Xu Beihong's iconic horse paintings on display at Beijing shopping mall

Horse-themed paintings by renowned Chinese artist Xu Beihong are on display at Beijing's Financial Street Shopping Center, bringing fine art to shoppers in an unusual venue for classical Chinese works.

The Xu Beihong Memorial Museum presents an exhibition of Xu's horse paintings and other works at Financial Street Shopping Center in Beijing to mark the Year of the Horse, Jan. 5, 2026. [Photo by Liu Sitong/China.org.cn]

The exhibition, organized by the Xu Beihong Memorial Museum, runs through March and celebrates the upcoming Year of the Horse, which begins Feb. 17 in the lunar calendar.

Xu Beihong (1895-1953) was one of China's most influential modern artists and an art educator, championing a balance between tradition and reform that influenced generations of Chinese artists.

He mastered both Chinese and Western painting techniques and created striking images by merging them seamlessly. This is best exemplified by his horse paintings, which are drawn with freehand strokes and minimal outlines yet portray nuanced postures and vivid expressions.

The horse held symbolic meaning for Xu, representing his inner world and particularly Chinese patriotism and fortitude during the Chinese people's fight against invasion.

Six galloping horses by Xu Beihong are displayed at an exhibition at Financial Street Shopping Center in Beijing, Jan. 5, 2026. [Photo by Liu Sitong/China.org.cn]

Xu's deep affection for the country extended beyond his art. He held charitable painting exhibitions to support the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, drawing on his reputation among collectors and art enthusiasts to raise funds.

Xu typically painted horses running free, embodying an untamed spirit and boldness. With such images on display, the exhibition aims to inspire visitors and bring them good fortune in 2026.

Besides Xu's signature horses, the 30 works on display include paintings of plants, birds and landscapes. Visitors can also examine a variety of seals and his unique calligraphy, with inscriptions documenting the creation backgrounds.