From Chinamaxxing to Lunar New Year: 2026 Year of the Horse Social Media Trends
- Bennett Creative
- Feb 18
- 6 min read
Suddenly, your feed is a stampede. From high-fashion Instagram reels to hyper-detailed 3D renders on LinkedIn, the Fire Horse is everywhere. If you feel like the digital world just shifted gears into a high-speed gallop, you’re right.
Welcome to the Year of the Fire Horse 2026.
At Bennett Creative, Austin video production and social media agency, we’re obsessed with how culture drives content. Last year, the Year of the Snake was all about the slow burn. 2025 was all about shedding the "skin" of old traumas, letting go of outdated habits, and practicing deep introspection. It was a year of healing and quiet transformation. But 2026? The Snake has finished its molting, and in its place, we have a creature of pure momentum.
The Fire Horse only arrives once every 60 years. It represents unbridled energy, independence, and a get-it-done attitude. On Instagram and TikTok, this means the era of quiet luxury and soft girl aesthetics is being overtaken by bold, fiery, and kinetic content and maximalism.
If you want your brand to keep up, you need to understand the trends, the dos and don’t, and the tech driving this lunar cycle. Here is everything you need to know to stay ahead of the curve.
What is Chinamaxxing?
If you’re on social media, you’ve probably noticed the momentum started building months ago. You’ve likely seen the memes: "A very Chinese time in my life" or creators unironically declaring they are in their "Chinese Era."
This phenomenon, known as "Chinamaxxing," has seen Western Gen Z and Alpha adopting everything from traditional wellness (drinking hot water, boiling apples for digestion) to the "Beijing Grandpa" aesthetic of tracksuits and slippers.
While some see it as a critique of Western burnout culture—trading hustle for the balance of TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine)—the trend hasn't escaped critical scrutiny. Many in the Chinese diaspora have pointed out the irony: after decades of being ridiculed for these very habits (the "stinky" lunchbox or "weird" home remedies), they are now watching those same practices become a curated "vibe" for the West.
It’s a complex mix of cultural appreciation and what some call "cultural cosplay," and the 2026 Lunar New Year is adding high-octane fuel to the fire.
How do I use AI to generate Fire Horse images for social media?
Standard stock photography is the quickest way to get scrolled past. The viral look at the moment is what we call "Cyber-Tradition." It’s a blend of ancient Chinese iconography—think ink-wash painting and intricate embroidery—reimagined through a futuristic, neon lens.
Because the Fire Horse is such a rare and powerful symbol, creators are leaning heavily into AI image generators like Gemini and Midjourney to create visuals that don't exist in the real world. We’re seeing a massive trend in liquid gold textures and neon red lighting.
Pro Tip for your prompts: Don't just ask for a "horse." If you want that Bennett Creative-level engagement, use descriptors like “Majestic Fire Horse galloping through a sea of red silk clouds, golden sparks trailing behind, cinematic lighting, 8K resolution.”
The goal is to capture movement. The Horse doesn't stand still, and neither should your creative. Whether it’s a static post or a motion graphic, your visuals should feel like they are mid-sprint.
What are the viral hashtags for Lunar New Year 2026?
Hashtag strategy in 2026 has moved beyond the generic.
To get picked up by the algorithm this year, you need to tap into the specific cultural movements happening right now.
#FireHorseEnergy: This is the big one. It’s being used for everything from fitness transformations to bold business pivots. It’s the 2026 version of "main character energy."
#Chinamaxxing: This trend started on RedNote (Xiaohongshu) and has exploded globally. it’s all about going "all out" on traditional aesthetics—think full Hanfu dress, elaborate tea ceremonies, and maximalist home decor.
#CyberWorship: Digital rituals are peaking. People are using this tag to show off their virtual temple visits and AI-generated prayers.
#LunarNewYear2026: Still the gold standard for reach, but make sure to pair it with the more niche tags above to find your specific tribe.
For brands, the key is authenticity. Don't just slap a hashtag on a post; participate in the trend. Show your team’s Fire Horse Energy or how your office is chinamaxxing its breakroom.
What NOT to do for Lunar New Year
Social media is currently flooded with life hack videos and tradition checklists explaining the strictly enforced do's and don'ts of the season. Currently blowing up our feed - Chinese New Year Dos and Don’ts:
The "Absolute No" List:
Don't wear Black or White: On TikTok, OOTD (Outfit of the Day) videos are strictly red and gold. Black and white are traditionally associated with mourning and funerals. Wearing them during the New Year is seen as inviting "death" into the upcoming cycle.
Don't wash your hair or clothes: This one is blowing up as a "lazy girl" trend, but the tradition is deep. Washing on the first day of the New Year is believed to "wash away your luck."
Don't break glass: If you drop a glass or plate, the internet will collectively gasp. Breaking things symbolizes a "broken" year. (If you do break something, the viral "fix" is to wrap the pieces in red paper and say "Sui sui ping an"—which sounds like "peace every year.")
Don't take out the trash or sweep: This is perhaps the most famous trend. Sweeping your floors on New Year’s Day is seen as sweeping your wealth out the front door. Save the spring cleaning for the week before the festival.
The "Must-Do" List:
Do wear Red: From red underwear to red sneakers, this is non-negotiable for "good fortune" content. We’ve seen some beautiful red dresses as the New Year glow up.
Do settle your debts: You'll see Finance-Tok influencers reminding everyone to pay back friends and clear balances before the New Year to start with a clean ledger.
Do give Digital Red Envelopes: Physical cash is great, but the 2026 trend is all about the "AI Hongbao"—sending digital currency through apps with custom AI-generated horse animations.
Chinese New Year vs. Lunar New Year: What should I use in my 2026 captions?
The answer is all about contextual inclusivity.
While the zodiac is Chinese in origin, the holiday is celebrated as Tết in Vietnam and Seollal in Korea, among others.
Use Chinese New Year if your content is specifically highlighting Chinese traditions, such as the Fire Horse zodiac or Mandarin greetings like Gong Xi Fa Cai.
Use Lunar New Year for broader brand greetings that aim to include all cultures celebrating the lunisolar calendar.
Being culturally fluent is a major green flag for Gen Z and Alpha audiences. They appreciate when a brand knows the difference between a Chinese Lion Dance and a Korean Tteokguk (rice cake soup).
What are the best AI prompts for Lunar New Year video greetings?
Video is king—always has been at Bennett Creative, an Austin video production company—but generative video has changed the game. Brands are no longer limited by what they can film in a studio.
If you’re looking to create a viral greeting, you need to use prompts that evoke texture and sound. We all know that nailing the prompt is what really makes the best content. The Year of the Horse is auditory—think galloping hooves, crackling fire, and traditional drums.
Try these prompts for your AI Video tools:
"Hyper-realistic 3D animation of a horse made of flowing red silk galloping through an ancient Beijing street, golden lanterns flickering in the wind, 4K, slow-motion."
"POV shot of a digital red envelope opening to reveal a holographic fire horse jumping out towards the camera, festive atmosphere, vibrant colors."
The trend for the Year of the Horse video is Immersive. People want to feel like they are stepping into the celebration, not just watching it from a distance.
Why this matters for your brand
At the end of the day, the Year of the Fire Horse is about courage. For the last few years, according to Chinese astrology, we’ve been playing it safe, recovering, and shedding our old selves. 2026 is the year to stop waiting for permission.
Whether you’re a small business in Austin or a global enterprise, the Fire Horse demands that you move with freedom and passion. Don't just post because it’s a holiday—post because you have something bold to say.
Ready to gallop into 2026 with a strategy that actually converts?
At Bennett Creative, we don’t just follow the social media trends; we help you harness social media to help you meet your business goals. From high-end video production to SEO-optimized content that puts you on the first page of Google, we’re here to make sure your brand doesn’t just survive the Year of the Horse—it wins the race.
Reach out and let's get get your posts noticed!