A scenic area which is the former residence of Xishi, one of the legendary four beauties of ancient China, is located in Zhuji, in eastern Zhejiang province. [Photo/IC]

The government of Zhuji city, in East China's Zhejiang province, recently launched a campaign to solicit the design of a cartoon image of Xishi – inviting contributions from animation enthusiasts from throughout the world – in order to promote the local culture and the city's image. 

Zhuji is said to be the hometown of Xishi, one of the legendary four beauties of ancient China, who lived in the Spring and Autumn Period (770-476 BC).

The legend of Xishi was selected by the State Council as a national intangible cultural heritage in 2006.

According to the plan, the design of the cartoon image should embody cultural and historical elements of Zhuji and reflect the city's image and spirit. It should also aim to be popular with teenagers. 

Designs can be submitted by mail to hzzhizheng@vip.126.com from Aug 9 to Oct 8, and the result will be announced in late November after expert reviews and online voting. The organizing committee will decide the best design. 

Big bonuses will be awarded to the top 17 designs, including one gold award, two silver awards and four bronze awards, among other awards, with the prize money ranging from 2,000 yuan ($283.14) to 100,000 yuan before taxes.

The plan requires that every design should be original and each applicant can submit no more than three works.