In the shimmering waters of the Greater Bay Area, the Chinese white dolphin seems like a living beam of light – a true ocean spirit and the spark behind the playful mascots Xiyangyang and Lerongrong. Designed by Liu Pingyun, these mascots channel not just the dolphin's grace beneath the Hong Kong–Zhuhai–Macao Bridge, but also themes of homecoming, unity, and the deep cultural rhythm of the sea. 🐬💙
"I wanted the mascots to feel like an embrace from the sea," says Liu Pingyun. "The white dolphin represents our bond with the ocean and the idea that no matter where we are, the waves carry us back home."
We also chatted with marine researcher Zheng Ruiqiang from Sun Yat-sen University, who’s been tracking these dolphins in the Pearl River Estuary for years. Despite their numbers quietly declining recently, every graceful leap and gentle surfacing fuels his passion to protect them. "Each dolphin is a living reminder that we share this planet," Zheng notes. "Conserving their home means safeguarding ours."
From gliding under the Hong Kong–Zhuhai–Macao Bridge to starring on the National Games stage, Xiyangyang and Lerongrong have grown into symbols that go beyond cuteness. They’re a playful nudge to young and old alike: cherish our oceans, unite for change, and carry the heart of the sea wherever you go. 🌊✨
Reference(s):
Tracing the ocean heart of the mascots 'Xiyangyang' and 'Lerongrong'
cgtn.com
