Sculptures of the Beijing 2022's mascots Bing Dwen Dwen, an ice panda, and Shuey Rhon Rhon, a lantern child, are displayed in the city center of Beijing. Photo: VCG

Unveiled in 2019, the two mascots for the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympic Games - Bing Dwen Dwen and Shuey Rhon Rhon, have quickly gained worldwide popularity for their adorable outlook and inspiring meanings. 

One mascot for Beijing2022 is a giant panda with a suit of ice, a love of winter sports, and a heart of gold!

The design for Bing Dwen Dwen was chosen from over 5,800 submissions from China and 35 countries around the world as part of a global competition arranged by the Beijing 2022 Organising Committee. 

"Bing" means ice in Chinese, representing purity and strength, while "Dwen Dwen" means health and vitality, and symbolizes the strong body, tenacious will and inspiring spirit of the Winter Olympic athletes.

The panda, designed in 3D, embodies the concept of harmonious coexistence between humans and nature. It 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 bright colors 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 symbolizes China's hospitality for athletes and spectators at the Winter Olympics.

Another mascot "Shuey Rhon Rhon" is a Chinese lantern child, whose design features elements from traditional Chinese paper cutting and Ruyi ornaments. The glow emanating from Shuey Rhon Rhon's heart symbolizes the friendship, warmth, courage and perseverance of Para athletes.

"Shuey" shares the same pronunciation of the Chinese character for snow, while the first "Rhon" in Chinese means to "to include, to tolerate," and the second "Rhon" means "to melt, to fuse and warm." It promotes the desire to have greater inclusion for people with impairments throughout society, and more dialogue and understanding between the cultures of the world.