Giant Panda Fever Grips Chongqing: Thousands Flock to Zoo for Adorable Encounters

A Furry Sensation in the Mountain City

On the morning of February 24, 2026, a crisp Tuesday in southwest China’s Chongqing Municipality, a familiar yet ever-enchanting scene unfolded. Against a backdrop of lush greenery and misty hills, a giant panda sat nestled among fresh stalks of bamboo, systematically peeling and crunching through its morning meal. This simple act of dining, performed with the characteristic "panda poise," was enough to draw gasps of delight from hundreds of onlookers gathered at the Chongqing Zoo.

Picture: english.news.cn

The giant panda has long been the crown jewel of China’s wildlife conservation efforts, but in early 2026, the fervor has reached new heights. As tourism in the "Mountain City" continues to surge, the zoo’s panda pavilion has become an essential pilgrimage site for both domestic travelers and international wildlife enthusiasts.

Why Giant Pandas Attract Tourists at Chongqing Zoo

Chongqing Zoo, located in the Jiulongpo District, is not just any animal park. It is a world-class facility that houses one of the largest populations of captive giant pandas in China outside of Sichuan province. The attraction's success in 2026 can be attributed to several factors that combine natural charm with modern visitor experiences.

The Allure of the "National Treasure"

For many visitors, the giant panda represents the ultimate symbol of peace and nature. Seeing them in person—watching their slow, deliberate movements and their seemingly permanent "smiles"—provides a "serotonin boost" that digital screens simply cannot replicate.

Modernized Enclosures and Habitat Simulation

Following major renovations completed in late 2025, the panda house now features upgraded environmental controls. The enclosures utilize:

• Naturalistic Landscapes: Artificial hills, ponds, and climbing structures that mimic the high-altitude forests of the Minshan and Qionglai Mountains.
• Climate Control: High-end air conditioning and dehumidifiers ensure the pandas remain active and comfortable even as Chongqing’s weather fluctuates.
• Unobstructed Viewing: Scientific layout designs have eliminated "blind spots," allowing tourists to get clear, close-up photos of the bears without disturbing them.

Star Residents: Meeting the Chongqing Panda Family

While every panda is a star, some individuals at Chongqing Zoo have gained "internet celebrity" status. The year 2026 has seen a particular interest in the lineage of Er Shun, a female giant panda who returned to Chongqing after a high-profile stay at the Calgary Zoo in Canada.

The Famous Twins and Local Favorites

• Er Shun: A veteran mother and a symbol of international conservation cooperation.
• Yu Ke and Yu Ai: A pair of twins known for their playful wrestling matches that often go viral on social media platforms like TikTok and Weibo.
• Mang Cancan: Often seen "driving" wooden toy cars or playing with enrichment items, this young male is a favorite for families with children.

The Economic Impact of Panda Tourism in 2026

The influx of "panda pilgrims" has a tangible impact on the local economy. In 2024, the zoo recorded 8.5 million visitors; by early 2026, that number is projected to surpass 9 million annually.

Cultural-Creative Industry Growth

The Chongqing Zoo Market has become a destination in its own right. Tourists aren't just looking at pandas; they are buying:

1. Panda-themed Apparel: Scarves, T-shirts, and hats featuring stylized local pandas.
2. IP Merchandise: High-quality plush toys and keychains modeled after specific zoo residents like Mang Cancan.
3. Themed Dining: The newly opened "CDOO Coffee" allows guests to sip lattes while overlooking the panda enclosure, blending leisure with wildlife observation.

Regional Tourism Synergy

The "Panda Effect" extends beyond the zoo gates. Travelers visiting for the pandas often stay to explore other Chongqing icons, such as the Hongyadong stilted buildings, the Yangtze River Cableway, and the world-famous Chongqing Hot Pot.

Travel Guide: Visiting the Pandas in 2026

To get the most out of a visit to the Chongqing Zoo, timing and strategy are everything. Giant pandas are notoriously sleepy during the heat of the day, making early morning visits essential.

Best Time for Panda Sightings

The golden window for activity is between 8:30 AM and 10:30 AM. This is when keepers provide fresh bamboo, and the pandas are most likely to be active, climbing, or interacting with one another.

• Morning Feeding: 9:00 AM.
• Afternoon Activity: 2:30 PM – 4:00 PM.

Visitor Tips for International Tourists

• Transport: Take the Chongqing Rail Transit (CRT) Line 2 to the Zoo (Dongwuyuan) Station. It’s the most efficient way to navigate the city's unique topography.
• Tickets: Entry is approximately 25 RMB during peak season. It is highly recommended to book via official WeChat channels or international travel platforms to avoid long queues.
• Footwear: Wear comfortable walking shoes. The zoo covers over 45 hectares (111 acres) of hilly terrain.

Conservation and Education: More Than Just a Show

While the tourists come for the "cuteness," the underlying mission of the Chongqing Zoo is conservation. As a national science education base, the zoo plays a critical role in the Giant Panda National Park initiative.

Through interactive exhibits and "Science Classrooms" (held daily between 10:00 AM and 11:00 AM), visitors learn about:

• Biodiversity: The importance of preserving the bamboo forests that support not just pandas, but also red pandas and golden monkeys.
• Breeding Programs: How the zoo contributes to the genetic diversity of the captive panda population.
• Sustainability: The zoo’s recent "rain-and-sewage separation" project highlights its commitment to a green, sustainable urban ecosystem.

"Giant pandas are the bridge that connects the public to the broader concept of environmental stewardship," says a local conservationist. "When people fall in love with a panda at the zoo, they are more likely to care about the wild forests of southwest China."

Conclusion: A Must-Visit Destination in Southwest China

The sight of a giant panda enjoying bamboo at Chongqing Zoo on Feb. 24, 2026, is a testament to the enduring appeal of these magnificent creatures. By blending world-class animal welfare with an immersive tourist experience, Chongqing has solidified its place as a premier destination for wildlife lovers.

Whether you are a professional photographer looking for the perfect shot of a cub in the morning mist or a family seeking a "therapeutic" afternoon in the park, the giant pandas of Chongqing offer an experience that is as educational as it is heart-warming.

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