The 2008 Beijing Paralympic mascot Fu Niu Lele is growing in popularity as the Games prepare to open on Saturday.

Paralympic licensed products such as T-shirts, hats, ball-pens and dolls are selling like hotcakes in China's capital city.

Li Ran is a salesman with the flagship store in Wangfujing.

"Fu Niu Lele is adorable with its pleasant colors, and is quite popular among customers."

Li Ang, a Chinese student now studying in Canada, said she has five Fuwa, mascots of the Beijing Olympics, and recently added a Fu Niu to her collection in a move to support the Paralympics.

"Many foreign friends of mine in Canada asked me to bring them back a Fuwa and a Fu Niu."

Paralympic licensed products can at present only be bought in flagship stores in Beijing, but the range will soon be extended to other stores with a greater choice available.