A monkey-like mascot made for the China Central Television's annual Lunar new year gala heralding the Year of the Monkey has caught the public's attention.

Criticism started to flood social media minutes after the design of mascot was unveiled on Thursday, Jan 21. Many critics claim that the 3D animation altered the original design of a cute monkey.

Like Us on Facebook

Kang kang, the mascot's name, which means "healthy" in Chinese, stands with its arms extended. Its right cheek and leg, left arm and upper part of its tail are colored green, while the opposite sides and tip of the tail are yellow. It is said that the colors for its face are based on Chinese cultural tradition.

Many people have criticized the image for being bad taste. Some even referred to it as "the monster of traffic lights!" due to its color. Photos have been shopped to make the mascot appear to be hanging at a busy street. Another photo shows a collection of fruits that resembled the 3D mascot.

Since it was first aired in 1983, the Spring Festival gala on CCTV has been an essential part of many people's celebration.

Han Meilin, a renowned Chinese artist, who came up with the mascots for the 2008 Beijing Olympics and the designer of the original version of King kang, responded to the controversy using the Wechat account of his foundation. Han acknowledged that he was only responsible for the monkey's head, but has nothing to do with the final appearance of the mascot.

After being commissioned by CCTV, Han began working on the design in November. He claims that he was not shown the 3D model before it was unveiled to the public.

Of the 12 animals in Chinese horoscope, the Monkey is considered the most clever and the symbol of a smart person. Monkey King, the most famous monkey in China, is a character in the classic epic "Journey to the West" and a legendary Hero most Chinese have known since childhood.

The country has some of the most cutting edge 3D animations techniques in the world. However, designers are criticized foor being inadequate in artistic imagination and expression.

Kang kang is the first mascot ever produced for China Central Television's annual Spring Festival Gala. It will be aired on Feb 7, 2016, the eve of this year's Spring Festival.

TagsSpring festival, Year of the Monkey, Mascot, TV, design