The mascots of the 2022 Hangzhou Asian Games were officially released online on Friday. The three are known collectively as "Jiang Nanyi," which is a line from renowned Tang Dynasty poet Bai Juyi. The phrase is a reflection of the beauty of the Yangtze River Delta.
The unveiling ceremony was held with virtual interactions between the city of Beijing and Hangzhou on Thursday. The three mascots have their own names – Congcong, Lianlian and Chenchen, which will serve as messengers of the Olympic spirit, passing on peace and friendship, and sending out a kind invitation to Asia and the world.
A bird's eye view of the main venue of the 2022 Hangzhou Asian Games in Hangzhou, China, August 31, 2018. /VCG
Congcong's name is derived from the representative cultural relic Jade, which was unearthed from the Liangzhu ancient city ruins. Its body is dominated by the yellow color that originates from the earth and symbolizes a good harvest.
Lianlian comes from the lotus leaves in the West Lake, whose body is covered with fresh and natural green.
Chenchen, with its blue, originates from the iconic arch bridge of the Hangzhou section of the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal. The three robots travel through time and space to help express the joy of sports and the bright culture of human beings.
With the slogan "Heart to Heart, @Future," the 2022 Hangzhou Asian Games will be held from September 10 to 25 in 2022 in China's city of internet, Hangzhou.