Chengdu Universiade Relay "Bing Dwen Dwen" and "Rongbao" Become Chengdu's Summer Beloved Chengdu | Rongbao | Universiade
On a scorching summer afternoon, there are long queues on the square of the most bustling IFS International Financial Center in Chengdu city. This is not a high-end clothing brand doing an event, nor is it a celebrity performing on the street, but people are waiting to enter the official authorized retail store for the Chengdu Universiade.
On August 1st, citizens purchased plush dolls at the official authorized retail store of the Chengdu Universiade, Red Star Road Plaza. Photo by Xinhua News Agency reporter Xu Bingjie
Since the launch of the mascot "Rongbao" franchise product at the Chengdu Universiade, especially after its opening on July 28th, the "Rongbao" has been widely sought after, represented by plush dolls, badges, blind boxes, and keychains. Its diverse and cute appearance has made it the most popular pet in Chengdu this summer, both online and offline.
Despite the scorching sun, Yang Chengxin, who had just graduated from junior high school, and her classmates were still chatting and laughing in the queue. "Holding the Universiade in Chengdu is something we are very proud of, and 'Rongbao' is so cute. I will definitely collect one as a souvenir."
According to Hu Jie, the manager of the Red Star Road store, an official licensed retail store for the Chengdu Universiade, the store has been busy since its opening in late June. "We operate from 9am to 12pm, and there are often about a hundred people queuing at the entrance. Many consumers queue at the entrance before we open the store, holding pictures to ask which products are available and what they can buy." Hu Jie said that the store currently receives about 30000 customers every day, with daily sales ranging from 400000 to 500000 yuan.
This is the Chengdu Universiade Sichuan Opera face changing blind box "Rongbao" doll shot on July 19th at a licensed retail store for the Chengdu Universiade. Photo by Xinhua News Agency reporter Wang Xi
"The best-selling items are Sichuan Opera face changing blind boxes, commemorative badges, badges, etc. Of course, the most popular ones are the 'Rongbao' plush dolls. At the Chunxi Road store not far from the Red Star Road store, there are also crowds of people every day. Store manager Fan Lihong introduced that the 'Rongbao' plush dolls have a good hand feel, cute appearance, and are loved by adults and children. 'We have many models that have been out of stock for more than 10 days.'"
At the official Tmall flagship store of the Chengdu Universiade, the pre-sale period for several popular peripheral products has ranged from 15 to 30 days. According to incomplete statistics, as of July 31st, the sales revenue of flagship stores has exceeded 10 million yuan. The Chengdu Universiade revolves around the theme of "Rongbao" and has launched over 1000 licensed products in 18 major series, including toys, badges, stationery, stamps, and postal products. More than 400 licensed retail stores have been opened in Chengdu.
According to Liu Dongbo, the designer of "Rongbao", "Rongbao" combines Chinese civilization and Bashu culture in its design, and its facial design references the facial makeup style of Sichuan opera. In addition, the ears, eyes, and tail are all in a flame shape, incorporating the fireworks atmosphere of Chengdu. The eyes, facial features, and logo on the body also reflect local Sichuan opera elements.
On July 30th, the mascot "Rongbao" livened up the atmosphere during the break of the competition. Photo by Xinhua News Agency reporter Chen Zeguo
"The fusion of panda and flame images not only preserves the original affinity and stickiness for external dissemination, but also conveys the fervent expectations for Chengdu, this hot city," said Liu Dongbo.
"In fact, the products of mascots from previous competitions have been quite popular, and the image of pandas is already difficult to refuse. In addition, the design of 'Rongbao' is exquisite and cute, with diverse and pleasing shapes." Luo Qing, the official authorized retail store manager of the main media center, believes that this is the main reason for the current hot sales of 'Rongbao'.
In the history of hosting international sports events in our country, the image of pandas has been used as a mascot for a long time. In the 1990 Beijing Asian Games, "Pan Pan" almost became synonymous with the panda. It was China's first international comprehensive sports event, and the panda "Pan Pan" became popular in Asia with its cute and approachable image, becoming a classic memory of the times; The mascot of the 2008 Beijing Olympics, Fuwa "Jingjing", was designed with personification based on the giant panda "Maomao". The appearance of "Jingjing" is cute, and the color and inspiration come from the black ring of the Olympic rings. It comes from the vast forest, symbolizing the harmonious coexistence of humans and nature.
On February 20, 2022, after the "Bing Dwen Dwen" fell, the players came forward to help. On that day, the figure skating performance of the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics was held at the Capital Sports Center. Photo by Xinhua News Agency reporter Zhang Yuwei
At the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympic Games, the overall image is like an astronaut. The head shell shape is taken from the ice and snow sports helmet. The mascot "Bing Dwen Dwen" decorated with colorful halos became the top stream overnight, and the scene of "one pier is hard to find" is still vivid.
Today, the successful relay of "Rongbao" to "Bing Dwen Dwen" reflects people's enthusiasm for sports events, highlights the cultural confidence of Chinese people brought by today's social and economic development, and also expresses the good wish to transmit the charm and vitality of Chinese culture to the world.
