The Chinese national team to the upcoming Paris Olympics will travel with suitcases inspired by the iconic Terracotta Warriors, designed by local creators.

The luggage, developed over a year and a half, is designed to be both durable and lightweight, incorporating traditional Chinese cultural symbols.

"When we were designing, we wanted to draw inspiration and ideas from our splendid Chinese civilization, from our world cultural heritage. We wanted to choose some element that would bring good luck and protection to our athletes as they head to Paris. We finally decided that armor-like design was what we were looking for," said Bai Jianfeng, the manufacturer's general manager.

When considering armor, designers were immediately inspired by the imposing and majestic Terracotta Warriors.

Discovered in 1974 and designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1987, the Terracotta Army was built by Emperor Qin Shi Huang of the Qin Dynasty (221 B.C.-207 B.C.).

With the concept established, the designer crafted a textural pattern on the luggage to resemble the scale armor of the Terracotta Warriors and added an ornamental knot tie similar to those seen on the general's statues at the top.

The luggage features golden-colored wheels at the bottom, inspired by the bronze chariot wheels found in Emperor Qin Shi Huang's mausoleum. The zipper pulls have been designed to evoke the shape of ancient Chinese shields. Each piece features a metal plate embedded with the Chinese flag.

"We chose this design because we view our national sports delegation as heroes. We hope they will advance courageously and return with glory," Bai said.