Seven Castles

Haibao

                                      

December 28, 2007

 

During a televised night gala in Shanghai on December 18, dominoes tumbled and a stunning light/sound display announced the arrival of Haibao, the 2010 Shanghai World Expo mascot. The name of Haibao is based on the "treasure of the four seas (or the world)". It can also mean the "treasure of Shanghai".

 

The smiling blue cartoon figure is the creation of two artists, one from the Chinese mainland and the other from Taiwan. It is modeled on the Chinese character "people", in which two strokes support each other, reflecting the feeling that a harmonious society needs everyone's support and the importance the World Expo attaches to people. The color blue stands for water, sea, the Earth, life, dreams, the future and technology.

 

As an ideal ambassador for the World Expo, the mascot is supposed to help develop the theme of the event. It is a perfect match for the emblem that takes the shape of the Chinese character "world".

 

The design winner was selected from 26,655 entries after a four-month worldwide search launched on January 17. The youngest person to submit one of the 26,655 ideas considered was just three and the oldest 93.

 

When many people thought that the image shows a jolly, confident and cute kid, some others liken the design of mascot to a condom or toothpaste instead. 

【作者: zhangliping】【访问统计:】【2007年12月28日 星期五 05:31】【注册】【打印】