PANDA PLAYGROUND

Friendship between the joyful animals and Hong Kong continues to grow stronger

From pop-up exhibitions, drone shows to snacks, Hong Kong is catching the panda fever fast.

Hong Kong's Ocean Park, home to six giant pandas on the south side of Hong Kong Island, has become a "panda paradise". The six include the giant pandas Ying Ying and Le Le — gifted by the central government to Hong Kong, and their twins born last August. Then there are the giant pandas An An and Ke Ke, also gifted by the central government to Hong Kong, who settled in the city in September.

These giant pandas, thriving in the love of the people, symbolize the deep friendship between the mainland and Hong Kong, and have also become a major attraction for countless tourists.

Climbing a small tree, "elder sister" skillfully reached a high spot and then leisurely lay down. Meanwhile, "little brother" was fully absorbed in playing on the swing hanging from a tree. After a brief moment of silence, the two little cubs began to chase each other and play joyfully.

At the Giant Panda Adventure of Ocean Park, the first pair of Hong Kong-born panda twins are full of energy and their adorable antics often bring smiles and laughter to visitors.

On their first day of public appearance, the duo broke records by attracting around 5,000 visitors, with thousands more tuning in to watch the livestream online.

"We have been waiting for this for 14 years," said Elke Wu, assistant curator of zoological operations at Ocean Park. Wu recalled that when she first joined Ocean Park in 2007, Ying Ying and Le Le were over 1 year old and had just arrived in Hong Kong — only slightly older than the current twins. Over the years, the care team has watched them grow.

"In mid-August last year, during an ultrasound, we saw the fetus in her belly, and I was thrilled," Wu said.

Ying Ying successfully gave birth to the twins on Aug 15, becoming the oldest first-time mother giant panda on record.

As the group of giant pandas sparked a "national treasure fever" in Hong Kong, the "parents" Ying Ying and Le Le have also become popular on the internet.

Since the arrival of the first pair of giant pandas An An and Jia Jia, gifted to Hong Kong by the central government in 1999, giant pandas have become a thing to cherish for many Hong Kong residents. Although they have passed away and were buried in the park, An An and Jia Jia still have "fans" who occasionally visit to pay their respects.

National treasure

Recently in Hong Kong, a series of giant panda-themed activities are creating more than just sweet memories.

Nine-year-old Chan Long Yu, a student at Hong Kong Baptist University Affiliated School Wong Kam Fai Secondary and Primary School, painted the scenery of Hong Kong's Victoria Harbor in vibrant colors on a panda-shaped mold, earning her the second place in a citywide competition.

Her 12-year-old sister, Chan Chiu Yu, designed a community landmark for photo opportunities, painting a giant panda holding Hong Kong-style food on a waterfront promenade.

"Giant pandas are so cute. They are national treasures and one of Hong Kong's unique features," Chan Chiu Yu said.

Centered around the panda-themed IP, Hong Kong is actively developing its cultural and tourism industries. Ocean Park has launched over 400 related products, tourism companies have organized themed carnivals, and Hongkong Post issued special stamps.

In Hong Kong, the special relationship between giant pandas and humans, which has spanned decades, continues to deepen.