The People's Bank of China (PBOC) has announced the release of a new commemorative banknote with a face value of 20 Yuan, dedicated to the upcoming 2026 — the Year of the Horse according to the Chinese zodiac. This banknote is a continuation of the series started in 2024, where each note depicts a symbolic animal of the Chinese calendar. The announcement was part of the commemorative coin and banknote emission plan for 2026, published on the official PBOC website.

Banknote design

The banknote features a vertical design orientation, similar to previous issues in the series. On the front side, there is a horse motif, the national emblem of the People's Republic of China, the inscription "People's Bank of China," and a seal with the character for "horse" in a traditional seal style. Below are a color-shifting numeral "20," the Chinese characters "贰拾圆," a dynamic holographic pattern, a transparent window, Braille denomination marking, and a prefix number. On the reverse side, the main scene shows children celebrating with gongs and drums decorated with Mongolian ornamental patterns. At the top is the denomination "20" and "YUAN" in Pinyin; at the bottom are floral and dynamic holographic patterns, the year "2026," the governor's signature, and the name "People's Bank of China" in Pinyin and the Mongolian, Tibetan, Uyghur, and Zhuang languages. The banknote dimensions are 145 mm in length and 70 mm in width. It is printed on a polymer substrate, ensuring durability.

Security features

The banknote is equipped with modern anti-counterfeiting elements. Among them: color-shifting ink for the "20" denomination numeral, which changes color depending on the viewing angle; a dynamic holographic pattern; a transparent window with a visual effect; and Braille markings for the visually impaired. These features are described in the official PBOC document on public anti-counterfeiting characteristics for 2026. Updated security technologies make this banknote one of the most advanced in the series, as noted in the news.

Mintage and distribution

The total mintage is 100 million copies, of which 20,000 are designated for historical currency archives. Distribution takes place through designated banks, such as the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China, Agricultural Bank of China, Bank of China, China Construction Bank, Bank of Communications, Postal Savings Bank of China, Huaxia Bank, Pudong Development Bank, Huishang Bank, Bank of Changsha, and the Shaanxi Provincial Rural Credit Union. Registration for exchange is available online through bank websites or at designated points from January 13 to 14, 2026. Each person can register only once to receive the commemorative banknote. The issuance is scheduled to begin on December 22, 2025, but the actual exchange will likely take place later.

Significance of the issue

This banknote not only celebrates the Chinese New Year but also highlights cultural heritage by depicting elements of Mongolian culture, such as the nomadic yurts of Inner Mongolia in the background. It becomes a collectible object for numismatists and a symbol of prosperity in the Year of the Horse. Official sources emphasize that the zodiac banknote series began in 2024 and continues annually. According to official announcements, such issues contribute to the global popularization of Chinese culture.

Vitalii Cherniuk (IBNS 13299-R, Vice President - Mosaic Chapter)

CEO World Banknote Store