A global search for images of the fabled Monkey King, one of the candidates to become a mascot for the 2008 Olympic Games, has been launched by the National Society of Chinese Classic Literature Studies.

The legend of the Monkey King, or Sun Wukong, has spread worldwide. He is the key character in the traditional Chinese fairy tale "Journey to the West" and is regarded as a creature of integrity.

Being extremely smart, capable and athletic, the Monkey King overcame various kinds of difficulties and accomplished all of his tasks.

Some scholars said the Monkey King embodies the Chinese spirit while also symbolizing the basic motto of the Olympics -- "higher, faster and stronger."

Lianyungang, a coastal city believed to be the hometown of the Monkey King in East China's Jiangsu Province, submitted the application to the Beijing Games' organizing committee in October.

(China Daily July 15, 2003)