Children cuddle up to Baoke the deer and Tutu the horse in Baotou. [Photo/Baotou Daily]

Baotou, in North China's Inner Mongolia autonomous region, has been promoting  two animated figures to be used as stars in a city promotion, according to local media reports.

The two figures -- Baoke the deer and Tutu the horse -- will be the main characters of a serial of cartoons based on Baotou stories.

Officials said the most well-known Baotou landmarks are expected to be included in the cartoons, including the urban grassland located in Saikhantal Park and the Northern Weaponry Park.

The use of the two names will appeal, officials believe. Baoketu has a similar pronunciation to Bugthot, which is the name for Baotou city in the Mongolian language, meaning "a place of deer".

Baoke the deer is designed with the color orange -- a color representing kindness, generosity and tolerance.

Officials said that the figure Tutu was mainly inspired by the magic horse with two wings and was designed to honor the spirit of Mongolian horses -- hardworking animals with endurance and perseverance.

So far, Baoke and Tutu-themed posters, promotional videos and emoji have been launched.