As the Lunar New Year approaches in February 2026, crafters across China’s southern provinces are turning Entada phaseoloides pods – nature’s oversized matchboxes – into whimsical horse sculptures! These bean pods, some stretching over 1.5 meters, grow on towering lianas in Yunnan, Guangdong, and Fujian.
🌿 Local artists transform the curved, boat-shaped pods into "pod ponies" by adding wooden legs and carved details. One artisan told us: "It’s like the plants themselves are cheering for the Year of the Horse!" The trend blends traditional zodiac symbolism with sustainable art – think eco-friendly decor meets ancient Chinese calendar vibes.
With #PodPony tutorials trending on Douyin (China’s TikTok), this botanical craft proves that in 2026, nature remains the ultimate muse. Will you try making one? 🎨🐴
