Nian Wa (right) and Chun Ni. [Photo/Xinhua]

Chinese cultural exchange groups unveiled the country's first ever official mascots for the all-important Chinese lunar New Year.

The two mascots, named "Nian Wa" and "Chun Ni", meaning New Year Boy and Spring Girl, are based on characters form traditional woodblock prints widely seen as symbols of good luck and happiness.

Chun Ni and Nian Wa also symbolize a balance of yin and yang, and the patterns on their costume – a bat and two fish respectively – are signs of longevity and prosperity according to Chinese folklore.

Li Hanqiu, a professor of classical Chinese literature at Peking University, says this could be a way for the world to better understand Chinese culture.

"We are announcing official symbols and mascots for the Spring Festival because we hope to share traditional Chinese culture to everyone through modern communications means and let it take root among all Chinese people. We also hope to attract a bigger fan base among young people, and make the festival more popular and accessible for the global audience."

The doll-like images stood out among more than 2,000 applications.

China Post has released a collection of commemorative stamps featuring the two mascots.

The Chinese New Year falls on Feb 8 this year.