Changchun unveils mascots and more for the 2027 Winter Universiade

Xinmin Avenue, a historic cultural street in Changchun city, Jilin province became the center of attention on Saturday morning, as the Changchun Museum of History and Culture — the main venue for a countdown celebration ceremony marking 300 days to the start of the Changchun 2027 Winter Universiade — unveiled the official emblem, slogan, and mascots for the event scheduled to open in Changchun on Jan 15 next year.

The emblem of the Changchun 2027 Winter Universiade — "Spring Eternal (chunchang)" — was created by a team from Jilin Academy University of Arts.

It is based on the Chinese calligraphy cursive script for the character chang, integrating the "U" shape from the International University Sports Federation's logo, highlighting Changchun's regional attributes, while embodying the speed and youthful vitality of winter sports.

The design also incorporates the city's characteristic elements, such as the rhythm of film reels and the trajectories of winter sports.

The overall outline resembles an uplifting smile, with a blue and white color scheme complemented by vibrant accents — showcasing icy hues and youthful spirit.

"The words chunchang echo the city's name, expressing a deep wish for enduring world peace and lasting beauty," designer Guo Yufeng said.

The mascots, Ji Bing and Ji Xue, are inspired by the Northeast's treasures — the sika deer and ginseng, showcasing the regions distinct characteristics.

Ji Bing, based on the sika deer, features antlers symbolizing vitality and vigor.

Its blue and white clothing represents openness, its red elements inherit Jilin's revolutionary spirit, and snowflake patterns illustrates competitive spirit.

Ji Xue, with ginseng as its creative core, incorporates Northeast floral fabric sleeves, blending warmth and simplicity.

A blue-green scarf symbolizes the Songhua River, embodying Jilin's progressive character.

Both mascots are presented as athletes, representing the energy and enthusiasm of winter sports.

The event's slogan — Chase Dreams on Ice, Embrace Eternal Youth — was unveiled by famous Chinese skaters Ning Zhongyan, Wu Dajing, Sun Long, and Li Tianma.  

Concise and powerful, the slogan combines the passion of winter sports with the energy of youth, setting an inspiring tone for the international youth gathering.

The Changchun 2027 Winter Universiade will be held next year from January 15 to 25 in Changchun and Jilin city.

Using ice and snow as a bond and youth as its foundation, the event is expected to provide a broad platform for global youth to exchange, learn, and pursue dreams together.

It aims to showcase the vigorous development of Chinese winter sports and the credible, lovable, and respectable image of China, as well as the emotional, interesting, and promising traits of Jilin and the open, inclusive, and dynamic city image of Changchun and Jilin.

Han Junhong in Changchun contributed to the story.