Core Viewpoint - The "Spring Breeze Qiji: Year of the Horse Zodiac Exhibition" showcases the significance of horses in Chinese civilization, featuring various horse artifacts that reflect cultural heritage and artistic expression [8][14]. Group 1: Exhibition Highlights - The exhibition includes 16 horse artifacts, with the oldest being a round sculpture of a white jade horse from the Western Han Dynasty, symbolizing dreams and aspirations [8]. - The "Six Steeds of Zhao Ling" stone carvings from the Tang Dynasty are prominently displayed, illustrating the valor and historical significance of war horses in Chinese history [9]. - A collection of colorful pottery figurines from the Tang Dynasty represents the cultural exchange along the Silk Road, showcasing a different aspect of horse culture [10]. Group 2: Cultural Significance - Horses are depicted as symbols of courage, dreams, and success throughout Chinese history, reflecting the enduring legacy of equestrian culture [14]. - The exhibition features various artistic representations of horses, including a small bronze figure from the Tang Dynasty that symbolizes sports culture and historical interactions [13]. - The "Bronze Galloping Horse" from the Han Dynasty, known for its dynamic form, has become a popular cultural icon, transforming into various merchandise that resonates with contemporary audiences [12].

Core Insights - The surge in demand for "emotionally resonant" cultural products, particularly the "crying horse" and "Ma Biao Biao," reflects a growing trend among young consumers who are willing to pay for emotional value [1][2][6] Group 1: Product Popularity - The "crying horse" saw a 300% increase in orders within three days due to its unique design and emotional appeal, transforming from a "laughing horse" to a viral sensation [1] - The "Ma Biao Biao" product has gained popularity for its casual and relatable design, resonating with young consumers' desire for authenticity and emotional connection [2][3] - The "green horse" plush toy from Gansu Museum also became a hit, selling approximately 20,000 units in its first week, showcasing the trend of "emotion horses" as market leaders [4] Group 2: Consumer Behavior - Young consumers express a preference for products that reflect their emotional states, as seen in testimonials from buyers who find comfort and companionship in these items [2][6] - The emotional value of these products serves as a means for consumers to release stress and connect with their feelings, indicating a shift towards emotional consumption [5][6] Group 3: Cultural Co-Creation - The success of these products is attributed to cultural co-creation, where consumers actively participate in shaping the narrative and meaning of the products through social media and personal experiences [5][6] - The design process for these products emphasizes emotional resonance and relatability, moving away from traditional notions of perfection in cultural products [3][5] Group 4: Market Trends - The emotional consumption market in China is projected to exceed 2 trillion yuan by 2025, highlighting the increasing importance of emotional value in consumer purchasing decisions [6] - The production of these culturally resonant products is adapting to meet demand, with increased workforce and production capabilities to keep up with popularity [6][7]

Group 1 - The core viewpoint of the articles highlights the rising popularity of cultural and creative products themed around the Year of the Horse in China, showcasing unique designs that resonate with consumers' emotional needs [1][3][4] - The "Crying Horse" toy became a viral sensation due to a manufacturing error that gave it a sad expression, leading to a 300% increase in orders within three days, illustrating the appeal of imperfection in consumer products [1][3] - The "Green Horse" series from the Gansu Provincial Museum has maintained its popularity due to its endearing design, which emphasizes emotional connection over perfection, aligning with the trend of "emotional value consumption" [1][3] Group 2 - The 2026 "Qiji" cultural exhibition in Hangzhou features over 285 horse-themed creative products from more than 40 cultural institutions and designers, reflecting the growing interest in culturally significant merchandise [3] - Experts suggest that the success of these products indicates a shift in consumer behavior towards valuing emotional resonance and authenticity, with "emotional value consumption" emerging as a key trend in cultural industries [3][4] - Recommendations for cultural product developers include transforming abstract emotions into tangible visual symbols and allowing consumer participation in product creation to enhance emotional engagement [4]