Shan Shui - Asian Games 2023 medals to reflect traditional Chinese culture
With 100 days to go for the continental meet, Chinese Games organisers have revealed details of the medals that will be awarded in the Asian Games at Hangzhou.
Inspired by a 5000-year-old Chinese civilization, the designs of the medals for the Asian Games 2023 were unveiled on Thursday, in an event marking the 100-day countdown to the start of the continental multi-sport event.
The unveiling of the Asian Games medals took place alongside the flame-lighting ceremony held in Liangzhu, an archaeological site of the ancient Chinese city.
Originally scheduled for September of last year, the Hangzhou Asian Games were postponed to 2023 due to COVID-19 regulations in the People's Republic of China. The continental event is now slated to take place from September 23 to October 8 this year.
The Asian Games medals have been named Shan Shui, which translates to “lake and mountain.” The medal design comprises a round medal in a square jade, resembling the ceremonial jade cong, an ancient Chinese vessel from the Liangzhu culture.
The back side of the medal is a square seal, symbolising the athletes' mark on the Asian Games. The medals also represent the geographical features of Hangzhou.
“The medal takes shape from the iconic landscape of Hangzhou and represents the three main attractions of the city – the West Lake, the Grand Canal and the Liangzhu Ancient City Ruins Park,” said Zhang Junjie, director of the China Academy of Art’s industrial design department.
“We hope to present Hangzhou’s long history, profound culture and the harmonious integration of humanity and nature on the medals.”
The ribbon of the medal is hand-stitched and features eco-friendly printing techniques and brocade jacquard technology.
The ribbon's buckle showcases features of the Jiangnan region, located south of the Yangtze River.