The Fu Wa are more than just cute toys, in fact they are overflowing with symbolism.They are meant to represent four of China's most popular animals – the fish, panda, the tibetan antelope and the swallow - as well as the Olympic Flame.

If that's not enough, their head dresses also show the five elements of nature: sea, forest, fire, earth and sky. Each Fu Wa also symbolises a different good luck blessing: prosperity, happiness, passion, health and good luck.

And finally, when put together the Fu Wa's names: Bei, Jing, Huan, Ying, and Ni - spell ‘Welcome to Beijing'.