As the year 2022 said goodbye to the first Winter Olympics in Beijing, a memorable and iconic character lodged itself in every mind. Its name was ‘Bing Dun Dun’(冰墩墩), also known as the most adorable Olympic mascot the world had seen in a long time. From the moment it set foot in the parade at the opening of the winter games, Bing Dun Dun’s name was on every lip. All wanted to acquire their own Bing Dun Dun, but one can wonder why China chose this iconic mascot and why was the little panda so popular?

People Associate China with Pandas

It should not come out as a surprise that China chose the panda as a mascot. Even if some attributed the tiger to the Chinese civilization, China coincidentally entered the year of the tiger, the reality was that the world associated the fluffy black and white bear to its natural habitat and home country. Just like the bear represented Russia, the beaver portrayed Canada and the Eagle pictured the United States of America, well, the panda depicted China.

The Friendly Panda To Pass On a Message

It was speculated that China used the friendly panda, less aggressive than your average bear, to pass on a message of amicability to the world following the circumstances of the pandemic. The stance and facial expression of Bing Dun Dun already expressed more than words ever could.

As it was well-known, China closed its borders to the world in early 2020 and implemented stricter visa policies in response to the increasing numbers of covid-19 cases worldwide. The gesture persuaded some people that China turned to itself, ignoring the rest of the world. The pandemic subsequently came after the economic sanctions between the United States and China. Bing Dun Dun reminded the world of the hospitality of China as special visas were given for the occasion of the Winter Olympics.

Whether it was to pass on a message or not, Bing Dun Dun successfully united the world during the Olympics, which were originally meant to strengthen the bonds between nations.