China-themed mascots also made an appearance, especially "Bing Dwen Dwen", a panda in an icy coat likened to a popular local snack sugar-coated haws, which has become the country's most-sought-after mascot.
With the Beijing 2022 emblem reflecting China's calligraphy and seal-carving arts seen everywhere in the city, the Olympic village has also been decorated with traditional Chinese paintings. Olympic medals with inspiration from ancient jade-ware and traditional Chinese patterns have become an instant Internet hit as medalists began to post their spoils on social media.
The design of the competition venues also reflects some of China's traditional wisdom. The Big Air Shougang, a venue designed for big-air events, has been affectionately named "Snowy Flying Apsaras". The apsaras is a typical dancing image on murals from Dunhuang's Mogao Grottoes in northwest China's Gansu Province.
The National Sliding Center is called "Snow Dragon", as the track is like a winding dragon perched on top of the mountain. The National Ski Jumping Center was given the nickname "Snow Ruyi", as it has an "S-type" curve that resembles the shape of "Ruyi", a traditional Chinese ornamental object for luck.
