Famed Chinese artist Wu Guanying dies at 67

(ECNS) – Well-known Chinese artist and Tsinghua University professor Wu Guanying died of illness on Tuesday morning at the age of 67.

Wu was infected with a "severe cold", according to the Academy of Fine Arts of Tsinghua University.

Wu was born in Zhongshan, South China's Guangdong Province in 1955. He was the main designer of the 2008 Beijing Olympic Mascot "Fuwa", the concept of which he initiated. He was also the designer of the cow Fu Niu LeLe, mascot of the Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games.

He participated in the design of many sets of zodiac stamps and zodiac gold and silver coins, and designed the commemorative coin of the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China.

A rabbit he drew was selected both by China Post as 2023 New Year stamp and by the People's Bank of China as commemorative coins.

Wu’s last post on Chinese social media platform Weibo stopped on Dec. 9, where he shared a painting posted on the door of his house. In the painting, there was a little rabbit with the words “Please leave the express delivery at the door, and please put the small items in the carton. Thank you!” He also left a text in the post saying, “Still be careful.”