· The Municipal Government of Lianyungang Recommending Monkey King as the Auspicious Object of 2008 Olympic Games ·

It is reported by Xinhua Network Jiangsu branch, Nanjing on Oct. 3 (journalist Gao Feng), the municipal government of Lianyungang has decided to recommend the image of Monkey King as the auspicious object to the organizing committee of 2008 Beijing Olympic Games. This is the first recommendation in China that is in the name of a municipal government. This piece of news was learnt by the reporter today from the 2002 "Pilgrimage to the West" Travel Cultural Festival held in Lianyungang, China.

As introduced by Mr. Liu Yongzhong, mayor of Lianyungang, "As a humanized animal image, Monkey King is a hero familiar to all in China. Its personalities of being lively and lovely, telling right from wrong, fearing no difficulty and pursuing success completely represent the Olympic spirit of "Higher, faster and stronger." Thanks to the translation of "Pilgrimage to the West", one of the four masterpieces in Chinese literature, into foreign languages such as English, French, German, Russian, Japanese, Arabic and Korean, Monkey King is well known everywhere in the world. At present, often appearing in dramas, movies, cartoons and comics, the image of Monkey King is very vivid. Because of this, Monkey King is easier to be made into an auspicious object excellent both in appearance and spirit and to be accepted by Chinese as well as foreigners." Wu Cheng'en, the author of "Pilgrimage to the West", spent over 10 years in Lianyungang. During that time, he visited Flower-Fruit Mountain as well as its 72 caves, making up the story that Monk Tangseng and his followers subduing 72 demons in these caves on their way to the West. In recent years, the municipal government has invested several billion RMB in building up Flower-Fruit Mountain Scenic Spot, which is now regarded as one of the ten best scenic spots in China.

It is said that the suggestion on taking Monkey King as the auspicious object of 2008 Olympic Games is fully supported by 4.65 million citizens in Lianyungang. For them, the auspicious object for 2008 Beijing Olympic Games should not only be creative but liked by people all over the world as well. Therefore, Monkey King is the best choice.

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