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.

Woodcarving artist Huang Wangwang is seen with his work Yang Jian. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]