Hey panda lovers! 🐼 Big news from Beijing: Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said at a press briefing this week that Japanese people are welcome to come to China and see pandas in person.
This heads-up comes as twin giant pandas Xiao Xiao and Lei Lei —currently on loan at Tokyo's Ueno Zoo —are scheduled to return to China before February 2026. If you've been planning a panda pilgrimage, now's the moment!
Thinking of making the trip? Here are a few friendly tips to get you started:
- Visit the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding to meet pandas in a conservation-focused setting.
- Travel between January and March for cooler weather and fewer crowds 🧣.
- Don't miss local eats: Chengdu hot pot, Xi'an's biangbiang noodles, and Shanghai's street snacks 🌶️🍜.
Ready to brush up on your Mandarin ("xiongmao" means "panda" 🐼) and plan an unforgettable journey? Tag your travel buddy and let the panda adventure begin! ✈️
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
