The first Olympic mascot 'Waldi' a Daschund dog appeared at the 1972 Munich Olympic Games. Mascots are used to communicate the Olympic spirit to the general public, especially youth and children. They are usually a character or animal native to the country where the games are being held and showcase the history and culture unique to the host city. In more recent years it has been common to have more than one mascot. This could be to ensure gender equity but has undoubtedly increased the merchandising potential of the Olympic mascot.

Huanhuan the Olympic flame is one of five 'Fuwa' mascots produced for the Beijing Olympic Games in 2008. Fuwa carries a message of friendship, peace and good wishes from China. The other four mascots embody the natural characteristics of four of China's most popular animals, the swallow 'Nini', the panda 'Jingjing', the Tibetan antelope 'Yingying' and the fish 'Beibei'. Each of the Fuwa has a rhyming two-syllable name and when their names are put together "Bei Jing Huan Ying Ni" they say "Welcome to Beijing".

According to the Beijing Olympic Games official website Huanhuan is a child of fire and symbolises the passion of the sport. He inspires all to run faster, jumper higher and be stronger, he is also open and inviting. The fiery designs of his head ornament are drawn from the famed Dunhuang murals, lucky Chinese designs. Huanhuan excels at all the ball games and represents the red Olympic ring.