20 Chinese Yuan (Commemorative Year of the Horse 2026)

The 20 Chinese Yuan Commemorative Year of the Horse banknote, issued in 2026, forms part of China’s modern series of themed commemorative currency produced by the People’s Bank of China. These notes celebrate key cultural symbols from the Chinese zodiac and are issued alongside standard circulating Renminbi banknotes. While denominated as legal tender, commemorative issues are primarily intended for collection and gifting rather than everyday circulation.

This banknote is printed in vibrant, multi-coloured tones and features advanced modern security elements consistent with contemporary Renminbi production standards. These include colour-shifting inks, intricate guilloché patterns, microtext, and high-quality intaglio printing. The overall design reflects China’s continued emphasis on combining cultural heritage with advanced banknote technology.

On the obverse, the note depicts lively children celebrating the Lunar New Year, symbolising renewal, prosperity, and good fortune. The denomination “20 Yuan” is clearly displayed, along with decorative motifs associated with festival traditions. The design is intended to evoke joy and optimism, aligning with the celebratory nature of zodiac-themed issues.

The reverse features a stylised image of a horse, representing strength, perseverance, and success in Chinese culture. The horse is rendered in a decorative, almost folkloric style, set against soft background patterns that incorporate traditional Chinese artistic elements. As with other zodiac issues, the imagery is symbolic rather than historical, reinforcing the note’s commemorative status.

Although this banknote carries legal tender status in China, commemorative Renminbi notes are not widely used in everyday transactions and are often set aside by collectors shortly after release. Outside China, banks frequently do not accept commemorative or themed issues, even when they are relatively recent.

• Indicate the quantity of 20 Chinese Yuan banknotes you want to exchange

• Click the ‘Add to your account’ button

• Your online account now shows the exchange value

If you are looking to exchange Chinese Yuan banknotes, including commemorative, discontinued, or collectable issues, we provide a secure UK-based service specialising in Renminbi notes that are no longer accepted by high-street banks. This includes both older series and modern commemorative releases.

For higher-value or collectable Chinese banknotes, additional verification may be required to confirm authenticity and condition. This can result in longer processing times, particularly for themed or limited-issue notes. Acceptance is subject to authentication checks and does not imply guaranteed payment until assessment is complete.

For all high-value transactions, valid identification may be required in order to comply with Anti-Money Laundering Regulations (AMLR).