Mascots for the Asian Winter Games Span from Soybeans to Tigers
Asian Winter Games mascots embody a rich blend of cultural significance and playful spirit, with representations ranging from soybeans to tigers. Each mascot symbolizes elements of the hosting nation’s heritage and values, showcasing the unique identity of the games through their designs and stories. The playful variety of these mascots not only enhances the event's appeal but also fosters a sense of unity and excitement among participants and spectators alike.
TroibNews 
As the 9th Asian Winter Games conclude in Harbin, northeast China, the mascots inspired by the Siberian tiger are capturing attention.
However, memories of the mascot from the third Asian Winter Games, which marked Harbin's first time hosting the event in 1996, may be fading for many.
Among the array of animal-inspired mascots, "Doudou," the beloved soybean, stands out with its distinctive appeal. Though not a living being, Doudou encapsulated the spirit of Heilongjiang's rich agricultural heritage during the province’s inaugural hosting of the Asian Winter Games.
In 1996, Heilongjiang celebrated a remarkable grain harvest, totaling 30.4 million tonnes—an impressive increase of 4.54 million tonnes from the prior year. Known as the "home of soybeans," Heilongjiang has been crucial to China's soybean production, consistently contributing around five million tonnes annually to a national total of 13.5 million tonnes.
Nearly thirty years later, the arrival of mascots "Binbin" and "Nini" for the Asian Winter Games marks a notable evolution for Heilongjiang. "Binbin," taking its name from Harbin, directly connects to the city, while "Nini," derived from a Chinese term meaning "you," conveys a welcoming spirit, together encapsulating the message of "Harbin welcomes you."
Tragically, due to factors like habitat destruction and illegal hunting, the population of Siberian tigers in China had dwindled to fewer than ten by the close of the 20th century. In response to this crisis, significant conservation efforts led to the establishment of the Northeast Tiger and Leopard National Park in 2021, which spans 14,100 square kilometers and acts as a sanctuary for endangered wildlife. Recent assessments indicate that the park now supports around 70 wild Siberian tigers and 80 wild leopards.
In addition to wildlife preservation, the last decade has seen transformative changes in Heilongjiang’s forest management. Following a comprehensive ban on commercial logging in 2014, the province’s key state-owned forest area expanded from approximately 18.45 million hectares to 21.62 million hectares, with forest stock increasing to 2.158 billion cubic meters. These initiatives not only restore ecological balance but also foster a thriving habitat for around 500 species of terrestrial wildlife.
These sustained ecological efforts have driven significant growth in Heilongjiang’s eco-tourism sector, with visitor numbers in the Greater Hinggan Mountains increasing eightfold over the past decade and annual revenue climbing from thousands to over 13.5 million yuan.
Alongside ecological reforms, Heilongjiang has harnessed its ice and snow resources to promote economic development. This winter, the province is amplifying its efforts to enhance its ice and snow industry, riding the wave of excitement generated by the Asian Winter Games.
The transformation represented by mascots "Doudou," "Binbin," and "Nini" mirrors Heilongjiang’s remarkable journey—one of resilience, growth, and a commitment to sustainability. As the province showcases its agricultural legacy alongside its dedication to ecological responsibility, the Asian Winter Games exemplify a vibrant representation of Heilongjiang's evolving identity.
(“Binbin” and “Nini,” the mascots of the 9th Asian Winter Games, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, northeast China. /VCG)
Olivia Brown for TROIB News
However, memories of the mascot from the third Asian Winter Games, which marked Harbin's first time hosting the event in 1996, may be fading for many.
Among the array of animal-inspired mascots, "Doudou," the beloved soybean, stands out with its distinctive appeal. Though not a living being, Doudou encapsulated the spirit of Heilongjiang's rich agricultural heritage during the province’s inaugural hosting of the Asian Winter Games.
In 1996, Heilongjiang celebrated a remarkable grain harvest, totaling 30.4 million tonnes—an impressive increase of 4.54 million tonnes from the prior year. Known as the "home of soybeans," Heilongjiang has been crucial to China's soybean production, consistently contributing around five million tonnes annually to a national total of 13.5 million tonnes.
Nearly thirty years later, the arrival of mascots "Binbin" and "Nini" for the Asian Winter Games marks a notable evolution for Heilongjiang. "Binbin," taking its name from Harbin, directly connects to the city, while "Nini," derived from a Chinese term meaning "you," conveys a welcoming spirit, together encapsulating the message of "Harbin welcomes you."
Tragically, due to factors like habitat destruction and illegal hunting, the population of Siberian tigers in China had dwindled to fewer than ten by the close of the 20th century. In response to this crisis, significant conservation efforts led to the establishment of the Northeast Tiger and Leopard National Park in 2021, which spans 14,100 square kilometers and acts as a sanctuary for endangered wildlife. Recent assessments indicate that the park now supports around 70 wild Siberian tigers and 80 wild leopards.
In addition to wildlife preservation, the last decade has seen transformative changes in Heilongjiang’s forest management. Following a comprehensive ban on commercial logging in 2014, the province’s key state-owned forest area expanded from approximately 18.45 million hectares to 21.62 million hectares, with forest stock increasing to 2.158 billion cubic meters. These initiatives not only restore ecological balance but also foster a thriving habitat for around 500 species of terrestrial wildlife.
These sustained ecological efforts have driven significant growth in Heilongjiang’s eco-tourism sector, with visitor numbers in the Greater Hinggan Mountains increasing eightfold over the past decade and annual revenue climbing from thousands to over 13.5 million yuan.
Alongside ecological reforms, Heilongjiang has harnessed its ice and snow resources to promote economic development. This winter, the province is amplifying its efforts to enhance its ice and snow industry, riding the wave of excitement generated by the Asian Winter Games.
The transformation represented by mascots "Doudou," "Binbin," and "Nini" mirrors Heilongjiang’s remarkable journey—one of resilience, growth, and a commitment to sustainability. As the province showcases its agricultural legacy alongside its dedication to ecological responsibility, the Asian Winter Games exemplify a vibrant representation of Heilongjiang's evolving identity.
(“Binbin” and “Nini,” the mascots of the 9th Asian Winter Games, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, northeast China. /VCG)
Olivia Brown for TROIB News
