# Fuwa > Mediated Wiki article. Canonical URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/Fuwa > Markdown URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/Fuwa.md > Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fuwa > Source revision: 1355909746 > License: Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/) Official mascots of the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing This article is about the 2008 Summer Olympics mascots. For the district in the Gifu Prefecture of Japan, see [Fuwa District, Gifu](/source/Fuwa_District%2C_Gifu). For the surname, see [Fuwa (surname)](/source/Fuwa_(surname)). From left to right: Beibei, Jingjing, Huanhuan, Yingying and Nini Fuwa Chinese 福娃 Literal meaning dolls of blessing Transcriptions Standard Mandarin Hanyu Pinyin Fúwá Yue: Cantonese Jyutping fuk1 waa1 The **Fuwa** ([Chinese](/source/Chinese_language): [福娃](https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/%E7%A6%8F%E5%A8%83); [pinyin](/source/Pinyin): *Fúwá*; literally "good-luck dolls", also known as "Friendlies") were the [mascots](/source/Olympic_mascot) of the [2008 Summer Olympics](/source/2008_Summer_Olympics) in [Beijing](/source/Beijing). The designs were created by [Han Meilin](/source/Han_Meilin), a Chinese artist.[1] The designs were publicly announced by the National Society of Chinese Classic Literature Studies on 11 November 2005 at an event marking the 1000th day before the opening of the games. There are five Fuwas: Beibei, Jingjing, Huanhuan, Yingying and Nini. Together, the names form the sentence "[北](https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/%E5%8C%97)[京](https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/%E4%BA%AC)[欢](https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/%E6%AC%A2)[迎](https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/%E8%BF%8E)[你](https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/%E4%BD%A0)", or "Beijing huanying ni," which means "Beijing welcomes you". Originally named 'The Friendlies', they were promoted as 'Fuwa' when concerns arose that the name could be misinterpreted.[2] While originally given [artistic licence](/source/Artistic_licence) in his commission, Han Meilin was subsequently requested by officials to include various Chinese designs and fauna in the Fuwa. Han Meilin drew 1,000 models of possible Fuwa (including a [dragon](/source/Chinese_dragon) and an anthropomorphic drum) before settling on the five characters. He has since disowned the Fuwa and did not include them in his museum.[3] He suffered two [heart attacks](/source/Heart_attack) while designing the Fuwa.[3] A 100-episode Olympic-themed animated television series featuring the Fuwa was released in China, primarily on [BTV](/source/Beijing_Radio_and_Television_Station) (Beijing's municipal television network), on 8 August 2007. Titled *[The Olympic Adventures of Fuwa](/source/The_Olympic_Adventures_of_Fuwa)* ([Chinese](/source/Chinese_language): 福娃奥运漫游记; [pinyin](/source/Pinyin): *Fúwá Àoyùn Mànyóujì*), it was jointly produced by BTV and Kaku Cartoon. It ran from 8 August to 1 October 2007.[4] There are also two sequels created by CCTV, *Beibei's Promise* and *The Five Rings*.[5][6] The China Environmental Awareness Programme program, started in 2001, used the Fuwa to raise public awareness by spreading environmental messages.[7] ## Mascots ### Beibei Beibei ([Chinese](/source/Chinese_language): 贝贝) is one of the two female Fuwa who represents the blue Olympic ring of [Europe](/source/Europe). She took her motif from traditional [Chinese New Year](/source/Chinese_New_Year) decorative picture of lotus and fish and the [fish](/source/Fish) design from [Neolithic](/source/Neolithic) artifacts. Her element motif are the sea and [water](/source/Water_(wuxing)). She is a friendly leader (though the title of leader belongs to Huanhuan) who brings prosperity. In traditional Chinese culture, the fish represents prosperity, as the character for fish (鱼 / 魚; *yú*) sounds the same as that for surplus (余 / 餘; *yú*). The "[carp leaping over the dragon gate](/source/Longmen_(mythology))" is a traditional allegory of following one's dreams and achieving them. The pattern from Beibei's headgear comes from artifacts unearthed at [Banpo](/source/Banpo), site of a Neolithic village of the [Yangshao culture](/source/Yangshao_culture). She is an expert at [aquatic sports](/source/Water_sport_(recreation)). ### Jingjing Jingjing ([Chinese](/source/Chinese_language): 晶晶) is one of the three male Fuwa who represents the black Olympic ring of [Africa](/source/Africa). Jingjing's design is based on the [giant panda](/source/Giant_panda) and the [Song dynasty](/source/Song_dynasty) [lotus](/source/Nelumbo_nucifera)-shaped [porcelain](/source/Porcelain), representing the natural elements/motifs of forest and [wood](/source/Wood_(wuxing)). Within the Fuwa group, he is characterized as optimistic and honest while always symbolizing the spread of happiness. As an [endangered species](/source/Endangered_species), the panda is both a [national symbol of China](/source/National_symbol_of_China) and an international symbol of [environmentalism](/source/Environmentalism). Jingjing's forest origins also symbolize the harmonious coexistence of humankind and nature. He is an expert at [weightlifting](/source/Olympic_weightlifting), [judo](/source/Judo), etc. ### Huanhuan Huanhuan ([Chinese](/source/Chinese_language): 欢欢) is one of the three male Fuwa who represents the red Olympic ring of [the Americas](/source/The_Americas). He took his motif from the [Olympic flame](/source/Olympic_flame) and the fire design from the [Mogao Grottoes](/source/Mogao_Caves). As such, his elemental motif is [fire](/source/Fire_(wuxing)). He represents the passion of sports, the Olympic spirit of "[faster, higher, stronger](/source/Faster%2C_higher%2C_stronger)", and the passion of the Beijing Olympics. Huanhuan's headgear comes from a [fire](/source/Fire) design in the [Mogao Caves](/source/Mogao_Caves), the best known of the Chinese Buddhist [grottoes](/source/Grotto). He is an expert at [ball sports](/source/Ball_sports)/[racquet sports](/source/Racquet_sports). ### Yingying Yingying ([Chinese](/source/Chinese_language): 迎迎) is one of the three male Fuwa who represents the yellow Olympic ring of [Asia](/source/Asia). He took his motif from the [Tibetan antelope](/source/Tibetan_antelope) and [Tibetan](/source/Tibet) and [Xinjiang](/source/Xinjiang) ethnic costumes. His elemental motif is [earth](/source/Earth_(wuxing)). He is a lively and independent Fuwa who had an interest in health. The [Tibetan antelope](/source/Tibetan_antelope) is an [endangered species](/source/Endangered_species) native to the [Tibetan Plateau](/source/Tibetan_Plateau), known for its swiftness. Yingying's headgear incorporates elements of [Tibetan](/source/Tibet) and [Xinjiang](/source/Xinjiang) ethnic costumes. He is an expert at [track and field](/source/Track_and_field). ### Nini Nini ([Chinese](/source/Chinese_language): 妮妮) is one of the two female Fuwa who represents the green Olympic ring of [Oceania](/source/Oceania). She took her motif from the swift bird and Beijing's [sand martin](/source/Sand_martin) [kite](/source/Kite). Her elemental motifs are sky and [metal](/source/Metal_(wuxing)). She is a just but also kind Fuwa who spreads good fortune. The swallow is a messenger of spring and happiness in Chinese culture, and is seen as a symbol of good fortune. The Chinese character for swallow (燕 *yàn*) is also used in Yanjing (燕京), an old name for Beijing; thus the swallow alludes to Beijing. Nini's headgear uses the design of Beijing's [sand martin](/source/Sand_martin) [kites](/source/Kite), which are colourful cross-shaped kites modeled after swallows. She is an expert at [gymnastics](/source/Gymnastics).[8] ## Reception In the months leading up to the Olympics, Internet users blamed the Fuwa for natural disasters such as floods and earthquakes. The superstition was known as the "Curse of the Fuwa".[9][10] ## Parodies Groups seeking to raise political issues in tandem with China's hosting of the Olympic Games used the Fuwa or have created similar mascots. - Nu Wa, a monkey with a red bandana, was created by [Amnesty International](/source/Amnesty_International). Nu Wa means "angry young boy".[11] - Play Fair 2008, a campaign organised by the [Clean Clothes Campaign](/source/Clean_Clothes_Campaign) (CCC), the [International Trade Union Confederation](/source/International_Trade_Union_Confederation) (ITUC), and the [International Textile, Garment and Leather Workers' Federation](/source/International_Textile%2C_Garment_and_Leather_Workers'_Federation) (ITGLWF) to raise awareness for the rights of workers involved in the sporting goods industries, have used the Fuwa.[12] - Gengen Genocide, a brown and yellow character wearing a gun and a fuel pump nozzle head-dress that forms a [skull and crossbones](/source/Skull_and_crossbones_(poison)), was developed by a group seeking to raise attention to the People's Republic of China's involvement in [Darfur](/source/Darfur). Gengen's name is derived from the term [genocide](/source/Genocide).[13] In addition, Beijing residents have allegedly created their own Fuwa set consisting of a duck, a dragonfly and a taxi. Collectively their names—"Ya", "Ting", "De"—spell out "bastard" in Beijing slang.[3] ## See also - [Olympics portal](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portal:Olympics) - [Fantasy portal](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portal:Fantasy) - [Cartoon portal](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portal:Cartoon) - [Asia portal](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portal:Asia) - [China portal](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portal:China) - [Fu Niu Lele](/source/Fu_Niu_Lele) - [Lele](/source/Lele_(mascot)) - [Bing Dwen Dwen](/source/Bing_Dwen_Dwen) - [Shuey Rhon Rhon](/source/Shuey_Rhon_Rhon) ## References 1. **[^](#cite_ref-1)** ["Han Meilin, designer of the Friendlies"](http://www.cctv.com/english/special/C16296/20060929/102865.shtml). *www.cctv.com*. Retrieved 5 January 2026. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-2)** ["Mascot renamed Fuwa in English"](http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/sports/2006-10/17/content_710034.htm). *China Daily*. 17 October 2006. Retrieved 5 July 2012. 1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-online.wsj.com_3-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-online.wsj.com_3-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-online.wsj.com_3-2) Geoffrey A. Fowler (23 July 2008). ["Here's Another Olympic Sport: Skewering the Mascots"](https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB121677560339275779?mod=todays_us_page_one). [The Wall Street Journal](/source/The_Wall_Street_Journal). Retrieved 13 January 2019. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-4)** Wang Wenjie (31 October 2007). ["Adventuring With the Mascots"](http://www.bjreview.com.cn/exclusive/txt/2007-10/31/content_84104.htm). Beijing Review. Retrieved 16 June 2008. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-5)** [首页 > 电视指南 > 节目导视 > 正文](http://tvguide.cctv.com/20071201/101442.shtml) TV Guide 1 December 2007 (in Chinese)[Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20071202054003/http://tvguide.cctv.com/20071201/101442.shtml) 2 December 2007 at the [Wayback Machine](/source/Wayback_Machine) 1. **[^](#cite_ref-6)** ["Archived copy"](https://web.archive.org/web/20181225130054/http://www.cctv.com/west/special/C17993/20080514/103732.shtml). Archived from [the original](http://www.cctv.com/west/special/C17993/20080514/103732.shtml) on 25 December 2018. Retrieved 25 December 2018.{{[cite web](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template:Cite_web)}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title ([link](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:CS1_maint:_archived_copy_as_title)) 1. **[^](#cite_ref-7)** [Archived copy](http://www.undp.org.cn/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&catid=14&topic=6&sid=345&mode=thread&order=0&thold=0) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20071005000654/http://www.undp.org.cn/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&catid=14&topic=6&sid=345&mode=thread&order=0&thold=0) 5 October 2007 at the [Wayback Machine](/source/Wayback_Machine) Five FuWa to star in a national campaign to promote Green Olympics. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-8)** ["The Official Mascots of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games"](https://web.archive.org/web/20080824140438/http://en.beijing2008.cn/spirit/beijing2008/graphic/n214068254.shtml). *Beijing 2008*. Retrieved 24 August 2008. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-9)** [""Curse of the Fuwa" fulfilled by floods"](https://web.archive.org/web/20080624050713/http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20080619/od_nm/curse_dc). *news.yahoo.com*. 19 June 2008. Archived from [the original](https://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20080619/od_nm/curse_dc;_ylt=ArQ378qa8t84ZTJ_byUhmiIZ.3QA) on 24 June 2008. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-10)** ["Chinese link earthquake to 'unlucky' Olympic mascots"](https://web.archive.org/web/20080603001833/http://www.khaleejtimes.com/Displayarticle.asp?section=olympic2008&xfile=data%2Folympic2008%2F2008%2FMay%2Folympic2008_May30.xml). *Khaleej Times Online*. 16 May 2008. Archived from [the original](http://www.khaleejtimes.com/Displayarticle.asp?section=olympic2008&xfile=data/olympic2008/2008/May/olympic2008_May30.xml) on 3 June 2008. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-11)** Uncensor.com.au "[Uncensor](https://web.archive.org/web/20080818115324/http://uncensor.com.au/uncensor/info/nuwa/)." *China's Choice: A New Human Rights Record* Retrieved 21 July 2008. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-12)** Playfair "[Respect Worker's Rights in the Global Sporting Goods Sector](http://www.playfair2008.org/). Retrieved 21 July 2008. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-13)** [Archived copy](http://blogs.theage.com.au/olympics/) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20131109174713/http://blogs.theage.com.au/olympics/) 9 November 2013 at the [Wayback Machine](/source/Wayback_Machine) "[Meet the evil Olympic mascot](http://blogs.theage.com.au/olympics/stephenhutcheon/2008/07/20/meettheevilo.html/) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20150518013641/http://blogs.theage.com.au/olympics/stephenhutcheon/2008/07/20/meettheevilo.html) 18 May 2015 at the [Wayback Machine](/source/Wayback_Machine)." Retrieved 24 May 2013. ## External links Wikimedia Commons has media related to [2008 Summer Olympics mascots](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:2008_Summer_Olympics_mascots). - [The Official Mascots of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games (English)](https://web.archive.org/web/20061220074252/http://en.beijing2008.com/37/03/column211990337.shtml) - [The Official Mascots of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games (Chinese)](https://web.archive.org/web/20080508065044/http://www.beijing2008.com/48/01/column211990148.shtml) Preceded by Neve and Gliz Olympic mascot The Fuwa Beijing 2008 Succeeded by Miga, Quatchi and Mukmuk v t e Olympic mascots, Paralympic mascots and Youth Olympic mascots Olympic mascots Summer Olympics 1932: Smoky (unofficial) 1964: Kapa (unofficial) 1968: Chac Mool (unofficial) 1972: Waldi 1976: Amik 1980: Misha 1984: Sam 1988: Hodori 1992: Cobi 1996: Izzy 2000: Olly, Syd and Millie; Fatso (unofficial) 2004: Athena and Phevos 2008: Fuwa 2012: Wenlock 2016: Vinicius 2020: Miraitowa 2024: The Olympic Phryge 2028: TBA Winter Olympics 1968: Schuss (unofficial) 1972: Takuchan (unofficial) 1976: Schneemann and Sonnenweiberl 1980: Roni 1984: Vučko 1988: Hidy and Howdy 1992: Magique 1994: Håkon and Kristin 1998: The Snowlets 2002: Powder, Copper and Coal 2006: Neve and Gliz 2010: Miga, Quatchi and Mukmuk 2014: Polar Bear, Hare, Leopard; Zoich (unofficial) 2018: Soohorang 2022: Bing Dwen Dwen 2026: Tina Paralympic mascots Summer Paralympics 1980: Noggi and Joggi 1984: Dan D. Lion 1988: Gomdoori 1992: Petra 1996: Blaze 2000: Lizzie 2004: Proteas 2008: Fu Niu Lele 2012: Mandeville 2016: Tom 2020: Someity 2024: The Paralympic Phryge 2028: TBA Winter Paralympics 1992: Alpy 1994: Sondre 1998: Parabbit 2002: Otto 2006: Aster 2010: Sumi and Mukmuk 2014: Ray of Light and Snowflake 2018: Bandabi 2022: Shuey Rhon Rhon 2026: Milo Youth Olympic mascots Summer Youth Olympics 2010: Lyo and Merly 2014: Lele 2018: Pandi 2026: Ayo Winter Youth Olympics 2012: Yoggl 2016: Sjogg 2020: Yodli 2024: Moongcho v t e China Central Television shows Variety shows Sing My Song 1 2 3 The Great Challenge Lucky 52 Drama series Journey to the West Dream of the Red Chamber Romance in the Rain Towards the Republic See Without Looking Ancient Legends The Han Triumph Huang Yanpei Moment in Peking Mad Detective Di Renjie The Myth Will You Marry Me and My Family 1911 Revolution Run Daddy Run Kong Que Ling Melody of Youth Twin of Brothers (2011) Destiny by Love Mao Zedong Battle of Changsha Deng Xiaoping at History's Crossroads Marshal Peng Dehuai Amazing Detective Di Renjie Taiwan 1895 Documentaries The Internet Age Approaching Science River Elegy A Bite of China Travelogue News Probe Rediscovering the Yangtze River The Rise of the Great Powers Yuanfang De Jia Animations A.U Black Cat Detective The Blue Mouse and the Big Faced Cat Boonie Bears The Dreaming Girl Journey to the West – Legends of the Monkey King Little Cherry Magic Boy Kitchener Romance of the Three Kingdoms Shaolin Wuzang Wanderings of Sanmao The King of Tibetan Antelope The Dibidogs Tortoise Hanba's Stories AI Football GGO Fuwa Stitch & Ai Egg Car Other shows Lecture Room Growing up with Chinese Culture Express The Same Song Tell It Like It Is Travel in Chinese Xinwen Lianbo China Today Chinese Characters Dictation Competition (Chinese Poetry Congress) Kunlun Fight Wumpa's World Television special CMG New Year's Gala --- Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Fuwa](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fuwa) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fuwa?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.