The organisation released a video featuring Rongbao, the official Games mascot, and Ne Zha, the eponymous main character of the record-breaking animated Chinese film.

Journey to the City was released with 173 days to go before the Opening Ceremony of Chegndu 2021, an originally due to take place two years ago but which has been badly hit by the COVID-19 pandemic, to invite people to celebrate the festival on the 15th day of the first month in the lunisolar Chinese calendar.

The video is inspired by traditional fairy tales of the host nation and "shows the unique charm of Chinese culture, the vitality of youth and the passion for sports".

"The protagonists Ne Zha and Rongbao begin their voyage in Chengdu: competing with martial arts in front of the Mount Qingcheng, rowing in the Min River and fencing at the Jinsha Site Museum," read a FISU statement.

"They display the beauty of the sports and the nature.

"In addition, Bian Lian of Sichuan Opera and San Da Pao, the two Chinese intangible cultural heritages, highlight the cultural charm of the city.

"As the closest metropolis to the habitat of wild giant pandas, Chengdu has been hailed as the world-class hometown of giant pandas for its excellent ecological environment."

When the 2022 Winter Olympic Games in Beijing concluded last February, Rongbao was passed the baton by Bing Dwen Dwen "to tell the story of China through sports and friendship".

Rongbao is said to feature the "heroic spirit" of Bashu people and in the video it is aimed to symbolise the spirit and courage of youth while Ne Zha is portrayed as fearless.

Chengdu 2021 is set to take place from July 28 to August 8 this year following two years of COVID-19-induced postponements.