as a cheerful Lunar New Year ornament, but a production error transformed its grin into a grimace.

"A worker accidentally stitched the mouth on upside down," explained Zhang Huoqing, the proprietor of the Yiwu shop Happy Sister.

Zhang mentioned that she provided a refund after realizing the defect, but the customer did not bring back the toy. Shortly afterward, she noticed images of it being shared online.

"People made jokes that the crying horse represents your expression at work, while the smiling one showcases your appearance after work," Zhang remarked. With demand skyrocketing, she chose to continue producing the sorrowful-faced version.

Some young professionals in China claim the horse's forlorn look reflects their lengthy hours and workplace pressures.

Moreover, it connects to a rising trend for so-called "ugly-cute" toys, made famous in recent years by characters like Pop Mart’s toothy monster Labubu.

"Nowadays, nearly everyone who enters asks for the crying horse," stated Lou Zhenxian, a Yiwu merchant who has been selling festive toys for over 25 years.

By early afternoon, the display of crying horses outside Happy Sister had sold out, and staff were hurriedly working to replenish the shelves.

"We will continue selling it," Zhang affirmed. "This crying horse truly resonates with the realities faced by modern workers."