The 2022 Olympic Mascot is an important symbol that represents the spirit of the Games. The Mascot is a character that embodies the culture, traditions, and values of the host country. For the 2022 Winter Olympics, taking place in Beijing, China, the Mascot is called Bing Dwen Dwen. Bing Dwen Dwen is a playful panda, a beloved and iconic animal native to China. The name Bing Dwen Dwen is derived from the Chinese word "bing," which means ice, and "dwen dwen," which means lively and full of enthusiasm. As an anthropomorphic panda, Bing Dwen Dwen showcases the charm, athleticism, and determination that characterize the Olympic spirit.
Bing Dwen Dwen wears a full-body “shell” made out of ice, which resembles an astronaut suit - a tribute to embracing new technologies for a future with infinite possibilities. The shell also helps the panda to skate, snowboard and ski alongside the Olympic athletes.
The designs were reviewed by Chinese and international experts, with the final selections made by teams from the Guangzhou Academy of Fine Arts and Jilin University of the Arts. 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.
As an anthropomorphic panda, Bing Dwen Dwen showcases the charm, athleticism, and determination that characterize the Olympic spirit. The design of Bing Dwen Dwen reflects both traditional Chinese art and modern graphic elements. The Mascot is presented as a friendly and joyful character, wearing a vibrant blue and white ice suit that represents the winter sports and the icy environment of the Games.
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
Bing Dwen Dwen's face features big round eyes and a warm smile, highlighting its welcoming and inclusive nature. In addition to its appearance, Bing Dwen Dwen also has a special power. It can magically transform into any form of winter sports equipment, such as skis, sleds, and snowboards. This ability portrays the adaptability and versatility required in Olympic athletes. Bing Dwen Dwen serves as an ambassador, spreading the Olympic values and promoting the Winter Games to people of all ages and backgrounds. The Mascot participates in various events, engages with fans, and creates a sense of excitement and anticipation leading up to the Games. Overall, the 2022 Olympic Mascot, Bing Dwen Dwen, brings joy, energy, and a touch of Chinese culture to the Winter Olympics. It embodies the enthusiasm and passion for sports, uniting people from different nations and inspiring them to strive for excellence..
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