As the Year of the Horse unfolds, the city of Wuxi in Jiangsu Province has launched a premier cultural event that brings the spirit of the zodiac to life. The “Ride the Horse to the New” joint exhibition, which opened on February 10 at the Wuxi Museum, offers a rare look at the deep historical bond between the Chinese people and these majestic animals.
A Confluence of Northern and Southern Treasures
The exhibition is a collaborative effort between the Wuxi Museum and the Xianyang Museum, bringing together 59 sets of precious artifacts from four major cultural institutions. The collection features several high-tier national treasures, including:
- Western Han Dynasty “Horse-Hoof Gold”: Exquisite gold currency shaped like hooves.
- Tang Dynasty Painted Glazed Figurines: Depicting armed warriors on horseback, showcasing the military might of the era.
- Qing Dynasty Masterpieces: Notable ink paintings by the legendary artist Shi Tao.
Three Dimensions of the Horse
The exhibition is organized into three distinct thematic units, designed to guide visitors through the evolution of horse culture:
- Daily Life and Transport: This section explores the horse’s role in ancient agriculture and transportation, featuring figurines of Central Asian grooms and various carriage hardware.
- Military Prowess: Focused on the “Age of Cold Weapons,” this unit displays cavalry figurines and protective horse armor, reflecting ancient strategic wisdom.
- Artistic Spirit: Drawing from the Wuxi Museum’s own collection of calligraphy and painting, this section showcases the horse as a symbol of vitality and noble character in Chinese aesthetics.
An Interactive Cultural Experience
Beyond the artifacts, the museum has transformed its space into a festive hub for the Spring Festival. Visitors can enjoy revolving lanterns, a “rocking horse” playground for children, and even live horse interactions during the holiday period. To further celebrate local heritage, the entrance hall features over 30 intangible cultural heritage works, including Yixing Zisha pottery and Huishan clay figurines.
For those looking to take a piece of history home, the museum has launched a series of workshops—such as Song brocade horse-making and clay sculpting—alongside exclusive creative merchandise like celadon pony figurines and zodiac-themed plush toys.
The exhibition is scheduled to run until May 10, 2026, providing a rich cultural feast for both local residents and travelers visiting the Yangtze River Delta region.
#WuxiCulture #YearOfTheHorse2026 #ChineseHistory #MuseumExhibition #JiangsuTravel
