As the 15th National Games draw near, the mascots Xiyangyang and Lerongrong have captured the hearts of millions with their endearing, chicken-like designs. Contrary to their whimsical appearance, these mascots are inspired by the Chinese white dolphins inhabiting the Pearl River Estuary, near the iconic Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge. In an exclusive interview, Liu Pingyun, the lead designer, expressed his delight at the mascots’ viral success on social media. He encouraged the public to use accessible and popular language to describe the mascots, believing it would amplify their reach and message. Liu emphasized the importance of cultural representation in the design, aiming to bridge tradition with modernity. The mascots have not only become symbols of the upcoming games but also a testament to China’s rich biodiversity and cultural heritage.
Exclusive interview with the designer of the 15th National Games mascots after their viral social media debut
