Thousands of giant panda sculptures will greet residents and tourists starting on Saturday in Hong Kong, where enthusiasm for the bears has grown since two cubs were born in a local theme park
Hong Kong Welcomes Pandas with PANDA GO! FEST HK Exhibition
Hong Kong is embracing its love for pandas with PANDA GO! FEST HK, the city’s largest panda-themed exhibition. Starting Saturday, 2,500 sculptures of giant pandas will be displayed across the city, reflecting a growing enthusiasm for these iconic animals following the birth of twin panda cubs in Ocean Park.
Key Highlights of the Exhibition:
- Opening Showcase: The exhibits debuted at Hong Kong International Airport on Monday and will appear this weekend at the Avenue of Stars in Tsim Sha Tsui, a popular shopping and tourist hub.
- Materials and Design: The sculptures are made from recycled materials such as rubber barrels and resin. Six sculptures are inspired by the twin cubs, their parents, and two newly gifted pandas from Beijing.
- Charity Auction: Special-edition panda designs by figures like musician Pharrell Williams will be auctioned online, with proceeds supporting conservation efforts at Ocean Park.
Panda Updates:
- Twin Cubs: Born in August to Ying Ying, the world’s oldest first-time panda mom, the cubs may meet visitors by February.
- New Arrivals: Two pandas gifted by Beijing, An An and Ke Ke, will make their public debut at Ocean Park on Sunday. During a media preview, An An delighted attendees by munching on bamboo, while Ke Ke showcased playful climbing skills.
Boosting Hong Kong’s Economy:
The panda-themed festivities are part of Hong Kong’s strategy to revitalize its economy and tourism industry. Dubbed the “panda economy,” the initiative encourages businesses to capitalize on the pandas’ popularity to attract visitors. Housing six pandas, despite the high costs of care, is expected to draw crowds and highlight the city’s commitment to conservation.
Pandas in Hong Kong:
- Ying Ying and Le Le, the twin cubs’ parents, are the second pair of pandas gifted to Hong Kong by Beijing since its return to Chinese rule in 1997.
- The first pair, An An and Jia Jia, arrived in 1999. Jia Jia made history as the world’s oldest panda in captivity, living to 38.
Conservation and Longevity:
Pandas, China’s unofficial national mascot, symbolize the importance of conservation. While their average lifespan is 14–20 years in the wild, pandas in captivity can live up to 30 years, thanks to modern care efforts.
With events like PANDA GO! FEST HK, Hong Kong not only celebrates these beloved animals but also underscores its role in global conservation and eco-tourism.