On 10 September 2026, the one-year countdown event for the World Athletics Championships Beijing 27 (WCH Beijing 27) took place in the Golden Hall of the National Stadium, known as the Bird's Nest. The event marked the official unveiling of the championships' emblem, mascot, and theme slogan, offering a first look at the visual and symbolic identity that will represent Beijing to the world.
The emblem, named "Jing Yue", centers on the Temple of Heaven and the Chinese character "Jing" (京), which signifies the capital. It draws on the expressive charm of Chinese calligraphy, engraving Beijing's local identity while radiating the dynamic energy of athletics. The mascot, "Jing Yan", is inspired by "Yan'er", the mascot from the 2015 edition of the championships. Modeled after the Beijing swift, it symbolizes "the return of the swift after 12 years". The design subtly incorporates traditional Chinese kite patterns and the expressive eye makeup of Peking Opera, while a lightning-bolt dynamic adds a sense of speed. This mascot seamlessly blends natural vitality, culture, art, and athletic competition, nodding to the 2015 event while bringing Beijing's rich cultural heritage vividly to life.
The theme slogan, "Every Step Counts", embodies the relentless competitive spirit that every step and every effort matters. It sends a warm yet resolute message to the world: on the road to excellence, every wholehearted effort holds extraordinary value. In a video address, President of World Athletics Sebastian Coe noted that Beijing is the first city in the world to have successfully hosted both the Summer and Winter Olympics, with a remarkable record of staging world-class events. He said the World Championships Beijing 2015 produced many iconic moments, and that World Athletics firmly believes China will stage the 2027 edition of the Championships to the highest possible standard and deliver an unforgettable sporting spectacular for audiences across the globe.
The World Athletics Championships Beijing 27 will be held at the National Stadium from 10 to 19 September 2027. More than 2,000 athletes from over 200 countries and regions will gather at the Bird's Nest for this grand athletics celebration. The unveiling of these symbols at the one-year countdown not only builds anticipation but also highlights Beijing's capacity to host major international sporting events. For the global athletics community, the event promises a world-class competition that celebrates sport and culture. For businesses and organizations in Long Beach and surrounding areas, this announcement may signal opportunities in sports marketing, tourism, and international collaboration, as the global spotlight turns to Beijing. The championships' emphasis on cultural heritage and athletic excellence could inspire local initiatives that bridge communities through sport. As the countdown continues, the world will watch as Beijing prepares to welcome athletes and fans for a spectacular celebration of athletics in 2027.
