If You're a Horse Zodiac, Saddle Up for Tourist Discounts – Yes, Expats With 'MA' in Their Name Too

Shanghai Haichang Ocean Park

Shanghai will offer visitors zodiac-themed discounts during the spring season at its scenic spots to mark the Year of the Horse.

The Year of the Horse represents speed, courage, and new beginnings in the Chinese zodiac. Those born under this sign are often seen as confident, independent and full of vitality.

If you were born in 2014, 2002, 1990, 1978, 1966, 1954, 1942 or 1930, you're a Horse. Lucky you!

In Chinese culture, the horse holds a special place. It represents strength, perseverance, and success, with classic expressions like "ma dao cheng gong" (马到成功 success immediately upon arrival) and "ma bu ting ti" (马不停蹄 nonstop progress) reflecting the animal's association with achievement and momentum.
This spring, visitors born in the Year of the Horse can enjoy tailored benefits at select Shanghai attractions. Some sites are also extending the offer to expat visitors whose Chinese zodiac sign is Horse and whose English name includes "MA," such as Emma or Martin.
The Chinese Zodiac, also known as shengxiao, has shaped traditions and beliefs for millennia. It includes 12 animal signs – Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog and Pig – that reflect Chinese values, philosophy and imagination.
The origin of the Chinese Zodiac is steeped in myth and legend. One of the most beloved tales dates back to the reign of the Jade Emperor (one of the representations of the primordial god), who organized a race to determine the order of the zodiac animals. The rules were simple: the first 12 animals to cross a river would claim their places in the cycle.
Clever Rat rode on Ox's back and swiftly advanced to secure the top spot, with diligent Ox trailing closely behind.
The legend explains the sequence of the zodiac and embodies virtues like wit, diligence, kindness, and humility that the Chinese have cherished for generations.
Each zodiac animal carries symbolic meanings, influencing how people perceive personality traits.
Beyond personal symbolism, the Chinese Zodiac operates on a 12-year cycle, with each year named after one of the animals. This cycle is deeply integrated with the Chinese lunar calendar, marking important festivals, harvests, and life events.

At Huakai Haishang Ecological Park in Jinshan District, special ticket offers are available for visitors born in the Year of the Horse.
For domestic visitors,Horse zodiac visitors can enjoy discounted admission at 15 yuan (US$2.2). Visitors whose zodiac sign is Horse and whose Chinese name contains the character "Ma" (horse) may redeem a free admission ticket by presenting a valid ID.
For foreign visitors, with a valid passport, Horse zodiac visitors can also enjoy discounted admission at 15 yuan. Foreign visitors whose zodiac sign is Horse and whose English name (first name or last name) contains the letters "Ma" may redeem a free admission ticket by presenting their passport.
The park will host its annual plum blossom festival between February 14 and March 15, integrating traditional folk customs, interactive experiences, and intangible cultural heritage displays to create a festive atmosphere.

• Date: February 17-December 31
• Tel: 5732-0171
• Address: 6060 Xiujing, Daijing Village, Zhujing Town, Jinshan District

Visitors born in the Year of the Horse can enjoy a 50 percent discount, with tickets priced at 30 yuan. A valid ID card is required for Chinese visitors, while foreign visitors should present a valid passport.
The celebration aligns with the 2026 Year of the Horse, offering auspicious activities. It runs through Spring Festival, Lantern Festival, and the early spring outing season.

• Date: February 17-March 31
• Tel: 5716-9696
• Address: 1677 Suitanghe Rd, Fengxian District

Those born in the Year of the Horse can have a ball in the ocean world for 99 yuan. For others, the price is 339 yuan per adult.
Domestic travelers need an ID card, and foreigners can use a passport for the discount.

• Date: Through March 1
• Tel: 5060-6666
• Address: 166 Yinfei Rd, Pudong New Area

The Year of the Horse special ticket costs 130 yuan – 260 yuan for others. Tickets will be available from February 1 to March 7 (buy at least one day in advance) and are valid from February 16 to March 8.

• Date: February 16-March 8
• Tel: 400-668-8022
• Address: 888 Linhu Rd, Sheshan, Songjiang District

There are special treats for people born in the Year of the Horse, with tickets priced at 50-80 yuan for others.

• Date: Through February 14
• Tel: 5760-0061
• Address: 211 Cheting Highway, Chedun Town, Songjiang District

As the Spring Festival approaches, Nanxiang Ancient Town is rolling out a free admission benefit for Tanyuan Garden to welcome the Year of the Horse! From now until March 3, you can enjoy the privilege if you are born in the Year of the Horse.
The town will host cultural performances, Spring Festival markets, themed lantern shows, comedy shows, a lantern exhibition and interactive activities.
During the Spring Festival holiday, Nanxiang will offer five daily artificial snowfall sessions, allowing visitors to experience a romantic "snowy" scene in the water town.

• Date: Through March 3
• Tel: 5912-5503
• Address: 5 Huntang Lane, Nanxiang Town, Jiading District

Across Shanghai, cultural and scenic venues are celebrating with horse-themed discounts and activities.

The iconic tourist attraction is offering a discounted ticket of 88 yuan (original price 120 yuan) per adult.
It is inviting visitors to hang a wish card on the wishing tree and interact with intangible cultural heritage folk artists, who will perform interactive activities such as sugar figurines and making tanghulu (a Chinese street snack of skewered hawthorn, coated in a hard sugar glaze).

• Date: February 14-23
• Tel: 5047-5101
• Address: 88 Century Ave, Pudong New Area

The park is offering half-price admission at 6 yuan. It will host folk performances, dragon and lion dances, Spring Festival blessings, traditional Chinese opera shows, shadow puppetry, paper‑cutting, allowing visitors to experience traditional festive culture.

• Date: February 17-21
• Tel: 5783-2621
• Address: 235 Zhongshan Rd E., Songjiang District

The park is offering a 50-yuan discount.
Famous Chinese and foreign artists have created over 80 sculptures in the park. The pet-friendly park with modern sculpture, landscape, and architectural art offers a relaxing nature and art experience.

• Date: Through March 8
• Tel: 5779-8090
• Address: 1158 Linyinxin Rd, Sheshan National Tourist Resort, Songjiang District

The 2026 Spring Flower & Plant Diversity Exhibition will feature off-season peonies, azaleas, and New Year flowers, as well as Lantern Festival activities on March 3, the 15th day of the first lunar month.
During the exhibition, the garden will offer a discounted admission at 54 yuan (original 60 yuan).

• Date: February 16 - March 3
• Tel: 3779-2288 ext 800
• Address: 3888 Chenhua Highway, Songjiang District

The scenic area is offering half-price admission during the Spring Festival. Its activities include fishing net weaving and sugar painting, plus local delicacies like rice cakes and fish wontons.
The Shanyang Pastoral New Year Flavor Festival runs from February 16 to 24. It features Jinshan agricultural product exhibitions, traditional New Year goods making, and farming experiences.

• Date: February 11-March 3
• Tel: 3721-6777
• Address: Lane 88 Tingwei Rd S., Jinshan District

Source: city news service