Beijing — Draco Malfoy, the sharp-tongued rival from the Harry Potter series, has unexpectedly become a festive favourite in China ahead of Lunar New Year, with his face appearing on red posters, phone covers, and decorations as fans link his Chinese-translated surname to good fortune in the Year of the Horse.
The character’s surname — transliterated as Ma-er-fu — breaks down to “horse” (ma) and “fortune” (er-fu), perfectly aligning with the zodiac animal for 2026. This playful coincidence has sparked a viral trend, with social media platforms flooded by images of people pasting Malfoy posters on doors for blessings of prosperity and luck.
🐎🧧#DracoMalfoy is now a #ChineseNewYear icon!
The #HarryPotter character’s last name sounds like “lucky horse” (mǎ fú) in Mandarin, a phrase associated with welcoming good fortune—especially fitting for the Year of the Horse. pic.twitter.com/bVcQtO6BYk
— Ifeng News (@IFENG__official) February 4, 2026
Key Highlights
- Draco Malfoy’s Chinese name Ma-er-fu means “horse” and “fortune”.
- Trend ties character to 2026 Year of the Horse zodiac.
- Red Malfoy posters sold in packs of four for 11 yuan ($1.60) on Taobao.
- Massive Malfoy images spotted in Henan mall displays.
- Harry Potter films re-released in China in 2024.
- Wizarding World attractions thrive in Beijing Universal Studios.
- Shanghai Harry Potter Studio Tour in development.
On Rednote (Xiaohongshu), users shared messages like “Year of the Horse’s blessing, so stick on a Malfoy,” while e-commerce sites quickly stocked themed merchandise. One post showed a towering Malfoy in Slytherin uniform spanning several floors of a shopping mall in Henan province.
The Harry Potter franchise enjoys huge popularity in China despite strict import quotas on foreign films. The eight movies were re-released in cinemas in 2024, drawing crowds, while Beijing’s Universal Studios features The Wizarding World of Harry Potter with immersive rides and attractions. Warner Bros and Jinjiang International are also advancing plans for a dedicated Harry Potter Studio Tour in Shanghai.
You May Like To Read: The Empress and the Icon: Margot Robbie and the Ghost of Nur Jahan
This light-hearted cultural crossover shows how global pop icons can blend seamlessly with local traditions, bringing a touch of magic and fortune to Chinese households welcoming the Year of the Horse.
Check out our latest video:
