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Bing Dwen Dwen, the mascot for the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics, is in big demand

The breakout star of the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics has been the happy, fluffy panda Bing Dwen Dwen.
/ Source: TODAY
By Drew Weisholtz

A slightly chubby panda squeezed into a plastic body suit is the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics mascot seen everywhere: Bing Dwen Dwen.

Stuffed versions of the mascot are being given before medal ceremonies, and people are camping out to get their own panda keychains, snow globes and other swag, with scalpers charging five times the price for the stuffed animal.

What does Bing Dwen Dwen mean?

“‘Bing’ means ice and also symbolises purity and strength, and ‘Dwen Dwen’ represents children,” the International Olympic Organization said in a statement announcing the news. “The mascot embodies the strength and willpower of athletes and will help to promote the Olympic spirit.”

The panda isn’t just a cute creature designed to make kids smile, though.

Image: CHINA-SPORTS
The mascot for the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics, Bing Dwen Dwen, is projected to a screen on the stage during the official unveiling of the mascot in Beijing on Sept. 17, 2019.Noel Celis / Getty Images

“Bing Dwen Dwen is encased in a full-body ‘shell’ made of ice, and the heart shape in its left palm represents the host country’s hospitality,” the statement read. “The bright colours of the halo around its face represent ice and snow sport tracks, signifying connectivity and advanced technologies. The newly launched Olympic mascot resembles an astronaut, embracing new technologies for a future with infinite possibilities.”

Every Olympics has its own mascot, officially hailed as the ambassador of the Games. Tokyo had Miraitowa.

A look at all the Olympic mascots throughout the years
VCG via Getty Images

Slideshow  27 photos

A look at all the Olympic mascots throughout the years

Meet the madcap mascots of the Olympic games, from 1968 until today.

Bing Dwen Dwen isn't the only mascot making its debut, though.

"The Paralympic mascot, also revealed today, is called Shuey Rhon Rhon, a lantern child ready to welcome friends from around the world. The name signifies warmth, friendship, courage and perseverance," the IOC said.

Team USA was thrilled the duo will join in the fun.

"Welcome to the family #BingDwenDwen and #ShueyRhonRhon! We can't wait to meet you #Beijing2022," the team wrote.

Bing Dwen Dwen's introduction generated a positive reaction elsewhere on social media, too, with several people giving the character a thumbs-up.

"#BingDwenDwen is adorable," wrote one person.

"I’m not exaggerating when I say I would die to protect #BingDwenDwen," another person commented.

"Awwww the cutest mascot everrr," someone else wrote.

The 2022 Winter Games will take place in Beijing, beginning Feb. 4 and concluding Feb. 20. It will mark the first time the winter edition will take place in China and the second time the capital city will host the Olympics.

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Drew Weisholtz

Drew Weisholtz is a reporter for TODAY Digital, focusing on pop culture, nostalgia and trending stories. He has seen every episode of “Saved by the Bell” at least 50 times, longs to perfect the crane kick from “The Karate Kid” and performs stand-up comedy, while also cheering on the New York Yankees and New York Giants. A graduate of Rutgers University, he is the married father of two kids who believe he is ridiculous.