It's not just the athletes getting in on the Shuey Rhon Rhon action. A reporter from Japan's Asahi Shimbun queued for one and a half hours to get his hands on the mascot at the gift shop at the media center.

There are many traditional Chinese elements embedded in the mascot. Images of doves and Beijing's famous Temple of Heaven are depicted around the crown, while the snow on the lantern is shaped to indicate good wishes for a fruitful year.

Jiang Yufan, Shuey Rhon Rhon's designer, said her inspiration came from the traditional Chinese lanterns that are hung in the streets during Chinese New Year and other important festivals.