QINGDAO has started collecting suggestions and designs for mascots and emblems of the 2014 World Horticultural Expo around the world. The deadline for applications is May 31 and the winner can receive a 50,000 yuan award.

    People and organizations from around the world can submit entries, said Zhou Hong, vice director of the administration office of the organizing committee of the expo.

    Zhou said the emblem should have rich meaning and creativity. It must be a memorable expression of the spirit of the event. It must also come in different sizes. The mascot should be creative and unique and have happy connotations, Zhou said.

    The people whose emblems and mascots win first prize wil receive a 50,000 yuan reward each, while 40 other winners can receive 2,000 yuan.

    More information can be found at www.qingdaoexpo2014.org or www.visionunion.com.

    (Wang Yuanyuan, Zhang Hua)