Shanghai's Yongyuan Road gets festive makeover for Year of the Horse

Eight red-and-white patterned pony sculptures by Stas Khomich on Yongyuan Road's outdoor lawn. [Photo/Shanghai Jing'an Media Center]

Shanghai's Yongyuan Road has transformed into an open-air art gallery, featuring eight striking red-and-white patterned pony sculptures by Russian artist Stas Khomich. Known for his bold graffiti style, Khomich blends classical Eastern artistic imagery with urban street culture to welcome the upcoming Year of the Horse.

These ponies, adorned with bold red-and-white patterns, stand proudly on the lawn. Their vivid lines symbolize the vitality and vigor of youth. Above them, the glass facade of the Yongyuan Department Store showcases large golden-red horses leaping forward, creating a dynamic visual connection with the ponies below.

Giant golden-red horse murals on the glass wall of the Yongyuan Department Store. [Photo/Shanghai Jing'an Media Center]

As night falls, crimson fish-shaped lanterns hang from trees, casting a warm and festive glow that evokes the charm of traditional Chinese New Year paintings. Soft yellow lanterns line the eaves, adding to the cozy atmosphere.

Crimson fish lanterns are glowing on Yongyuan Road at night. [Photo/Shanghai Jing'an Media Center]

The street is part of Jing'an's Spring Festival carnival. On Feb 23, which is the seventh day of the first lunar month, Yongyuan Road will host a circus flash mob in partnership with Shanghai Circus World. Highlights of the event include performances featuring Shetland ponies, juggling acts, and opportunities for pony interaction. A Spring Festival check-in activity is also available, where visitors can collect stamps to redeem limited Year of the Horse gifts at KUDDO COFFEE, available from Feb 17 to Feb 23.