20 Yuan

China — Peoples Republic · Peoples Bank of China

The People's Bank of China released the 20 Yuan commemorative banknote in early 2026 to celebrate the Year of the Horse in the Chinese zodiac, continuing the lunar new year commemorative series that began with the Year of the Dragon in 2024 and the Year of the Snake in 2025. In Chinese culture the horse evokes the 'dragon-horse spirit' (longma jingshen), a symbol of vigor and perseverance.

The note is printed on polymer substrate in vertical orientation with a predominantly red and gold palette. The obverse features a stylized horse motif with the denomination in optically variable ink, while the reverse depicts children celebrating the new year with traditional instruments. Security features include a transparent window, a holographic stripe, and color-shifting elements.

Highlights

ReasonCommemorates 2026 as the Year of the Horse, the third issue in the People's Bank of China lunar zodiac banknote series.

DesignVertical polymer note in red and gold with a stylized horse on the front and new-year celebration imagery on the back.

Security featuresOptically variable ink, holographic stripe, transparent window, and color-shifting elements.

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