Beijing Winter Olympic medal designs and inspiration unveiled

(ECNS) -- Beijing unveiled the 2022 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games medals on Tuesday.

The medals, named "Tongxin", were designed based on Chinese ancient jade concentric circle pendants. The five rings circle around the center, echoing the Chinese culture emphasizing harmony between heaven and earth, and unity of people. The five rings also symbolize the Olympic spirit.

Engraved in the center on the front of the medals are the five Olympic rings and the words "XXIV Olympic Winter Games Beijing 2022" are engraved around it, surrounded by ice, snow and cloud patterns.

The medal ribbon is woven utilizing the traditional mulberry silk method. The ice and snow pattern is printed with the emblem of the Beijing 2022 Winter Games, the visual identity, the words "Beijing 2022" and other elements. The red ribbon is made to demonstrate the lively Chinese Spring Festival and extends the warmest wishes to athletes.

Since the two Winter Games are equally wonderful, their medals share the same design. The center of the front of the Paralympic medals is engraved with the logo of the International Paralympic Committee (IPC), and surrounded by the words "Beijing 2022 Paralympic Winter Games" in English in engraved letters and Braille beads.

The design is simple and graceful, in line with the BOCOG's principles of a "streamlined, safe and splendid" Olympic Games and in concert with the jade-inlaid medals of the Beijing 2008 Summer Games.

The Beijing 2022 Olympic Winter Games will take place from February 4 to 20, followed by the Paralympic Games from March 4 to 13.