(Jinbao, mascot for the first CIIE)

　　On July 27, the mascot for the first China International Import Expo (CIIE) was unveiled to the public. While the color yellow stands for the Silk Road Economic Belt, blue stands for the 21st-Century Maritime Silk Road. A four-leaf clover in the mascot's hand represents the National Exhibition and Convention Center in Shanghai, where the Expo is to be held. It is also believed to bring luck to people. Has the chubby and lovely scarf-wearing panda reminded you of the past mascots born in Shanghai? Let’s have a roundup!

　　Name: Rongrong

　　Date of Birth: May 2015

　　Description: As the mascot for the 8th Shanghai Farmers’ Sports Meeting, which was held between June and November in Shanghai’s Baoshan District in 2015, Rongrong symbolizes a harmonious rural life, as “Rong” means “harmony” in Chinese. The design was inspired by a traditional form of art in Baoshan: paper cutting. The football in the mascot’s hand showcases the sport that Baoshan people take pride in.

　　Name: Yingying

　　Date of Birth: April 2014

　　Description: Yingying is the mascot for the 12th National Student Sports Games held in Shanghai between July 28 and August 2. The image took inspiration from Shanghai’s city flower: the magnolia. That not only reminds people of the host city, but also symbolizes that students are like flowers of the country. The name Yingying means “welcome” in Chinese. In the meantime, it sounds like another Chinese character “赢”(win), hoping that the participating youngsters could win both victory and friendship by attending the games.

　　Name: Shenshen

　　Date of Birth: January 2012

　　Description: Mascot for the ISU World Short-Track Speed Skating Championships 2012, Shenshen, like the catchy name reads, represents Shanghai as the city is nicknamed “Shen” in Chinese. Its design is based on seawater and the dragon. The sea represents Shanghai’s geographical feature and its city spirit of being as inclusive as the ocean. The dragon image reflects that 2012 was the Year of the Dragon. It also symbolizes the energy and vitality of the contestants.

　　Name: Kangkang

　　Date of Birth: April 2012

　　Description: Mascot for the 1st Shanghai Citizens Sports Meeting, Kangkang resembles a Shanghai specialty food: wuxiangdou (five-spiced beans made from locally grown beans flavored with fennel, cinnamon, salt, cream and much more). Kang in Chinese means “healthy.”

　　Name: Jingjing

　　Date of Birth: March 2009

　　Description: Jingjing is the mascot for the 14th FINA World Championships 2011. As a personification of a pair of goggles, it looks like a swimmer who is ready to jump into the pool or raise their hands high in the sky, cheering for victory.

　　Name: Haibao

　　Date of Birth: December 2017

　　Description: Modeled on the Chinese character人(ren), meaning people or a person, Haibao is the mascot for the World Expo 2010. Its name is based on Si Hai Zhi Bao, or the treasure of the four seas. Haibao can also mean the treasure of Shanghai.

　　Name: Sunshine Sanmao

　　Date of Birth: May 2007

　　Description: As the mascot for the 2007 Special Olympics World Summer Games, Sunshine Sanmao’s concept comes from a well-remembered comic book character in China, Sanmao (a three-haired boy who is honest, resilient, resourceful and funny).

　　Name: Dashi

　　Date of Birth: August 2005

　　Description: Dashi is the tournament mascot for the 2005 Tennis Masters Cup in Shanghai. Since ancient times, China has considered the lion as an auspicious animal. Lions are powerful and clever. What’s more, Dashi in Chinese sounds like “masters,” indicating that the tournament is a competition between champions.

　　Name: Lele

　　Date of Birth: 1998

　　Description: As the mascot for the Shanghai Tourism Festival, Lele is a spotted deer who is cute and happy. He got the name Lele (Le in Chinese means “happiness”) because the aim of the festival is to bring joy and goodness to people. Each September, Lele appears in the streets of Shanghai welcoming tourists from all over the world.

　　Name: Dongdong

　　Date of Birth: May 1993

　　Description: As the mascot for the 1st East Asian Games held in Shanghai between May 9 and 18, 1993, Dongdong is a golden rooster holding a magnolia, Shanghai’s city flower, in his hand. Wearing a gold medal and a sports outfit, he was born in the Year of the Rooster.