China Media Group (CMG) unveiled "Loong Chenchen", the official mascot for the 2024 Spring Festival Gala on Wednesday, ahead of the upcoming Year of the Dragon beginning in February 2024.

The name "Loong Chenchen" incorporates the Chinese character "Loong," which translates to "dragon" in English. The dragon has long held significant spiritual and cultural importance in China, featuring prominently in literature, art, folklore, architecture, clothing, and painting for thousands of

years. In line with this rich heritage, the mascot embodies auspicious meanings of good fortune, peace and happiness.
The mascot is intricately designed, drawing inspiration from China's deep and enduring traditional culture. An example of this is the incorporation of the unique ancient dragon nose into its design. This element is inspired by a dragon-shaped artifact dated back to the Xia Dynasty (around 2070 BC-1600 BC). The artifact is crafted from over 2,000 pieces of turquoise and was unearthed at the Erlitou archaeological site in Yanshi District of Luoyang City in north China's Henan Province.

Additionally, the design of the dragon claw in "Loong Chenchen" draws inspiration from the pattern of the Nine-Dragon Wall of the Palace Museum in Beijing, exuding a sense of solemnity. And the design of its dragon fin is based on a Tang Dynasty (618-907) artifact resembling a gold dragon in motion, which is exhibited in the Xi'an Museum in northwest China's Shaanxi Province.

The color scheme of "Loong Chenchen" features traditional Chinese hues, including "Chengxia," which translates to red or rosy clouds in English, symbolizing youth and vitality. Additionally, "Chunchen," representing the color turquoise, signifies spring, hope and growth.

The Spring Festival Gala, known in Chinese as "Chunwan," is an essential part of the Lunar New Year celebrations and is deeply cherished by the Chinese people. Featuring a diverse array of performances, including music, dance, comedy and drama, the Gala is much more than an entertainment show. Rather, it symbolizes a time for family gatherings and the joyful ushering in of the new year.

During the Spring Festival, families throughout China will come together. Broadcasting on the Lunar New Year's Eve, the Gala is watched by more than a billion people, creating a shared experience that enhances feelings of unity and reunion.