Huanhuan, the Big Brother: Official Mascot of 2008 Chinese Olympic Games

Huanhuan, The Red One

In the intimate circle of Friendlies (or Fuwa), Huanhuan is the big brother. He is a child of fire, symbolizing the Olympic Flame and the passion of sport -- and passion is the blessing he bestows.

Huanhuan stands in the center as the core embodiment of the Olympic spirit. And while he inspires all with the passion to run faster, jump higher and be stronger, he is also open and inviting. Wherever the light of Huanhuan shines, the inviting warmth of Beijing 2008, and the wishful blessings of the Chinese people, are displayed. The flaming design of his head ornament is drawn from the famed Dunhuang murals -- with just a touch of China's traditional lucky designs.

There is an old Chinese tradition of spreading good wishes through signs and symbols. Each of the five Olympic symbols has a rhyming two-syllable name which is a traditional way of expressing affection for children. When you put all their names together -- Bei Jing Huan Ying Ni -- they say "Welcome to Beijing."  Huanhuan excels at ball games, is outgoing and enthusiastic and he represents the red Olympic ring.
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Read about the other mascots: Jingjing the Black Panda, Beibei the blue Fish, Yingying the yellow Tibetan Antelope
Here's a selection of official Beijing Mascots.