Meet Bing Dwen Dwen, Beloved Panda Mascot of the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics

The mascot for the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing, a giant panda named Bing Dwen Dwen, has become much-loved by spectators of the Games.

Bing Dwen Dwen was chosen over eight finalist designs to represent the 2022 Olympic Games in an international mascot design competition that saw almost 6,000 total designs submitted. He was designed by Cao Xue, a professor at Guangzhou Academy of Fine Arts.

Bing Dwen Dwen is kitted out in an icy “shell” that goes around his body, The IOC said this mascot “resembles an astronaut, embracing new technologies for a future with infinite possibilities,” and that the bands of color around the panda’s face symbolize “connectivity and advanced technologies.”

Along with being spotted in the stands and arenas where the Winter Games are taking place, victorious athletes are also being handed out small, stuffed Bing Dwen Dwens along with their medals that look absolutely adorable.

Bing Dwen Dwen will also appear at the Winter Paralympics next month, along with the Paralympic’s official mascot Shuey Rhon Rhon, who is an anthropomorphic Chinese lantern. We’ll see if the Paralympic mascot will have as explosive popularity as Bing Dwen Dwen, merchandise of which is already selling out in stores around China.