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Chinese culture
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Chinese superstitions
Martial arts
Lunar New Year
Chinese history
Hong Kong culture
Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM)
Chinese culture
7 horse-themed Chinese idioms to use during the Year of the Horse
Horses symbolise strength, speed and health in Chinese culture. Here are seven sayings based on the animal, with Cantonese pronunciations.
6 hours ago
Chinese culture
Year of the Horse 2026 predictions for Pigs, from money to love and health
15 Jan 2026 - 9:15AM
Chinese culture
Year of the Horse 2026 predictions for Dogs, from success at work to love
14 Jan 2026 - 7:15AM
Chinese culture
What the Chinese surname Ma, meaning ‘horse’, symbolises and how it spread
Ma is one of mainland China’s most common surnames and is interestingly even prevalent among Chinese Muslims. We look at its history.
13 Jan 2026 - 5:15PM
As the Year of the Horse 2026 approaches, we explore the origins and prevalence of the Chinese surname Ma, which literally translates as “horse”. Photo: Shutterstock
Chinese culture
Why the Year of the Horse 2026 will be lucrative and romantic for Roosters
Lucky stars in the Year of the Fire Horse mean Roosters will prosper at work and could meet their ideal partner. But healthy living is key.
13 Jan 2026 - 7:46AM
Chinese culture
Lunar New Year greetings in Mandarin, Cantonese, Shanghainese and Hokkien
The Year of the Horse 2026 will be welcomed across China with blessings for money, health and more. Here are common ones and their meanings.
12 Jan 2026 - 5:25PM
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Chinese culture
Year of the Horse 2026 predictions for Monkeys, from love to health
In the Year of the Fire Horse, Monkeys should focus on travel and avoid places with heavy yin energy, fortune-teller Tong Pik-ha says.
12 Jan 2026 - 7:15AM
The Year of the Horse 2026 will be a time for those born in the Year of the Monkey to expand networks abroad. But married Monkeys are at risk of feeling alienated from their spouse. Illustration: Victor Sanjinez
Chinese culture
Why the Year of the Horse 2026 will be lucky for Sheep in money and love
A fortune-teller reveals why the Year of the Fire Horse will be a positive one for Sheep and how to take advantage of good fortune.
11 Jan 2026 - 7:17AM
Chinese culture
Why the Year of the Horse will be a profitable but turbulent one for Horses
In this volatile, turbulent year, Horses can expect to prosper at the office or in a new job, but health and romance will not be so lucky.
10 Jan 2026 - 4:15AM
Chinese culture
Year of the Horse 2026 predictions for all 12 zodiac signs. Is your luck in?
A fortune-teller gives Year of the Fire Horse predictions for careers, relationships and more, plus lucky numbers, colours and elements.
8 Jan 2026 - 5:15PM
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Fashion
History of Chinese-style ‘frog buttons’, seen on viral Adidas jacket
Used in China for centuries, frog buttons are a key feature of a limited-edition Adidas jacket that has become a huge hit on social media.
7 Jan 2026 - 6:48PM
A model wears Adidas’ “Tang-style” jacket that combines streetwear cool with Chinese details including “frog buttons”. The jacket has become a viral hit on social media. Photo: Adidas Power of Three
Chinese culture
‘I’d lie on the floor and cry’: Peking opera actress on the art’s challenges
Peking opera actress Zhang Wanting performs poses that can take months to perfect, and leave more than a few bruises.
5 Jan 2026 - 2:00PM
Chinese culture
For Shanghai’s elderly, dancing ‘makes us feel we still have value’
Shanghai’s elderly are flocking to the city’s dance halls for exercise, socialising and entertainment, with some venues open as early as 6am.
4 Jan 2026 - 5:15PM
Chinese culture
When a Korean horsehair underskirt sparked a fashion frenzy in China
The maweiqun, an underskirt made from horsehair, was so popular in the Ming dynasty that the government banned it.
3 Jan 2026 - 4:15PM
Chinese culture
7 successful people born in the Year of the Horse, from Ang Lee to Lu Han
Horses are considered to be energetic, capable and driven to succeed. Here are 7 famous, successful Horses who epitomise those characteristics.
30 Dec 2025 - 7:15PM
Jackie Chan, famous for his stunts and martial arts films, was born in 1954, the Year of the Horse. Photo: Golden Harvest
Chinese culture
Is the Year of the Snake’s 11th month lucky for you? Forecasts for all signs
Feng shui master Andrew Kwan breaks down this lunar month’s prospects for all 12 Chinese zodiac signs in health, love, work and finances.
26 Dec 2025 - 1:49PM
Wellness
What is the horse pose in yoga? Only ‘3 out of 10 students’ can do it
Horse pose, also known as horse face pose or vatayanasana, is a challenging yoga pose that boosts hip mobility, strength and concentration.
25 Dec 2025 - 7:15AM
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Chinese culture
How China fell in love with My Little Pony collectible cards
When My Little Pony first aired on TV in China, it didn’t take off. Instead, it was collectible cards that saw it become a galloping success.
24 Dec 2025 - 5:36PM
My Little Pony trading cards have become hugely popular across China, with fans hoping to find rare cards in packs.
Chinese culture
Explainer
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What is the winter solstice? History, food and how Hong Kong celebrates
Known as dung zi in Cantonese and dongzhi in Mandarin, the winter solstice is one of the most important celebrations for Chinese families.
18 Dec 2025 - 5:15PM
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Year of the Horse 2026
Mongolia’s child jockeys are key to its heritage. But are they in danger?
Light and agile, children have long held the reins in Mongolian horse racing. But the hazards of the sport make it anything but child’s play.
16 Dec 2025 - 3:47PM
Chinese culture
5 of the best-known horses in Chinese legend, from the Red Hare to qilin
Horses play a fascinating role in Chinese folklore, ranging from the downright disturbing – one kidnaps a girl – to the gently auspicious.
16 Dec 2025 - 3:27PM
Chinese culture
How Boston Chinatown overcame constant threats to win its place in history
New England’s last surviving Chinatown, Boston Chinatown has long suffered hostile urban renewal but now its community is stronger than ever.
11 Dec 2025 - 7:15AM
A paifang gate marks an entrance to Boston Chinatown. Although at one time or another, Chinatowns existed in other cities in the United States’ New England region, today, Boston’s is the only one remaining. Photo: Hei-kiu Au
Chinese culture
Why the Year of the Horse 2026 could bring chaos but also great progress
With 12 animals and 5 elements, the Year of the Fire Horse comes around every 60 years and tends to bring both good fortune and bad.
16 Dec 2025 - 3:28PM
Hong Kong culture
Should Hong Kong abandon bamboo scaffolding after Tai Po fire tragedy?
Hong Kong’s iconic bamboo scaffolding holds much cultural significance, but will the Wang Fuk Court blaze see the end of its use?
30 Nov 2025 - 10:54AM
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Chinese culture
How one factory is keeping Hong Kong’s porcelain craft alive
Set up in 1928, Yuet Tung China Works produces guangcai porcelain used by luxury hotels in Hong Kong and royal families in Europe.
21 Nov 2025 - 5:15PM
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