The countdown ceremony for the 17th Games of Shanxi Province, scheduled to take place in August 2026, was held on Aug 26 in Changzhi city, unveiling the event's emblem and mascots.

Held every four years, the Games of Shanxi Province are the largest and most prestigious comprehensive sports event in Shanxi, serving as an opportunity to promote the coordinated development of public sports, competitive sports, and the sports industry. 

The emblem for the 17th Games of Shanxi Province. [Photo/Shanxi Daily]

The emblem for this year's games is a stylized representation of the four initials of "Shan Xi Chang Zhi", resembling an athlete sprinting towards victory. The upper part of the emblem features a phoenix chasing the sun, symbolizing the determination and spirit of athletes across the province. The lower part depicts the Taihang Mountains and the Zhuozhang River, representing the resilience and hospitality of the Changzhi people.

The mascots for the 17th Games of Shanxi Province. [Photo/Shanxi Daily]

The mascots, "Jiujiu" and "An'an", are inspired by the Lihou Tiger, a national intangible cultural heritage. They incorporate various crafts, such as straw weaving, embroidery, paper cutting, and painting, with a color palette of red, yellow, and black, embodying the bold and rustic charm of the Taihang Mountain region.