The Kunlun Red Star logo features a golden dragon coiled around a red five-pointed star, rendered in red, gold, and black — drawing on Chinese mythological symbolism to represent China’s first KHL franchise.
The Kunlun Red Star emblem places an ornate, serpentine dragon in gold and dark tones wrapping around and through a red star. The dragon — a central figure in Chinese cosmology representing strength, wisdom, and good fortune — is rendered in an intricate, detailed style with flowing contours and elaborate scales. The red star references both the club name and the five-pointed star prominent in Chinese national symbolism. The palette of deep reds, golds, and blacks evokes traditional Chinese imperial colors. The logo’s complexity and level of detail were noted as challenging to reproduce on merchandise at smaller scales, but the design prioritized cultural authenticity and visual impact over minimalist practicality.
HC Kunlun Red Star was established in 2016 as part of China’s broader strategy to develop ice hockey ahead of the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics. The KHL board of directors officially accepted the club’s application on June 25, 2016, and Kunlun Red Star entered competition in the 2016-17 season. The team played home games at Wukesong Arena in Beijing (also known as Cadillac Arena), the same venue used for the 2022 Olympic ice hockey tournament. The franchise represented a significant expansion of the KHL’s geographic reach into East Asia.
Meaning and Symbolism
- Red (#ed1c24, #be1e2d, #9e0a0e): Multiple shades of red reference the Chinese flag, the “Red Star” in the club name, and traditional Chinese associations of red with luck, prosperity, and celebration
- Gold (#d2ac67, #dcb86f): Evokes Chinese imperial tradition, excellence, and the dragon’s mythological status — gold is deeply associated with royalty and auspiciousness in Chinese culture
- Black (#010201, #151616, #231f20): Provides depth, contrast, and a sense of power within the dragon illustration
- White (#ffffff): Offers contrast for jersey and merchandise applications
- Dragon: The most potent symbol in Chinese mythology, representing power, wisdom, strength, and good fortune — a fitting mascot for a team carrying national aspirations
- Red star: References both the club name and the five-pointed star on the Chinese national flag
- Overall composition: A culturally rich, detail-heavy emblem that prioritizes Chinese iconography and national symbolism
Design and History
When the Kunlun Red Star brand was unveiled in 2016, the dragon logo drew immediate attention — and some controversy. Observers noted a strong resemblance between the dragon illustration and artwork from the video game Guild Wars 2, with side-by-side comparisons highlighting similar poses and structural details. The team’s jerseys featured red, white, and yellow in colors synonymous with China, with a distinctive sketch of the Great Wall of China running along the bottom hem, further reinforcing the national identity.
The “Kunlun” name references the Kunlun Mountains, a mythological mountain range in Chinese legend associated with Taoist paradise and the dwelling place of immortals. Combined with “Red Star,” the name bridges ancient Chinese mythology with modern political symbolism. The franchise was conceived as a development vehicle for Chinese hockey talent, with the roster mixing international veterans and Chinese national team players preparing for the Beijing Olympics.
Typography
The Kunlun Red Star wordmark appears in both Chinese characters and Latin script, with the Chinese rendering using traditional brush-stroke-influenced letterforms that complement the ornate dragon illustration. The Latin “KUNLUN RED STAR” uses a bold, structured sans-serif with strong horizontal emphasis. The dual-language presentation reflects the club’s position as a Chinese team competing on an international stage in the KHL.
FAQ
Q: Why was Kunlun Red Star created?
A: The club was established in 2016 as part of China’s strategy to develop ice hockey ahead of hosting the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics. Competing in the KHL gave Chinese players exposure to elite professional hockey competition.
Q: What is the controversy around the Kunlun Red Star logo?
A: When the logo was unveiled in 2016, observers noted a strong visual similarity between the golden dragon design and dragon artwork from the video game Guild Wars 2, sparking online discussion and side-by-side comparisons.
Q: Where is Kunlun Red Star based?
A: Kunlun Red Star was based in Beijing, China, playing home games at Wukesong Arena (Cadillac Arena). The franchise represented China’s entry into the KHL and was the first Chinese club in a major professional hockey league.
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