A global search for images of the fabled Monkey King, one of the
candidates to become a mascot for the
2008 Olympic
Games, has been launched by the National Society of Chinese
Classic Literature Studies.
The legend of the Monkey King, or Sun Wukong, has spread worldwide.
He is the key character in the traditional Chinese fairy tale
"Journey to the West" and is regarded as a creature of
integrity.
Being extremely smart, capable and athletic, the Monkey King
overcame various kinds of difficulties and accomplished all of his
tasks.
Some scholars said the Monkey King embodies the Chinese spirit
while also symbolizing the basic motto of the Olympics -- "higher,
faster and stronger."
Lianyungang, a coastal city believed to be the hometown of the
Monkey King in East China's Jiangsu
Province, submitted the application to the Beijing Games'
organizing committee in October.
(China Daily July 15, 2003)