Chinese Olympics fans face long queues and disappointments in their quest for souvenirs. Authorities admit that too few gadgets have been made with the image of the Olympic mascot, the popular panda bear Bing Dwen Dwen.
Due to the corona rules, it is largely impossible for fans to attend the Games. So many Chinese have to settle for purchasing a toy panda as a keepsake. However, China seems unable to make enough souvenirs to meet the demand.
Chinese media report long lines at the main souvenir shop in Beijing’s capital. Bing Dwen Dwen would also no longer be available on online sales sites. On the Chinese social medium Weibo, users are demanding that the government do something about the ‘panda shortage’. They want only one souvenir per household to be sold.
The Chinese organizers of the sporting event blame the shortage on the Chinese New Year, which coincides with the Games. Because of that holiday period, many factory workers are on vacation, which affects the production and delivery of souvenirs. Nevertheless, authorities promise to work towards a solution to the shortage of panda bear souvenirs.