Hong Kong SAR Chief Executive John Lee departed on Sunday for Southwest China’s Sichuan Province to make arrangements for a pair of giant pandas that the central government has decided to gift to Hong Kong. According to officials, the pandas could arrive in the city within two to three months.
Lee, along with several Hong Kong officials, will visit the Dujiangyan Base of the China Conservation and Research Centre for the Giant Panda. During their visit, they will be briefed on the preparatory work required to receive the new pandas. The announcement of the pandas’ forthcoming arrival was made on the 27th anniversary of Hong Kong’s return to the motherland on July 1.
There is a longstanding desire in Hong Kong to see giant pandas born in the city, and officials will convey this wish to mainland authorities. Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism Kevin Yeung expressed confidence that the central government will select the most suitable pair for Hong Kong.
The new pandas will reside in Ocean Park Hong Kong, which is modifying its facilities to accommodate the pandas’ habits. The quarantine process for the pandas will take about one month, and their arrival will depend on their mental and physical health.
Following the announcement of the pandas’ impending arrival, netizens began suggesting names for the pair, including “Guo Guo and An An” (national security), “Bin Bin and Fen Fen” (splendid), and “Zhi Zhi and Xing Xing” (prosperity). Previous generations of giant pandas in Hong Kong, such as An An and Jia Jia, had their names decided before their arrival, while Ying Ying and Le Le were named through a public voting process.
Chan Yung, vice chair of the Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong, highlighted that the pandas’ arrival could boost Hong Kong’s economy and attract panda lovers from around the world. He noted that if the pandas arrive around the National Day holidays, it would bring even greater joy.
The HKSAR delegation will also discuss further cooperation to develop the “panda economy” and promote cultural and tourism integration in the Greater Bay Area during their visit to Sichuan. This initiative is expected to enhance Hong Kong’s economic development and strengthen regional ties.
The arrival of the new giant pandas in Hong Kong is eagerly anticipated, with preparations well underway to ensure they settle comfortably into their new home at Ocean Park. This move is set to bring both economic benefits and increased tourism to the region.