Meet Xiyangyang and Lerongrong – the fluffy superstars stealing hearts at this year's National Games! 🏅 Designer Liu Pingyun reveals how these cuddly icons represent China's booming creative independence in an exclusive interview with Sports Scene.
"Ten years ago, we looked West for inspiration. Now, our designs tell Chinese stories," Liu explains, highlighting the shift from imported concepts to homegrown creativity. The success of 2022's Bing Dwen Dwen mascot proved domestic designs could go viral globally 🌏, paving the way for today's mascot mania.
What makes these characters click? Liu credits their "smoky-fire warmth" – a design philosophy blending traditional aesthetics with modern relatability. Over 2,800 merch items (from plush toys to AR filters) now let fans literally embrace Chinese cultural innovation 🧸📱.
"It's not just mascots – it's a movement," Liu declares as the Games kick off. With cultural-creative industries now valued at ¥15 trillion, these fuzzy ambassadors might just be China's next big cultural export 🚀.
