In the sparkling waters of the Greater Bay Area, the Chinese white dolphin glides like a soft flash of light 🐬. This graceful creature is the ocean spirit behind Xiyangyang and Lerongrong, the mascots capturing hearts across the region.
We sat down with Liu Pingyun, the creative mind who designed these playful figures. Liu explains that the dolphin’s journey under the Hong Kong–Zhuhai–Macao Bridge inspired more than a cute look – it symbolizes homecoming, unity, and the deep cultural rhythm of the sea 🌊. “Every curve in their fins and smiles reflects our shared bond with the ocean,” Liu says.
At Sun Yat-sen University, marine biologist Zheng Ruiqiang has studied these dolphins for years. He notes that their numbers have quietly declined, making each leap and breath an act of resilience. “Seeing them at the Pearl River Estuary reminds me why conservation matters,” he shares. “On the National Games stage, Xiyangyang and Lerongrong stand for our promise to protect ocean life for future generations.”
These mascots are more than symbols – they’re ambassadors of our marine heritage and a call to action 🔔❤️. From classroom whiteboards to social feeds, they remind us that protecting our ocean is a shared adventure.
Reference(s):
Tracing the ocean heart of the mascots 'Xiyangyang' and 'Lerongrong'
cgtn.com
