Hong Kong Unveils Panda Sculpture Tour to Attract Tourists Amid Bear Craze

Pandas are widely regarded as China’s unofficial national mascot. The giant panda loan program, initiated by Beijing, has long been a cornerstone of China’s soft-power diplomacy, fostering goodwill with other nations through panda exchanges.

Hong Kong’s PANDA GO! FEST HK Kicks Off

Starting Saturday, Hong Kong will welcome residents and tourists with 2,500 panda sculptures as part of the PANDA GO! FEST HK, the city's largest panda-themed exhibition. The event began with a launch ceremony at Hong Kong International Airport on Monday.

The sculptures will first be displayed at the Avenue of Stars in Tsim Sha Tsui, a bustling shopping and cultural hub, before being moved to three other iconic locations throughout the month.

A Special Stop at Ocean Park

One of the exhibition’s featured locations is Ocean Park, which is home to the twin panda cubs born last year, their parents, and two new pandas gifted by Beijing. Six of the sculptures, crafted from recycled materials like rubber barrels and resin, are inspired by these beloved pandas.

Revitalizing Tourism Through Pandas

Hong Kong is leveraging pandas to revitalize its tourism sector as it works to reclaim its status as a premier travel destination in Asia. The initiative, part of what lawmakers are calling the “panda economy,” aims to increase tourist numbers while promoting eco-friendly tourism.

Panda-related businesses and attractions are encouraged to capitalize on the popularity of these adorable animals.

Star Power and Charitable Auctions

To amplify the appeal of the PANDA GO! FEST, renowned personalities, including musician Pharrell Williams, were invited to create special-edition panda sculptures. These unique pieces will be auctioned online, with proceeds supporting giant panda conservation at Ocean Park.

Meet Hong Kong’s New Panda Residents

An An and Ke Ke, two pandas recently gifted by Beijing in September, are settling into their new home at Ocean Park. During a media preview, An An was seen enjoying bamboo while Ke Ke explored their environment. The public can visit these pandas starting Sunday.

Meanwhile, the twin cubs, born to Ying Ying and Le Le in August, are expected to greet visitors by February. Their birth was notable as Ying Ying became the world’s oldest first-time panda mother.

A Legacy of Panda Diplomacy

Hong Kong has a long history with pandas. The first pair, An An and Jia Jia, were gifted by Beijing in 1999. Jia Jia, who passed away in 2016 at 38 years old, holds the record as the oldest panda to have lived in captivity.

While pandas in the wild have a lifespan of 14–20 years, those in captivity can live up to 30 years, according to the World Wide Fund for Nature.

Conclusion

The PANDA GO! FEST HK highlights the deep cultural and ecological significance of pandas while promoting Hong Kong as a top destination. This initiative reflects a blend of tourism, conservation, and diplomacy, symbolizing the enduring appeal of pandas on a global scale.