The World Games 2025 Logo
On 17 May 2024, the International World Games Association (IWGA) and The World Games (TWG) 2025 Chengdu Executive Committee officially released the logo of the 12th edition of TWG in Chengdu, China. The logo design is inspired by the Chinese giant panda, hibiscus flower and Chinese knot, with Chinese Red, Jinsha Yellow, Park Green, Panda Black and Snowy White as the main colors. As an important symbol of TWG 2025, this emblem effectively conveys the Olympic spirit and highlights the traditional Chinese elements and the characteristics of Chengdu, highlighting the values of "Unity, Inclusiveness and Diversity".
Chinese Knot, Giant Pandas and Hibiscus Flower
The unveiled emblem boasts vibrant hues and a minimalist design: the semicircular perimeter intertwined with a pattern of triangles elegantly frames a blooming hibiscus flower. Five colorful geometric blocks ingeniously form the faces of four cartoon pandas. The design pulsates with dynamism as the colored petals and panda faces radiate outward from the core, exuding an inexhaustible vitality akin to exploding fireworks or surging energy, evoking the exhilaration anticipated from next year's World Games in Chengdu.
John Fairley, the esteemed British designer behind this emblem, is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts. With over two decades of designing experience and a distinguished career leading branding projects at renowned international creative agencies, Fairley's reputation precedes him.
Fairley shares that his inspiration for the symbol stemmed from three quintessential elements of China: the Chinese knot, the giant panda, and the hibiscus flower.
"The logo's composition draws upon the form of the Chinese knot, an ancient hand-made craft that symbolizes unity, prosperity, and good fortune with its myriad shapes, akin to a Rubik's Cube woven from cords," he explains. "The semicircles mimic panda ears while also serving as geometric hibiscus petals. Each of the four symmetrical sections presents a panda's face."
Fairley fuses the city's character with the athletic spirit of TWG 2025 Chengdu. The triangular arrows are imbued with a sense of diversity and directionality, conveying the vibrancy and multiplicity of TWG to spectators.
"The arrangement of these geometric elements not only signifies the interconnected fate of humanity but also underscores respect for cultural diversity across nations. This balance between individuality and mutual respect finds its purest expression in the sporting arena," Fairley reflects. "My sincere wish is that athletes from all corners of the globe, regardless of race or nationality, engage in friendly and wholehearted competition at TWG 2025 Chengdu next summer."
Five Primary Hues Showcase City's Charm
Chengdu's allure extends beyond pandas and hibiscus: Chinese Red, Jinsha Yellow, Park Green, Panda Black, and the Snowy White backdrop. Each color choice in the emblem is purposeful.
"Chinese Red symbolizes the people's vibrant and happy life; Jinsha Yellow represents Chengdu's long history and rich cultural heritage; Park Green symbolizes the vibrant vitality and lush greenery of park city construction; Panda Black symbolizes Chengdu's rich natural and cultural heritage and precious natural resources; Snowy White showcases the colorful scenery of the park city against the backdrop of the snow-capped mountains. They pay homage to Chengdu's colorful culture, nature, and history, drawing inspiration from its lively street markets, traditional festivals, and vibrant arts scene," Fairley elaborates.
His profound understanding of Chengdu's merits stems from a long-held fascination with the East, nurtured by extensive reading on China. "In preparation for this logo design, I delved deeper into Sichuan and Chengdu's history, culture, and natural resources. Each discovery enhances my attraction to the city's leisurely pace, picturesque landscapes, and cosmopolitan tapestry."
3,562 Submissions Reflects Beauty in Diversity, Unity in Harmony
Since the global call for logo designs on 28 December 2023, nearly five months have passed, culminating in the revelation of the winning emblem among 3,562 submissions, many of which were strikingly innovative.
In early April, the election meeting was convened in Chengdu, where dozens of renowned designers, communication experts, scholars, and market specialists assessed the shortlisted entries, narrowing down to ten finalists. Following professional refinement, five candidate emblems emerged and were put to a public vote.
The five-day campaign attracted over 100,000 participants, with a total of more than 220,000 likes. The logo design, which was inspired by the hibiscus flower, the giant panda and the Chinese knot and designed by John Fairley, secured the top spot with 55,679 votes, making it the crowd favorite. After joint review by TWG 2025 Chengdu Organizing Committee and the IWGA, the logo was officially unveiled.
Han Meilin, the head judge of the TWG 2025 Chengdu emblem review committee and senior professor of humanities at Tsinghua University, emphasized that this selection process adhered to the principle of "let the works speak." It focused on comprehensive scoring based on professional performance, market performance, and urban cultural representation. The emblem finally chosen effectively integrates traditional Chinese culture and the image of Chengdu with TWG, achieving a high standard and diverse expression. It encapsulates the principle of "each unique beauty contributing to a collective harmony," echoing the vision of a shared future for mankind, while espousing values of unity, inclusivity, and diversity. Visually captivating, it stands as the official logo for TWG 2025 Chengdu.
Upon learning his design was selected, Fairley expressed immense joy and anticipation for visiting Chengdu during the Games, hoping to witness his creation adorning the city. "I look forward to sampling authentic Sichuan cuisine, wandering through Wuhou Shrine Temple and Jinli Ancient Street, and visiting Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding to see those adorable giants up close."
Reporters learned from TWG 2025 Chengdu Executive Committee that following the official release of the logo, the slogan and mascot of the Games are expected to be officially announced in August this year, based on the progress of the preparatory work.
Edited by Zhang Hang
Proofread by Huang Shuting
Reviewed by Lei Lei
