Chongqing - As the Chengdu FISU World University Games approaches, Chengdu and neighboring cities in Southwest China's Sichuan Province are increasingly aglow with the vibrancy of the Games.
On July 22nd, a unique group of friends assembled at Dengchigou Village, the renowned origin site of the giant panda in Ya'an City, Sichuan Province, to collectively bring a thematic painting to life in anticipation of the impending sports event.
The group in Dengchigou Village painting a scroll (Photo/The Organising Committee of the Chengdu 2021 FISU World University Games)
The event saw Chengdu Games' mascot "Rongbao" visiting Dengchigou, accompanied by four young Chinese children from Spain. Together, they explored the habitat of over 180 wild pandas and their green ecological environment.
With Rongbao hair bands on, the children diligently added vibrant colors to a long scroll, depicting the slogan "Chengdu Makes Dream Come True" and simplified drawings of various Chengdu Games events. Fueled by their imaginative creativity, they painted Chinese elements and Chengdu Games' colors onto the canvas.
Children painting scroll with Chengdu Games' colors (Photo/The Organising Committee of the Chengdu 2021 FISU World University Games)
Ten-year-old Ye Chenlin said, "Despite growing up in Spain, I've always had a deep affection for pandas and yearned to visit China. Today, being in the homeland of pandas, I'm overjoyed. As pandas are black and white, I used these panda colors for the word 'Makes' to accentuate it!" Ye showcased his creation with pride.
Fifteen-year-old Chen Xinyi displayed an enduring fascination with panda culture throughout the trip. Despite her youth, she deeply appreciates Chinese and Sichuanese culture. Upon arriving in Chengdu, she was visibly moved by the enthusiasm surrounding the forthcoming FISU World University Games.
Facing the camera, she proclaimed, "Hello, everyone. I'm Alicia from Spain. I love China and Chengdu, and I'm delighted to see pandas in Baoping. Holding Rongbao in my hands and knowing the Chengdu Games are just around the corner is thrilling! Go, Chengdu Games! Go, Chengdu!"
It's worth mentioning that this event is the third in the series "Hosting the Grand Games, Meeting the Hometown of Pandas." Previously, 31 Chengdu families joined forces to paint a 31-meter-long scroll bearing the slogan "Chengdu Makes Dreams Come True," featuring 18 Rongbao sports icons, each signifying one of the 18 sports to be showcased at the Chengdu Games.
Games mascot Rongbao in big demand
As the Games' inauguration nears, the mascot Rongbao, modeled after the giant panda "Zhi Ma," has become popular.
Rongbao, a giant panda clutching a torch, evokes thoughts of Sichuan, the natural habitat of the giant panda, and its capital city, Chengdu, the home of the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding.
The flame atop the torch in Rongbao's grasp is represented as "31," symbolizing the 31st Summer World University Games. Rongbao's ears, eyes, and tail are all flame-shaped, and the panda's facial features echo the makeup style found in traditional Sichuan Opera.
Rongbao, the mascot of the Chengdu 2021 FISU World University Games. (Photo/The Organising Committee of the Chengdu 2021 FISU World University Games)
Since the unveiling of Rongbao, there's been a steady influx of related merchandise on the market. The Chengdu Games' official merchandise list reportedly encompasses over 1,000 licensed products across 18 major categories, including toys, badges, stamps, and more.
Beyond traditional dolls, badges, and figurines, innovative items such as Rongbao hotpot seasoning, Rongbao fans, cultural ice creams, 3D books of the Games, and panda-themed teacups have ignited consumer excitement.
Numerous Chengdu Games' related products have already sold out in stores, and online shoppers are avidly seeking purchasing opportunities. The swell in demand for Rongbao-themed merchandise and the rising popularity of songs like "Oh Rongbao" mirror the public's fervent anticipation and support for the Chengdu Games.
From the Beijing Asian Games' mascot Pan Pan, to "Jingjing" and "Bing Dwen Dwen" from the Beijing Olympic and Winter Olympic Games, and now Rongbao for the Chengdu FISU World University Games, these beloved mascots all share inspiration from the giant panda. The giant panda's habitat has evolved into a symbol of green ecology.
The event organizers elucidated, "Through our national treasure, the giant panda, and with the Games as our platform, we hope to immerse everyone in the event's Chinese style, Sichuan characteristics, and youthful charm. We warmly invite sports enthusiasts and tourists worldwide to visit Chengdu, the hometown of pandas, to meet Rongbao and bring their dreams to life!"
(Guo Juntao, as an intern, also contributed to the report.)