Mascot wins Olympic gold

The mascot for the Beijing Winter Olympics, Bing Dwen Dwen, has enjoyed an increasing rise in popularity. It seems to have taken the gold for the most favored prop for athlete snapshots. Such has been the surge in popularity that products with its image are difficult to get in the Winter Olympic Village. The question "do you have Bing Dwen Dwen?" is now a form of greeting. Some say the mascot has become the best ambassador for the Beijing Winter Olympics.

The popularity stems mainly from its naive and cute appearance. Its shape combines the image of a panda with an ice crystal shell, inspired by the "ice ribbon" of the National Speed Skating Oval. The flowing color lines symbolize the ice and snow sports track. The design, full of modernity and technology, conveys the charm of China and expresses the beauty of the Olympic Games.