Chongqing - On November 22, Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Tianjin, and Chongqing unveiled the Chinese zodiac Snake editions of the Beijing Winter Olympics mascot Bing Dwen Dwen. This cultural innovation sparks the first wave of festive excitement as the Lunar New Year of the Snake draws near.

The zodiac Snake version of the Beijing Winter Olympic Games mascot Bing Dwen Dwen. (Photo/Zheng Ran)

The Chinese zodiac Snake versions seamlessly combine elements of Chinese zodiac tradition with the Olympic mascot's endearing charm. Incorporating motifs from the iconic Chinese opera The Legend of the White Snake, the design offers a fresh and enchanting interpretation that has captured public attention.

The series features a variety of collectible items, including plush toys, badges, and keychains. Among these, the five zodiac Snake versions of Bing Dwen Dwen figurines have garnered the most attention.

The series of products of zodiac snake versions of Bing Dwen Dwen. (Photo/Zheng Ran)

According to Tan Chunli, a staff member at China Unicoms Chongqing Shapingba branch, the figurines come in five vibrant colors- red, green, blue, pink, and gold- each symbolizing one of the five blessings, including luck, prosperity, longevity, happiness, and wealth. 

Tan added that these figurines each hold a symbolic item that represents one of the blessings: a ruyi scepter for luck, a gourd for prosperity, a longevity peach for longevity, peach blossoms for happiness, and a gold ingot for wealth.

"These designs embody the beauty of  'Wu Fu Lin Men' (five blessings coming to your doorstep), delivering happiness and good fortune to everyone," she said. Consumers can purchase the series via the China Unicom app or offline retail outlets in the five cities.

Chinese zodiac Dragon versions of Bing Dwen Dwen (left) and Chinese zodiac Rabbit versions of Bing Dwen Dwen (right). (Photo/Zheng Ran)

Launching the Chinese zodiac Snake versions of Bing Dwen Dwen reflects the growing significance of the first-launch economy, which enhances urban vibrancy, fosters business model innovation, and drives consumption upgrades. By setting trends in retail and consumer behavior, cities continue attracting attention from domestic and international brands.

At the China Unicoms Chongqing Shapingba branch, a staff is live-streaming the sale of the Chinese zodiac Snake versions of Bing Dwen Dwen. (Photo/Zheng Ran)

Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Tianjin, and Chongqing, as frontrunners in the development of international consumption centers, have embraced first launches as a key strategy for establishing themselves as global consumption hubs. 

These cities actively host debut events, support flagship and concept stores, and efficiently transform launch traffic into sales, enhancing their international allure and elevating the overall consumer experience.

As part of the Consumption Month activities led by the Ministry of Commerce in collaboration with China's international consumption center cities, a range of events and product launches will spotlight the first-launch economy. This initiative aims to showcase innovative products, services, technologies, and business models, emphasizing modernity, trendiness, and premium quality. 

The effort seeks to cater to the increasing demand for diverse, high-end consumer experiences while solidifying China's position as a global leader in consumption trends.