By The 21st Jiangsu Provincial Games

LIANYUNGANG, China, May 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- After its mascot "Monkey Baby" (Hou Bao) gained unexpected online attention following a playful wardrobe mishap, the coastal Chinese city of Lianyungang is moving quickly to convert viral attention into economic opportunity. On May 6, the city unveiled the "Golden Cudgel" Plan — a commercial partnership initiative tied to its role as host of The 21st Jiangsu Provincial Games.

Drawing on the symbolism of the Monkey King's legendary weapon, the Golden Cudgel — associated with bold ambition and scale — the plan positions Lianyungang as a platform for shared commercial growth. Its tagline — "Every ounce counts. Let's win as one." — invites global partners to participate in what the city describes as a symbolic "13,500-jin opportunity", referencing the cudgel's mythical weight.

Originally published on the BLOX Digital Content Exchange.