Hong Kong Embraces Panda Craze With Giant Sculpture Exhibition

A panda mascot poses for photographs in front of the panda sculptures displayed at the Hong Kong International Airport during the welcome ceremony of the panda-themed exhibition "Panda Go!" in Hong Ko

Thousands of giant panda sculptures will be on display in Hong Kong starting this weekend, as part of the PANDA GO! FEST HK exhibition. The launch ceremony took place at Hong Kong's airport, with 2,500 exhibits showcased. These sculptures will first be displayed at the Avenue of Stars in Tsim Sha Tsui before moving to three other locations in the city.

One of the designated spots for the panda sculptures is Ocean Park, where twin cubs were born in August to mother Ying Ying. The design of six sculptures was inspired by these pandas, made from recycled rubber barrels and resins. The twin cubs, along with their parents and two other pandas gifted by Beijing, are expected to meet visitors as early as February.

Another pair of pandas, An An and Ke Ke, gifted by Beijing in September, were seen relaxed in their new home at Ocean Park during a media preview event. An An was spotted enjoying bamboo, while Ke Ke climbed on an installation. They are set to meet the public this Sunday.

Hong Kong has been using pandas to boost its economy and tourism industry, leveraging the popularity of these bears. The city's efforts to become a top tourism destination in Asia include showcasing pandas, considered China's unofficial national mascot. The giant panda loan program with overseas zoos is seen as a tool of Beijing's soft-power diplomacy.

Sculptures made from recycled materials inspired by twin panda cubs at Ocean Park.

PANDA GO! FEST HK showcases thousands of giant panda sculptures in Hong Kong.

Pandas An An and Ke Ke gifted by Beijing to Ocean Park to boost tourism.

Special panda designs by Pharrell Williams featured in the exhibition.

Auction of special sculptures for charity to support giant panda conservation efforts.

Hong Kong uses pandas to enhance tourism and economy, leveraging their popularity.

Pandas are considered China's unofficial national mascot and a tool of soft-power diplomacy.

Pandas Ying Ying and Le Le are the second pair gifted to Hong Kong since 1997.

Jia Jia, the world's oldest panda in captivity, passed away in 2016 at 38.

Pandas in captivity can live up to 30 years, longer than those in the wild.

The exhibitions also feature special panda designs created by renowned figures like musician Pharrell Williams. Most of these special sculptures will be auctioned online for charity, with proceeds going to support giant panda conservation efforts at Ocean Park.

Ying Ying and Le Le, the parents of the twin cubs, are the second pair of pandas gifted by Beijing to Hong Kong since the city's return to Chinese rule in 1997. The first pair, An An and Jia Jia, arrived in 1999. Jia Jia, who passed away in 2016 at the age of 38, holds the record as the world's oldest panda to have lived in captivity.

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