The People's Bank of China announced the phased issuance, starting 22 December 2025, of a 2026 New Year commemorative currency programme comprising a bimetallic copper-alloy coin, a CNY 20 polymer commemorative banknote, and a set of gold and silver commemorative coins, all designated as legal tender of the People's Republic of China. The bimetallic coin and banknote will circulate at par with existing renminbi of the same denomination and have the same functions as circulating RMB. The bimetallic coin is denominated at CNY 10, 27 mm in diameter, with an issue volume of 100 million pieces (including 10,000 retained for currency archives), while the polymer banknote is denominated at CNY 20, sized 145 mm × 70 mm, with an issue volume of 100 million notes (including 20,000 retained). Designs are centred on 2026 and horse-themed motifs, and the release also references public anti-counterfeiting features. The precious-metal issues comprise a 1 g round gold coin (CNY 10 face value, 99.9% fineness, maximum mintage 150,000) and an 8 g rhombus silver coin (CNY 3 face value, 99.9% fineness, maximum mintage 1,000,000). Distribution of the bimetallic coin and banknote will be via a reservation and exchange mechanism with allocation and operational arrangements set out in annexes, while the gold and silver coins will be minted by Shenzhen Guobao Mint and distributed by China Gold Coin Group.

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