The Asian Games travel bags. [Photo/tianmunews.com]

With over 10,000 athletes expected to participate in the 2022 Hangzhou Asian Games in September, the host province of Zhejiang is preparing to welcome them with a special "Asian Games Travel Bag."

The bag is not only practical but also eco-friendly as it is made of washable materials. Furthermore, it incorporates both Zhejiang culture and the unique features of the Asian Games in its design.

Last October, the "Poetic Travel Bag" design competition was launched, inviting creators from all over the world to explore the beauty of Zhejiang and celebrate the passion of sports from a cross-cultural perspective. The competition was advertised in 132 media outlets across 16 countries.

After more than half a year of soliciting and designing, the committee received over 200 submissions, including enthusiastic contributions from well-known art schools and designers.

Thirteen experts from Asia and Europe were invited to serve as judges. Three top designs were selected, including those from Pierre Nikolas at the University of Sorbonne in France, Miki Ohashi from a university in Japan, and Li Yongjin and Qi Cheng from Hangzhou Normal University.

In addition, the Zhejiang Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism, in collaboration with the 2022 19th Asian Games Organizing Committee, initiated a cultural and creative product collection activity for children from 26 mountainous counties in Zhejiang.

Over 40 schools and 3,000 students participated in the event, producing 26 entries that were eventually selected to be included in the travel bags as cultural gifts. These entries, inspired by the Chinese zodiac animals, will also be incorporated into the bags and presented to the guests of the Hangzhou Asian Games.

All of these efforts demonstrated Zhejiang's commitment to hospitality and cultural exchange, which are destined to make the upcoming Asian Games an unforgettable experience for all who attend.

Children from mountainous areas in Zhejiang receive certificates for their artistic works. [Photo/tianmunews.com]