Woodcarving exhibit celebrates Year of the Horse in Beijing
By: By Yang Xiaoyu
S E E D E D C O N T E N T
Woodcarving exhibit celebrates Year of the Horse in Beijing
A massive 2.83-meter-tall woodcarving dragon horse is on show at the Hong’en Temple in Beijing to celebrate the upcoming the Year of the Horse. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]
In Chinese mythology, the longma (dragon horse) is a legendary winged creature covered in dragon scales. Now, a massive 2.83-meter-tall woodcarving of this fabled beast has taken center stage at the 700-year-old Hong'en Temple in Beijing's Dongcheng district.
The sculpture is the centerpiece of Gallop Forward! , a woodcarving exhibition honoring the Year of the Horse. It was crafted by the renowned artist Huang Wangwang, whose works are featured in the Palace Museum and often selected as official diplomatic gifts.
The free exhibition, which runs until March 15, showcases several of Huang's large-scale works inspired by Chinese folklore, including the Monkey King, the legendary hero of the classic Journey to the West and the recent gaming sensation Black Myth: Wukong ; Yang Jian, the three-eyed mythological superhero; and Nezha, the popular animated hero famous for his flaming wind-fire wheels.
Nezha, a woodcarving work by artist Huang Wangwang. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]
The exhibit also features Huang's Zodiac Animal series, which reimagines the 12 traditional signs as sleek, designer toys. This collection highlights the artist's mission to keep traditional craftsmanship relevant for a modern audience.
Beyond the larger sculptures, visitors can purchase adorable sign-language bag charms. These unique souvenirs are handcrafted by hearing-impaired artisans using traditional woodcarving techniques.
The event is presented by WHATIFF, a cultural brand focused on revitalizing intangible heritage. By blending traditional crafts with contemporary aesthetics, WHATIFF aims to bring ancient artistry back into everyday urban life.
A massive 2.83-meter-tall woodcarving dragon horse is on show at the Hong’en Temple in Beijing to celebrate the upcoming the Year of the Horse. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]
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Guests take pictures of artist Huang Wangwang’s woodcarving works at the opening of Gallop Forward!, an exhibition honoring the Year of the Horse at the Hong’en Temple in Beijing on Jan 24, 2026. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]
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Woodcarving artist Huang Wangwang is seen with his work Yang Jian. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com
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Sun Wukong, a woodcarving work by artist Huang Wangwang. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn
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Adorable sign-language bag charms handcrafted by hearing-impaired artisans using traditional woodcarving techniques. [Photo provided
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Artist Huang Wangwang poses for a picture with his Zodiac Animal series at the Hong’en Temple in Beijing on Jan 24, 2026. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]
RED BOX RULES: AN IMPORTANT REMINDER
From time-to-time, I should remind all members of NT, etc., that when posting photos, artwork, etc., it's important, when posting, that you own, and/or legally represent the licensing, copyright, etc., of what you post, and TO PROTECT YOUR WORK, TO INCLUDE YOUR COPYRIGHT SYMBOL/INFORMATION; and/or, WHEN POSTING COPYRIGHTED PROPERTY BELONGING TO PARTIES OTHER THAN YOURSELF, TO …
• BE SURE YOU HAVE PERMISSION TO POST, TRANSMIT, etc, SUCH PROPERTY, and,
• IF/WHEN SUCH PERMISSION HAS BEEN GRANTED, TO PROPERLY AND CLEARLY ATTRIBUTE THE COPYRIGHTS TO THEIR RIGHTFUL OWNER(S).
VERY IMPORTANT … IN THE FUTURE, I WILL REMEMBER TO POST THIS CAVEAT REGULARLY.
Thanks, A. MAC
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The artistic skills of the Chinese artists have always been exceptional, and there is art everywhere.