A flying red dragon chasing a football and a cheeky cartoon monkey have been unveiled as the official logo and mascot for next year's Asian Cup on the mainland.
They were disclosed by officials from the Asian Football Confederation and the China Football Association. The tournament is scheduled for next July and August.
'The logo is an analogy that reflects the very dream of each Asian nation, to pursue and ultimately lift the prestigious Asian Cup,' said a spokesman for the association.
Compared with the traditional Chinese icon used for the logo, the mascot is slightly more modern - a naughty cartoon monkey wearing a football jersey and winking with his foot on a ball.
The monkey, called Bei Bei, is 'an optimist, a character who thinks fast, reacts even faster and never gives up until he's achieved what he has set out to do. He's also community-minded and welcomes the company of others - the very definition of a team player', the association said in a statement.
Asad Taqi, confederation senior vice-president, said at the launch ceremony: 'The logo and the mascot reflect the character of the Asian Cup and the traditions of China.'