The 2022 Olympic Games is set to take place in Beijing, China. As with every edition of the Olympics, there will be a mascot that represents the spirit of the games. The 2022 Olympics mascot is called Bing Dwen Dwen. The name Bing Dwen Dwen comes from the Chinese word "bing", which means ice, and "dwen dwen", which means courage. It is a fitting name for the mascot of the Winter Olympics, as ice is a major element of the games, and courage is needed to compete in such challenging sports. Bing Dwen Dwen is a giant panda, which is a beloved symbol of China.
For the more open-minded, there are other options. The Beijing Olympic Committee designed a Paralympics mascot named Shuey Rhon Rhon, a dancing red lantern available in cute, stuffed animal form as well.
The bright colours of the halo around its face are a representation of the latest advanced technologies of the ice and snow sport tracks at the Games, while the heart on its left palm symbolises China s hospitality for athletes and spectators at the Winter Olympics. The Beijing Olympic Committee designed a Paralympics mascot named Shuey Rhon Rhon, a dancing red lantern available in cute, stuffed animal form as well.
Bing Dwen Dwen is a giant panda, which is a beloved symbol of China. The panda is chosen as the mascot to showcase the country's commitment to protecting endangered species and promoting conservation efforts. It also represents the friendly and welcoming nature of the Chinese people.
A fluffy panda mascot is all the rage at the Winter Olympics
The mascot of the 2022 Olympic Winter Games, Bing Dwen Dwen, made his debut in 2019 at the Shougang Ice Hockey Arena in Beijing.
Xinyu Cui/Getty Images
BEIJING — One of the stars of this year's Winter Olympic Games is its mascot: a fluffy panda named Bing Dwen Dwen.
The stuffed animal version has become so sought after that people are camping overnight to buy it.
Outside one of Beijing's largest official Olympic merchandise store on a recent day, the line is long and growing longer — despite a loudspeaker blaring the same line over and over: All Bing Dwen Dwen stuffed animals have sold out for the day.
Li Zhaoyang's still on his Lunar New Year break from high school, and he says he joined the line just to get in on all the buzz around Bing Dwen Dwen. He wants to collect the panda mascot as an Olympics memento.
One small problem I tell him: Bing Dwen Dwen is sold out. Even the 500 pandas allotted for pre-sale orders have been nabbed by people who lined up outside the store the night before.
Even those customers aren't so lucky. They will only be able to pick up their orders during the last week of February, after the Olympics Games have ended.
Bing Dwen Dwen, or "ice chubster" as his name roughly translates to, has skyrocketed in popularity all of a sudden, in part due to scarcity. Factories churning out soft collectibles are limiting production. The shortage has fueled a kind of mindless mania on social media for all things Bing Dwen Dwen.
Outside the Olympics store, Rose Ling and her young daughter also say they are in line simply to see what all the fuss is about.
Staff members dressed up as Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics mascot Bing Dwen Dwen (left) and 2022 Paralympics mascot Shuey Rhon Rhon stand in front of the Main Media Center last month in Beijing. Lintao Zhang/Getty Images hide caption
toggle caption Lintao Zhang/Getty ImagesStaff members dressed up as Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics mascot Bing Dwen Dwen (left) and 2022 Paralympics mascot Shuey Rhon Rhon stand in front of the Main Media Center last month in Beijing.
Lintao Zhang/Getty Images
"The line was huge just a few minutes ago," she says. "It wrapped around the corner just a few minutes ago, so we jumped in only to find out Bing Dwen Dwen is sold out."
For the more open-minded, there are other options. The Beijing Olympic Committee designed a Paralympics mascot named Shuey Rhon Rhon, a dancing red lantern available in cute, stuffed animal form as well.
But no one seems very eager.
"Xue Rongrong is just too ugly," says Roger Li, who's come with his friend to see what other Olympics-themed tchotchkes they can buy given Bing Dwen Dwen is beyond their purchasing power.
Scalpers are selling the swaddled up panda for up to Rmb2000 (about $300) he says, but then catches himself: "Am I allowed to say that for broadcast? Do you need an answer that's more in line with Chinese socialist values?" he asks NPR.
By the time I got into the Olympic souvenir shop, only a few gold bracelets and pins were left. No Bing Dwen Dwen. I could, however, sign up for a new credit card to enter a lottery for a chance to win one of the coveted bears.
Aowen Cao contributed research from Beijing.
- winter olympics
But no one seems very eager.
The design of Bing Dwen Dwen includes vibrant red and yellow colors, which are traditional Chinese colors symbolizing good luck and happiness. The mascot also wears a blue hat and a red scarf, which are inspired by traditional Chinese winter clothing. Bing Dwen Dwen is depicted as an energetic and playful panda, showcasing the excitement and joy of the Olympic Games. The mascot is often shown participating in different winter sports, such as skiing or ice hockey, to encourage participation and inspire athletes of all ages. In addition to Bing Dwen Dwen, there are also several "friendlies" who are part of the 2022 Olympics mascot family. These friendlies include a Chinese lantern child named Shuey Rhon Rhon, a snowflake child named Bing Xin Xin, and a robot child named Shuey rhon jiu jiu. Overall, the 2022 Olympic Games mascot, Bing Dwen Dwen, represents the spirit of the games and showcases the rich Chinese culture. The mascot will play a crucial role in promoting the Olympics and creating a memorable experience for athletes and spectators alike..
Reviews for "The Marketing Power of Olympic Mascots: Branding the Games"
- Sarah - 2 stars - The 2022 Olympics mascot is such a disappointment. I was expecting something cute and memorable, but instead we got a weird looking futuristic robot. The design feels cold and impersonal, and it doesn't even represent the culture or spirit of the host country. Overall, I think the mascot is a missed opportunity and fails to capture the excitement and enthusiasm of the Olympics.
- John - 3 stars - I have mixed feelings about the 2022 Olympics mascot. On one hand, I appreciate the attempt to create a unique and modern design. However, the mascot lacks character and fails to leave a lasting impression. It's just another forgettable mascot in a sea of forgettable mascots. I was hoping for something more memorable and iconic, but unfortunately the mascot falls short.
- Emily - 2 stars - I was really disappointed with the choice of the 2022 Olympics mascot. The design is uninspired and generic, and it feels like a missed opportunity to showcase the culture and heritage of the host country. The mascot's appearance is neither cute nor interesting, and it's easily forgettable. Overall, I expected much more from the mascot of such a prestigious sporting event.