Illuminated horse mascot wows visitors in Da Nang ahead of Lunar New Year

Many believe it could rank among the most striking horse mascots of this Lunar New Year holiday, lasting from February 14 to 22.

According to the Vietnamese zodiac, the coming lunar year is the Year of the Horse.

Installed on the southern observation deck of Dragon Bridge, the mascot is fast becoming a focal point in the heart of the city.

Its presence is expected to add a fresh visual highlight to Da Nang’s central urban landscape during the festive period.

Designed in a modern style, ‘Kim Ma 4.0’ draws inspiration from the traditional image of the horse while incorporating technological elements.

The concept reflects Da Nang’s aspirations for dynamic growth, innovation, and digital transformation.

The standout feature of the mascot lies in its exposed design, revealing electrical circuits and a skeletal framework that evoke the strength and precision of a mechanical model in the digital age.

Multiple LED light strips are embedded across the body, creating a vivid visual effect when illuminated at night.

The large-scale mechanical horse stands on an elevated base, commanding attention within the surrounding landscape.

Measuring 4.3 meters in height, 5.1 meters in length and with a base width of 2.6 meters, the structure is one of the largest festive mascots displayed in the city.

According to the construction team, the LED lighting system is scheduled to be officially switched on Sunday night, with expectations that it will become a top check-in spot during the Lunar New Year holiday.

The area around the mascot has been adorned with flowers, miniature landscapes, and additional decorative horse models, creating a vibrant and festive atmosphere.

Nguyen Cong Cuong, a tourist from Quang Tri Province, said the Da Nang horse mascot left a strong impression with its modern look and distinctive style, markedly different from traditional mascots of previous years.

In his view, it could be one of the most beautiful and unique mascots of this Lunar New Year.

At the same time, another horse mascot titled ‘Kim Ma Hop Nhat’ (Horse of Unity) is being installed on the sidewalk platform in front of the T-shaped bridge.

Created by artisan Dinh Van Tam from Quang Tri, this mascot stands out for featuring the names of all 94 communes, wards, and special zones of the new city.

The current Da Nang City was formed by merging the old city with the former Quang Nam Province in July 2025, as part of the major administrative restructuring in which Vietnam’s total number of provinces and cities was reduced to 34 from 63.