Written by Veronica |
Pandas in China are more than just adorable animals—they are national treasures and global celebrities. From Hua Hua and Meng Lan to Fu Bao and Xiang Xiang, each of these popular pandas in China has its own story and charm. This article will mention the names of 16 famous giant pandas in China, where to see them, and recommended panda tours in China.
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- 1. Hua Hua – The Superstar
- 2. Meng Lan – The Real “Kung Fu Panda”
- 3. He Ye – Twin Brother of Sister?
- 4. Fu Bao – The Joy-spreading Treasure
- 5. Qi Qi – Shanghai’s Lucky Number Seven
- 6. Fei Yun – The Pretty with a Warrior’s Spirit
- 7. Tian Tian & Mei Xiang – Cross-Border Friendship Ambassadors
- 8. Qi Yi – The Clingy Starlet
- 9. Mei Lan – The Chunky Sweetheart
- 10. Ji Xiao – The Gray-Furred “KPI”
- 11. Yu Ke & Yu Ai – Chongqing’s Top Celebrities
- 12. Mang Can Can – Panda King of Car
- 13. Linglang’s Cub – First Panda Baby of 2025
- 14. Nuomi – The Supermodel
- 15. Xiang Xiang – Princess Forever
- 16. Qi Zai – The Precious Brown Treasure
- New Celebrity Pandas in 2026
- FAQs about Panda Visiting in China
- Plan Your Panda Tour With China Xian Tour
1. Hua Hua – The Superstar
Age: Born in 2020
Where does it live: Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding
Hua Hua (officially named He Hua) is the most famous panda in China nowadays. Her short, round, chubby body, and gentle nature, for example, she never gets mad when other pandas take over her food, have captivated a great number of fans all around the world. She has long become a social media sensation, earning titles like “the cutest panda” and “world’s cutest panda”.
Her popularity skyrocketed after appearing in the 2021 Summer World University Games promotions and the 2023 Spring Festival Gala with her beloved keeper, “Grandpa Tan.” Videos of Grandpa Tan feeding Hua Hua apple have attained millions of views on the internet. Despite her fame, Hua Hua remains humble and still moving and living at her own chill pace. She currently lives with her twin sister (He Ye) at the Chengdu Panda Base, one of the top places to visit pandas in China. Feel free to contact us to plan a Chengdu panda tour for a close encounter with Huahua.
Recommended Tour: 2 Days Chengdu Panda Tour
2. Meng Lan – The Real “Kung Fu Panda”
Age: Born in 2015
Where does it live: Beijing Zoo Panda House
Meng Lan, also known as the “Third Prince of Xizhimen” (a landmark in Beijing), is popular for his playful “escapes” and charming personality. Before him, his parents are both panda celebrities—his mom Meng Meng, the “Queen of Beijing Zoo,” and dad Mei Lan, an American-born panda from a famous lineage.
Nicknamed the “escape artist,” Meng Lan has made headlines for climbing out of enclosures more than once. Despite being gentle and soft-natured in most of the time, he loves attention so much and can always finds creative ways to entertain fans. With his fluffy look, iconic smile, and bold moves, he remains a true celebrity panda and one of the top panda names people search for.
Recommended Tour: 2 Days Beijing Highlight Tour
3. He Ye – Twin Brother of Sister?
Age: Born in 2020
Where does it live: Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding
He Ye is the twin sister of Hua Hua and shares the same gentle panda genes, but she brings her own personality to the spotlight. What’s more interesting is that He Ye was initially mistaken for a male at birth and had been raised as a boy for a long time until 2024. Compared to her more laid-back sister, He Ye is active, curious, and more eager to explore her surroundings. She’s often seen climbing trees or playing with enrichment toys, making her a fan favorite in her own right.
She has gained recognition for her expressive face, alert ears, and energetic movements. Her contrasting temperament from Hua Hua has made it easy for panda fans to fall in love with both sisters individually. Their father is Mei Lan, a panda born in the U.S., adding international charm to their lineage. Go to Chengdu Research Base and you can observe her unique behavior up close.
Recommended Tour: 2 Days Chengdu Panda Tour
4. Fu Bao – The Joy-spreading Treasure
Age: Born in 2020
Where does it live: Now in China Wolong Panda Base, originally raised in Everland Zoo, South Korea
Fu Bao already captured millions of hearts in South Korea as the first panda born there, becoming a household name with millions of fans. She was born to Le Bao and Ai Bao and raised under intense public affection at Everland Zoo. Her name means “lucky treasure,” and that’s exactly what she became to the Korean people.
After an emotional farewell to her Korean fans and caretakers, Fu Bao returned to China in early 2024. No settled in Wolong panda base, she continues to charm everyone with her sweet temperament and round, fluffy face.
Recommended Tour: 2 Days Wolong Panda Base Volunteer Tour
5. Qi Qi – Shanghai’s Lucky Number Seven
Age: Born in 2018
Where does it live: Shanghai Wild Animal Park
Qi Qi, a female panda born on July 17, 2018, is the 14th cub—and the 7th daughter—of the famous panda mother Gong Zhu (Princess). Her name, “Seven Seven,” carries different layers of meaning: she was born on a date filled with sevens, not just about her rank in the family, her birthday was also the 70th anniversary year of the People’s Republic of China. All these 7s make her name especially meaningful and memorable among all the Chinese pandas’ names.
Qi Qi is known for her energetic personality and fearless curiosity. She showed a love for climbing high places and exploring beyond her enclosure from an early age. Zookeepers delightfully describe her as bold, independent, and playful as she was often seen chewing on bamboo like her mother or tumbling around the panda house. With her round, expressive face and lively temperament, Qi Qi has won the hearts of so many visitors.
6. Fei Yun – The Pretty with a Warrior’s Spirit
Age: Born in 2010
Where does it live: Dalian Forest Zoo
Fei Yun is born on July 30, 2010, at Bifengxia Panda Base in Ya’an. However, she has later moved to Dalian Forest Zoo in 2012 and became one of the beloved “Three Treasures of Dalian” with companions Jin Hu and Miao Yin.
Fei Yun stands out for her “hamster face”—narrow cheeks on top, puffy lower cheeks, and a signature sweet smile. Her long, peanut-shaped eye patches and bright glassy eyes make her instantly recognizable, while her ginkgo-leaf-shaped ears add to her charm.
Despite her soft look, Fei Yun is famously tough. Known for her strength, she had once given a male panda a solid lesson after being teased. Weighing around 150 kg (330 lbs) (which is incredibly heavy), she still remains surprisingly agile—often caught playfully scratching or twisting midair.
7. Tian Tian & Mei Xiang – Cross-Border Friendship Ambassadors
Age: Tian Tian (born 1997), Mei Xiang (born 1998)
Where do they live: Dujiangyan Panda Base
Tian Tian and Mei Xiang are pandas who lived in the U.S. for over two decades. They arrived at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo in Washington, D.C., in December 2000 as goodwill ambassadors under a panda cooperation agreement between China and the United States.
During their 23 years in America, the duo captured millions of hearts from all over the world and became living symbols of Sino-American friendship. They also raised several cubs during these years, including their youngest, Xiao Qi Ji (“Little Miracle”), which was born in 2020. In November 2023, the panda family had finally returned to China. And now they are residing at the Dujiangyan Panda Base.
Their decades-long journey represents successful conservation efforts made by human beings, and it is also a cultural bridge that brought two nations closer together through people’s shared love for these gentle giants.
Recommended Tour: Panda Volunteer Day Tour
8. Qi Yi – The Clingy Starlet
Age: Born in 2016
Where does it live: Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding
Qi Yi is a female panda born on July 1, 2016. She became an online sensation as a baby thanks to a viral video showing her stubbornly clinging to a keeper’s leg, which is incredibly cute.
Known for her expressive behavior and signature tuft of pointed hair (like a tiny antenna), Qi Yi also impressed everyone with her quick development—mastering potty training ahead of her peers. While she was often mistaken for a boy due to her short legs and energetic antics, Qi Yi never captivates people for looks alone. Her charming mix of liveliness, emotional intelligence, and cuddly mischief has made her one of Chengdu’s most adored panda darlings.
Recommended Tour: 3 Days Chengdu Panda Tour
9. Mei Lan – The Chunky Sweetheart
Age: Born in 2016
Where does it live: Dujiangyan Panda Valley
Mei Lan, affectionately nicknamed “Rourou” (literally “meat meat”), was born on May 29, 2016, at the Chengdu Research Base. She quickly stood out among her generation as the “big sister” due to her bigger size in the early stage.
With fluffier yellow-tinted fur, a larger head Mei Lan soon became famous for her adorable “chunky but gentle” image. While her started walking later than her peers, she made up for it with a playful, affectionate personality. Mei Lan especially loves splashing in water and cuddling with her keepers.
Having graduated from the panda kindergarten, she now lives in Dujiangyan Panda Valley and continues to charm visitors with her size, sweetness, and signature head tilt.
Recommended Tour: 4 Days Chengdu Panda Volunteer Experience
10. Ji Xiao – The Gray-Furred “KPI”
Age: Born in 2019
Where does it live: Dujiangyan Panda Valley
Ji Xiao is a female panda born on June 5, 2019, at Chengdu Panda Base. She stood out from day one because of her unusually pale fur—her black markings were a light gray, leading fans to joke she looked like a “low-ink printout.” Because of her name’s similarity to the word “performance (in work)” in Chinese (which also pronounced as Ji Xiao), fans gave her the hilarious nickname “KPI.”
Known for her timid yet mischievous personality, Ji Xiao has pulled off a few memorable stunts, like trying to escape during nap time or getting her head stuck in a climbing frame.
Now living in Dujiangyan, Ji Xiao continues to charm with her expressive eyes, silly antics, and curious nature, making her a beloved star among panda fans.
Recommended Tour: 4 Days Chengdu Panda Volunteer Tour with Leshan Giant Buddha
11. Yu Ke & Yu Ai – Chongqing’s Top Celebrities
Age: Born in 2022
Where do they live: Chongqing Zoo
Yu Ke (male) and Yu Ai (female) are twin pandas born at Chongqing Zoo in 2022. Their names were chosen through by the public, which have combined “Yu” (short for Chongqing) with the phrase “ke ai” (adorable). And their names perfectly capture both of the pandas’ lovable charm.
Yu Ke is the gentle, clingy older brother—often spotted snuggling with keepers and lounging in the sun. He’s known for his relaxed demeanor and soft-hearted affection. Meanwhile, Yu Ai is a lively scene-stealer. Interestingly called “Director Ai” by fans, she has attracted so many people with a video of her storming out of her enclosure with a stick in her mouth, set to the tune of My Stupid Heart. Fans describe her as “sweet on the outside, savage at heart.”
Together, they’re Chongqing Zoo’s rising stars, like absolute celebrities. Whether together sneakily hiding milk bowls from their keepers or mirroring each other’s poses, their sibling bond melts hearts and brings a sense of joy and calm to panda lovers around the world.
Recommended Tour: 12 Days Shanghai-Yangtze River-Xian-Beijing Tour
12. Mang Can Can – Panda King of Car
Age: Born in 2023
Where does he live: Chongqing Zoo
Mang Cancan, also known as “Mang Xiao Wu,” (Xiao Wu means the fifth kid) is a male panda born at Chongqing Zoo. His name was chosen by the public his half-birthday. “Mang” is his family name and “Cancan” is his first name, which means bright and lively in Chinese. And it reflects his cheerful and high-energy personality.
Mang Cancan has captured millions hearts with his chubby face, endless curiosity, and playful spirit. He’s now one of the most popular pandas in the zoo, attracting crowds of fans daily and racking up millions of views online.
Nicknamed the “panda king of car,” Mang Cancan is especially known for his love of toy trucks. Videos of him confidently “driving” his little car have gone viral on the internet, earning him a loyal global fanbase.
Now he’s two years old and weighing nearly 80 kg, clearly he’s grown from a roly-poly cub into a strong young panda. However, his mischievous but also adorable nature remains—whether climbing trees, tumbling around, or showing off his latest moves, Mang Cancan continues to be Chongqing Zoo’s rising star.
Recommended Tour: 12 Days Shanghai-Yangtze River-Xian-Beijing Tour
13. Linglang’s Cub – First Panda Baby of 2025
Age: Born in 2025
Where do they live: Shenshuping Base, Wolong Panda Base
On the night of June 21, Linglang, a 7-year-old first-time panda mom, gave birth to a healthy cub at Wolong’s Shenshuping Base. The baby is the first panda born at the China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda in 2025.
Recommended Tour: 2 Days Wolong Panda Base Volunteer Tour
14. Nuomi – The Supermodel
Age: Born in 2018
Where does she live: Shenshuping Base, Wolong Panda Base
Nuomi is a female panda known for her snow-white fur, sweet face, and famously long legs
She has a playful and outgoing personality. She had once went viral with her former roommate Shunshun for a photo of both of them hilariously squished together in a tiny doorframe.
Recommended Tour: 2 Days Wolong Panda Base Volunteer Tour
15. Xiang Xiang – Princess Forever
Age: Born in 2017
Where does she live: Bifengxia Base, Ya’an (Returned from Ueno Zoo, Japan)
Xiang Xiang is a female panda born at Tokyo’s Ueno Zoo, where she spent over five and a half years before returning to China in 2023. Her name was chosen from over 320,000 public submissions. The one eventually be kept (Xiang Xiang) means “fragrance” and it reflects the deep affection Japanese people have for her.
During her time in Japan, Xiang Xiang became a national icon. Fans would line up as early as 3 a.m. just to catch a glimpse of her. And her birthdays were celebrated with giant banners and special events.
Known for her sweet face and calm nature, Xiang Xiang is a bit of a picky eater—especially when it comes to bamboo—but she absolutely loves apples. Now living at the China Conservation and Research Center in Ya’an, she continues to charm fans both old and new.
Related Reading: Bifengxia Panda Base – All You Should Know Before You Go
16. Qi Zai – The Precious Brown Treasure
Age: Born in 2009
Where does it live: Qinling Sibao Science Park, Xi’an, Shaanxi Province
Qi Zai is the only living brown-and-white giant panda in captivity. He was discovered as a frail, two-month-old cub in the forests of the Qinling Mountains and rescued by the Shaanxi Rare Wildlife Rescue Center. His light brown fur set him apart from the typical black-and-white pandas, earning him the nickname “Qi Zai” after the alien creature from the sci-fi movie CJ7.
Nicknamed the “chocolate panda,” Qi Zai remains one of the most beloved and unique pandas in the world as a true rarity and a national icon. Calm and gentle in nature, he has fathered several cubs, including Qin Hua, Ba Zai, and Rong Rong, however, all of whom inherited the classic black-and-white coat.
Related Reading:
- Xian Panda Tours: Intimate Giant Panda Encounters
- Where to See Panda Nearby Xian
- What is the Giant Panda?
- How to Plan a Panda Tour in China
New Celebrity Pandas in 2026
Name |
Year of Birth / Debut |
Location |
Short Intro |
Jia Jia |
born August 15, 2024 |
Ocean Park, Hong Kong |
One of Hong Kong’s first locally born panda cubs; officially named in 2025. |
De De |
born August 15, 2024 |
Ocean Park, Hong Kong |
Twin brother of Jia Jia; named together in 2025. |
Bao Li |
born 2021 |
Chengdu (now at National Zoo, Washington D.C.) |
Arrived in the U.S. and made public debut in Jan 2025. |
Qing Bao |
born September 12, 2021 |
Chengdu (now at National Zoo, Washington D.C.) |
Female panda currently displayed in Washington, debuted publicly 2025. |
FAQs about Panda Visiting in China
FAQs about Panda Visiting in China
Where is the best place to see pandas in China?
Chengdu and some places around Chengdu always provide the best chances for pandas tours. For example, there are Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, Dujiangyan Panda Base, Wolong Panda Base, and Bifengxia Panda Base. These bases allow visitors to observe pandas up close. You’ll be able to see them live freely in their naturalistic enclosures.
Which panda base is best for volunteers?
Wolong Panda Base and Dujiangyan Panda Base has the best volunteer programs. You can help with a lot of things that are designed to ensure pandas a pleasant day while learning also about panda conservation.
What is the best season or month to see newborn panda cubs?
It’s always rewarding to see cubs in late summer to early autumn (August–October). Since many panda are born in late summer, and soon they will become active enough for people to see in the following months.
How can I get to the panda bases (e.g., Dujiangyan or Wolong) from downtown Chengdu?
- Dujiangyan Panda Base: About 1 hour by car from downtown Chengdu.
- Wolong Panda Base: Around 2–3 hours by carfrom Chengdu
Can I guarantee seeing a specific celebrity panda during my visit?
No, pandas would roaming freely all day within their enclosures, so it’s basically a matter of luck for you to see specific pandas. Some bases may offer timed viewing sessions for popular pandas, but still, it depends on the pandas’ schedule and health.
How are famous pandas given their names?
Well, there are so many ways to choose their names, and usually it would be decided through a combination of public polls, official committees, and cultural significance. Names can often reflect this panda’s traits, birth dates, or wishes for his/her future.
Plan Your Panda Tour With China Xian Tour
Plan Your Panda Tour With China Xian Tour
Want to meet these adorable pandas in person? Let us help you plan a perfect China panda tour! Chinaxiantour is an local expert in providing tailor-made trips for decades. And China Xian Tour guarantees that all our trips will be paired with flexible itineraries, expert local guides, and exclusive experiences. We are confident in offering you the best experience of meeting China’s most beloved animals. Contact us today to start your personalized adventure!
