What were the 2022 Olympics mascots?
The mascots for the 2022 Winter Olympic Games in Beijing are Bing Dwen Dwen, a panda in an ice-shell, and Shuey Rhon Rhon, a red lantern-inspired snow figure. They embody the spirit of the Games, winter sports, and Chinese culture. Designed to promote the Olympic movement and winter sports, they reflect themes of resilience, inclusivity, and friendship. The mascots were selected through an international competition and officially unveiled in 2019. This profile unpacks their design, symbolism, production, and verified facts to provide a lasting reference.
Design and symbolism of Bing Dwen Dwen
Bing Dwen Dwen is a stylized giant panda enveloped in a translucent ice shell, conveying purity and the cold of winter. The shell includes colorful halo-like lines inspired by a rattan harness, symbolizing strength and agility. Its smile reflects hospitality and joy. According to designers, the panda represents warmth and playfulness, aligning with the personality of winter athletes. The choice of a panda draws on a global icon associated with China, while the ice shell communicates the frigid conditions of winter sports venues.
Key design elements
- Ice shell: transparency and protection, evoking ice and snow
- Color halo lines: technological innovation and pathways of light
- Panda form: friendliness, resilience, and approachability
Design and symbolism of Shuey Rhon Rhon
Shuey Rhon Rhon is a snow figure with a red lantern body, designed to resemble traditional Chinese paper lanterns. The lantern, a symbol of light, warmth, and celebration in Chinese culture, conveys hope and festivity. Its circular head pattern is inspired by traditional ‘Hutou’ patterns seen in Chinese folk art. The mascot embodies the spirit of the Lunar New Year and signals a joyful, radiant welcome to athletes and visitors. Its name reflects a sense of togetherness and perseverance.
Key design elements
- Red lantern: cultural emblem of light and celebration
- Snow body: winter context and texture
- Patterns: nods to heritage craftsmanship
Background and selection process
Both mascots were unveiled in 2019, following a global design competition organized by the Beijing Organizing Committee for the 2022 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. The committee emphasized creativity, cultural relevance, and universal appeal. The selection involved multiple rounds of review by experts and stakeholders. The mascots’ names combine Mandarin phonetics and meanings, reflecting branding consistency and cultural storytelling. They were designed to serve as ambassadors for the Olympic values and to enhance the identity of the Winter Games.
Verified facts at a glance
The table below summarizes verified attributes of each mascot, including names, inspirations, and official meanings.
| Attribute | Bing Dwen Dwen | Shuey Rhon Rhon |
|---|---|---|
| Primary form | Panda with ice shell | Snow figure with lantern body |
| Core symbolism | Winter sports, purity, agility | Light, culture, celebration |
| Unveiled | September 2019 | September 2019 |
| Official motto | ‘Ice Ribbon’ reference | ‘Together Shining’ reference |
| Cultural source | Modern design, panda icon | Red lantern, Hutou patterns |
How the mascots are used
Bing Dwen Dwen and Shuey Rhon Rhon appear across merchandising, digital content, venue signage, and official media. They serve as a bridge between the Olympic movement and public engagement, particularly among younger audiences. Their consistent visual identity supports brand recall and reinforces key messages around inclusivity, sustainability, and performance. The mascots also appear in educational programs, illustrating winter sports and cultural exchange.
Commonly asked questions
- What do the names mean? Bing Dwen Dwen conveys a sense of ice and friendliness; Shuey Rhon Rhon evokes snow and unity.
- Who designed them? Professional design teams under the Beijing Organizing Committee, guided by international standards.
- Are there mascots for Paralympics? Yes, both mascots represent Olympic and Paralympic athletes together, promoting unity.
- Are the mascots culturally authentic? Design elements draw from verified Chinese cultural symbols while aiming for global accessibility.
Enduring relevance
As evergreen ambassadors for the 2022 Winter Games, these mascots continue to represent the event’s core values. Their clear design, culturally rooted motifs, and role in education ensure lasting recognition beyond the sporting events. Fact-based understanding of their origin and meaning supports accurate public discourse and long-term brand stewardship.