- 青梅竹马 qīngméizhúmǎ childhood sweetheartsLiterally "green plums and a bamboo horse", referring to a couple who grew up playing together since childhood and became romantically involved; innocent affection between a boy and a girl growing up together.
- 竹马之交 zhúmǎzhījiāo childhood friend(idiom) friends since childhood; a close friendship formed in youth
- 竹马之友 zhúmǎzhīyǒu childhood friendA friend from one's childhood years; a childhood playmate.
- 跑竹马 pǎozhúmǎ bamboo horse dancetraditional folk dance involving performers carrying bamboo frames shaped like horses