A logo design for the China Mars Exploration Project (Photo/CCTV NEWS)

The top eight names and logo designs for the China Mars Exploration Project have already been selected during a preliminary assessment in Beijing on Jan. 16, CCTV News reported.

The evaluation committee consists of 32 experts, including astronautics authorities, graphic design professionals and celebrities. The eight name choices are: Fenghuang (phoenix), Tianwen (questioning heaven), Tenglong (flying dragon), Qilin (kylin, a mythical creature in various East Asian cultures), Zhuque (rosefinch), Huoxing (Mars), Zhuimeng (chasing dream), and Fengxiang (flying phoenix).

A logo design for the China Mars Exploration Project (Photo/CCTV NEWS)

The global call for name and logo designs began on Aug. 23, 2016 and ended on Nov. 10, 2016. The 80-day solicitation saw 35,912 names submitted, of which 14,503 were accepted as valid; 7,439 logos were also sent in, of which 3,239 were valid.

A one-month online vote, starting from Jan. 20, will be arranged for the public to choose their favorite name and logo design from the shortlist. The evaluation committee will then conduct a final assessment based on the poll results. The official name and logo are expected to be released around China's 2017 Space Day.

A logo design for the China Mars Exploration Project (Photo/CCTV NEWS)

China's State Council designated April 24 as Space Day in 2016, choosing that occasion to celebrate the anniversary of China's first satellite launch.