Shanghai is looking to the general public to produce a design of the mascot for the 2010 World Expo and the winner will receive a cash award of 200,000 yuan (US$25,000).

An official with the Bureau of Shanghai World Expo Coordination committee said the competition closes on May 31. The result will be announced at the end of the year.

The committee is looking for a mascot that has Chinese characteristics that can convey both the concept of the World Expo -- understanding, communication, gathering and cooperation -- and the theme of the event -- better city, better life. Participants can log on to www.expo2010china.com to find out about the competition.

At the last World Expo held in Aichi, Japan in 2005 the mascots were two forest elves, a knowledgeable grandpa Morizo and a curious grandson Kiccoro.

(Xinhua News Agency January 17, 2007)