Sun Yat-sen University's new mascots, based on the stone lion statue at the front of the university, were unveiled on Tuesday before the university's 90th anniversary. Photo by Qiu Quanlin/chinadaily.com.cn

South China's Sun Yat-sen University unveiled five new lion mascots to celebrate the university's 90th anniversary on Tuesday.

The mascots, each with a different pose, were designed in accordance to the image of an ancient stone lion in front of the Martin Hall of the university, according to Chen Chunsheng, vice-president of Sun Yat-sen University.

According to Chen, the names of the five lions are taken from the university's motto?- Boxue, Shenwen, Shensi, Mingbian and Duxing, which in Chinese means extensive study, prudent inquiry, careful reflection, clear discrimination and earnest practice.

A celebration for the university's 90th anniversary will be held on Nov 12.