"We wish so eagerly for the genuine duck to come. I'm sure it will bring a lot of happiness to the city," Yan said.
Ling Min, a spokeswoman with the park's administration, said they hope the small ducks will spread joy and positive energy "just like the big one has done."
"Living in Beijing is very stressful, so we hope the ducklings will remind people of their childhood and help them relax," Ling said.
To shun accusations of the park making a profit using cheap knock-offs, Ling said they had explained to boaters about the distinction between the smaller ducks and the original design of the giant rubber one.
The inflatable duck has triggered discussions on copycatting after several Chinese cities had reportedly installed copies of the ducky leviathan in often clumsy attempts to mimic the real spectacle.
An American tourist who gave his first name as Kevin said there are differences between intentional duplication and using knock-offs in a celebration to welcome the real thing.
"If I had made the yellow duck and saw people here liked it and did something to prepare before its arrival, I think I would be very happy to come," Kevin said.
Elder couples celebrate golden wedding anniversary in Hangzhou
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