A real-life version of the saying “a blessing in disguise”: a Year of the Horse plush toy with its mouth sewn the wrong way around unexpectedly became the internet-sensational “Crying Horse,” with related topics topping trending charts.

Recently, a netizen in Hangzhou, Zhejiang, shared photos online, saying that the mouth of a Year of the Horse plush toy they purchased had been sewn incorrectly, turning a “Smiling Horse” into a “Crying Horse.” After contacting the seller, both the merchant and the factory found the design amusing and promised a replacement.

Reporters found that after the plush toy unexpectedly went viral, many consumers began contacting the seller to purchase the “Crying Horse.” The seller said they never expected it to become a hit due to customer sharing and that production is now being rushed, with a promise that prices will not increase. It is understood that the small horse plush is about 20 cm tall and priced at 25 yuan.

It is reported that during production, workers mistakenly sewed the originally upturned mouth corners downward, resulting in a drooping mouth, downward-facing blush and nostrils, and a “wronged” expression. Originally considered a defective product, the pitiful look of the “Crying Horse” struck a chord with netizens—perfect for venting frustrations and healing moments of emo—turning an ordinary plush into a new social favorite.

Many netizens fell in love with the unique cuteness of the “Crying Horse” and flocked to sellers seeking the misprinted version. What was initially a production line meant for correction was urgently redesigned overnight, with sewing workers working non-stop to produce the “Crying Horse.”

Netizens also created a variety of memes around the “Crying Horse”: unhappy at work? Let the “Crying Horse” keep you company—allow yourself to be unhappy in the new year. Some joked, “This really is a case of the horse ‘failing’ its way to success.”

On January 9, Ms. Zhang, a business owner at Yiwu International Trade City, said with a smile: “It was simply a worker’s oversight—the mouth was sewn the wrong way.” From defective product to blockbuster, she said orders are coming in faster than they can be produced. “We’ve opened more than ten production lines, but it’s still not enough.” Orders have already been scheduled through March 2026.

From “defective product” to “hidden edition,” the sudden popularity of the “Crying Horse” is inseparable from the rapid response known as “Yiwu Speed.”

Some netizens commented that in Yiwu, even mistakes can turn into business opportunities—but not everyone can seize such fleeting chances. Capturing opportunities requires swift action. From discovering its popularity to launching urgent production, Yiwu merchants completed the entire decision-making chain in just 48 hours, decisively opening more than ten production lines and working overtime. A complete supply chain combined with rapid responsiveness helped the “Crying Horse” transform into a market dark horse.

“Yiwu Speed” turned a worker’s small mistake into a business miracle. At its core, it reflects how Chinese manufacturing uses “second-level responses” from its supply chains to meet diverse consumer demands. The rise of the “Crying Horse” mirrors Chinese manufacturing itself: finding opportunity in crisis, nurturing innovation within tradition, and pursuing warmth alongside efficiency. This little horse found fortune through error—and behind it lies the solid foundation of “Made in China.”

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