Natural icons of design

"Memories of Jiangnan" — The mascots

Designed by an art team led by Zhang Wen and Yang Yihong, two young teachers from the China Academy of Art, the mascots of the 19th Asian Games are a group of robots proclaiming the host city's profound heritage and contemporary vibrancy. The combination — Memories of Jiangnan — derives its name from a poem by Bai Juyi. This great Tang Dynasty (618-907) poet wrote, "When I recall Jiangnan, Hangzhou brings back most of my memories." The name itself speaks volumes about Hangzhou's heritage, scenic splendor and drive for innovation.

The event's mascots, Congcong, Lianlian and Chenchen, were designed with the cultural and technical prowess of Hangzhou in mind. Inspired by the host city's rich heritage, designers of the mascots for the Games made the trio of cute characters to represent the three UNESCO cultural heritage sites in Hangzhou, namely the Archaeological Ruins of Liangzhu Culture, West Lake and the Grand Canal.

The mascots, transcending time and space, are designed to inspire everyone to reach for their dreams. They stand for not only the joy of sports, but also the culmination of cultural and economic development, so much so, that they match with the character of Hangzhou and proudly join the ranks of the emblem and slogan of the 19th Asian Games. The trio of robots acts as an envoy of the Olympic spirit, peace and friendship. Together, they are calling out to Asia and the world, inviting everyone to meet in Hangzhou for the 19th Asian Games.

"Meeting the World" — The core graphics

Designed by Cheng Zhaohui, a professor of the School of Design Art, China Academy of Art, under the theme of "Meeting the world", the core graphics of the 19th Asian Games are inspired by silk, a quintessential cultural element of Hangzhou, representing its importance along the ancient Maritime Silk Road. The design incorporates both traditional and modern styles, with a combined approach of static and dynamic touches to depict the graceful yet flexible, fine yet smooth, gentle yet vibrant traits of silk unfurling in the air. It represents the artistic concept of "meeting the world".

The core graphics imagine the OCA family's reunion in Hangzhou and the diversified Asian sports culture to be showcased by the 19th Asian Games. Additionally, the silk unveils to reveal a modern version of the painting scroll Dwelling in the Fuchun Mountains, the traditional masterpiece depicting the oriental fascinations of the regions south of the Yangtze River. The interweaving elements, such as mountains and rivers in watercolor or ink wash, and smart cloud computing constitute an expansive space of visual delights and boundless imagination.

The five lines in the core graphics are superimposed to outline the dynamic movement of the ribbon. The softer part on the left represents the West Lake, the middle represents the surging water of Qiantang River, and the right hand side features the water of the Grand Canal.

Fang Xiaoying contributed to this story.