Zhang Xiaoming, the cartoon mayor, performs in a promotional video. [Photo: Hunan.voc.om.cn]

Related: Environmental Protection Booklet Cartoons Governors

The first-ever cartoon image of a Chinese city mayor recently appeared in a promotional video has sparked heated online discussions, Hunan.voc.com.cn reports.
 
Zhang Xiaoming, mayor of Zhangjiajie, a city known for its natural wonders that have been well listed as part of the world's natural heritage, sings, dances and plays guitar in his cartoon image in the video promo that publicizes the upcoming International Country Music Festival, due to take place in his city on May 14-18.

Said to be the first time a mayor cartoon image has appeared on video in China, it has naturally stirred up public interest since being broadcasted for nearly one month on flights from Hunan's provincial capital of Changsha to other cities, including Zhangjiajie.

One netizen from South China's Hainan province commented that the cartoon damaged the official's authority and dignity, but this was quickly refuted by other commenters. 
 
The cartoon appealed to many netizens, who saw it as a folksy move and pointed out that as a servant of the people, the mayor isn't obliged to portray himself as above the masses. A netizen from East China's Shandong Province praised the video as innovative, while another from South China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region said that if the sexiest trait in a man is his brain, then Mayor Zhao should be called the most handsome mayor in history.

The mayor said he hoped the video would not only extend the town's warm welcome to visitors from all over the world, but also allow him to express his own personal love for music.