Two pairs of twin giant pandas enjoy a fruit feast together at Chongqing Zoo in Southwest China’s Chongqing Municipality, on October 3, 2024, during the National Day holidays. Photo: VCG

Editor's Note:

As one of China's most beloved national treasures, the giant panda has long captured the hearts of people worldwide. But beyond its iconic status, the story of the panda is a tale of ecological revival, cultural pride, and international cooperation.

In this special series, "Walking with the Giant Panda," we take you on an insightful journey through the furry animal's life, from the lush bamboo forests to the global stage, and ultimately, to the ambitious goal of rewilding.

In the first chapter of this exploration, we dive into the stories behind the internet-famous pandas who have attracted throngs of fans to panda reserves. These adorable icons are not only boosting tourism and employment, but also inspiring a new wave of national pride and ecological awareness.

Children select from an array of panda-themed souvenirs outside the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. Photo: Shan Jie/GT

Professional telephoto cameras are all pointed in the same direction, while hundreds of spectators, phones in hand, hold their breath.

"They're here! Over there!" shouts erupt as the onlookers marvels at the sight, accompanied by the rapid clicks of camera shutters.

This is not a meet-and-greet for some pop star. It's afternoon tea time at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, and five adolescent pandas, each around 2 years old, have come charging out of their indoor shelter like playful calves. Tumbling over each other - sometimes tripping and then looking grumpy at their own clumsiness - they race toward the freshly laid bamboo. As soon as they find their favorite tender shoots or leaves, they settle in to bask in the sun, munching leisurely on their feast.

In China, pandas are true superstars.

In recent years, internet-famous pandas like Hua Hua, Meng Lan, and Qi Zai have drawn massive crowds to panda reserves and zoos across the nation. Devoted fans flock to these locations with some even live-streaming their visits. On social media and short-video platforms, pandas have "super topics" garnering billions of views.

Whether scratching an itch, yawning, or eating bamboo, pandas draw cheers from onlookers and likes on the internet. And if they roll on the ground, fans are overjoyed as if they've won the lottery.

Qing Feng is a professional panda photographer at the Chengdu base. His daily work involves capturing these adorable moments.

There are about 50 photographers regularly stationed at the Chengdu base, Qing told the Global Times. Some are simply fans, while others have turned their passion into a livelihood. They're easily recognizable by the panda stickers adorning their professional telephoto lenses and badges of their favorite pandas pinned to their backpacks.

Since live-streaming isn't permitted in the park, some panda streamers record footage during the day and broadcast it on short-video platforms in the evenings or mornings, engaging with panda fans worldwide and selling panda-related merchandise.

Among these panda celebrities, He Hua, affectionately known as Hua Hua, is undoubtedly the biggest star. This 4-year-old panda stands out with her especially round physique. At the Chengdu base, seeing Hua Hua for just three minutes requires waiting in line for 1 to 3 hours, with some fans queuing as early as 1 am. Even her keepers and security guards have become famous.

"I fell in love with Hua Hua at first sight. She's so beautiful and has such a gentle temperament," Helen, a retiree, gushed about Hua Hua in the gift shop outside her enclosure. In October, Helen moved from Shanghai to Chengdu to be closer to Hua Hua and now, according to her, visits almost daily.

"She seems to have a human soul," Helen told the Global Times.

In April, the Chengdu Culture and Tourism Bureau appointed Hua Hua as the Honorary Director of Chengdu Culture and Tourism, while announcing her resume and educational background.

According to data from the Sichuan Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism, during the 2024 May Day holidays, 264,000 tourists visited the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, making it the second most popular attraction nationwide. Purchasing a 50 yuan ($7) ticket to the base can stimulate an additional 1,450 yuan ($200) in local spending on transportation, accommodation, and more.

Beyond Hua Hua, panda-housing institutions spare no effort in creating online buzz. For instance, Fei Yun at the Dalian Forest Zoo is known for her sweet smile and has become a beloved figure among panda enthusiasts. Ling Yan, residing at the Luanchuan Bamboo Sea Wildlife Zoo in Henan's Luoyang, has captured hearts with his playful antics, such as pushing toy carts and "dancing." At Guangzhou's Chimelong Safari Park, the panda triplets Ku Ku, Shuai Shuai, and Meng Meng have their own running train.

Giant pandas are accelerating local economic growth and attracting domestic and international tourists. Beyond ticket sales, the growing number of visitors has increased demand for panda-themed products, as well as related hotels and restaurants, leading to increased demand for employment.

However, pandas are more than just that. Their protection and population growth also represent the achievements of China's biodiversity conservation.

This sense of responsibility resonates with many panda fans. While watching pandas, some would advise other visitors to lower their voices, refrain from eating, and learn about the animals. Some would communicate with keepers to ensure the pandas live better lives.

"We are spreading positive energy," Helen says. "We will always accompany these pandas."