Chinese Embassy in the US Hosts the “Pandaversary Night” Reception with the Smithsonian’s National Zoo
2022/08/25 22:00

On the evening of August 24, Chinese Embassy in the US held the “Pandaversay Night” reception with the Smithsonian’s National Zoo to celebrate the 50th anniversary of giant pandas’ arrival in the United States. The reception featured a special viewing of the documentary “The Miracle Panda”. Ambassador Qin Gang delivered remarks, and more than 300 guests from various sectors of American society and diplomats of the Chinese Embassy attended the reception.

In his remarks, Ambassador Qin said, Giant pandas are so adorable that they are people’s favorite and a go-to choice when they visit the Zoo. Numerous people watch them on PandaCam with great interest every day. Giant pandas are worthy ambassadors. The story of giant pandas carries great significance. 50 years ago, Ling Ling and Hsing Hsing joined the big family of the National Zoo. Year by year, giant pandas have become an icon of mutual appreciation and friendship between the two peoples. In particular, the arrival of Xiao Qi Ji two years ago has brought us a happy surprise. The name Xiao Qi Ji itself, which literally means “little miracle”, shows how much we appreciate it and what best wishes we have for it. Last Sunday, we just celebrated his 2nd birthday, and this coming Saturday will be his dad Tian Tian’s 25th birthday. From giant pandas, we are always inspired to get onward and upward, and we always find a source of joy and hope.

Ambassador Qin said, pandas made in the U.S. are not only limited to Xiao Qi Ji. We also have Kung Fu Panda. Kung Fu Panda is one of my favorite movies. I still remember a line from it: Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, but today is a gift, that is why it’s called present! At present, we get together to cherish the wonderful gift of panda. We need more pandas, and we also need more “panda-huggers”.

Deputy Secretary and Chief Operating Officer of the Smithsonian Institution Meroe Park thanked the Chinese Embassy for hosting the event, and said in her remarks that cooperation between the two sides over the past 50 years has turned the passion for pandas into true conservation. The documentary “The Miracle Panda” tells a terrific story starting in Washington DC and takes people on a journey to China. It is hoped that there will be another 50 years of cooperation on giant panda conservation.

At the event, guests watched “The Miracle Panda”, a documentary about Xiao Qi Ji’s birth and growth at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and the productive cooperation between China and the US on giant panda conservation, followed by a virtual tour of China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda where Tai Shan, Bao Bao and Bei Bei, the three pandas born in Washington DC, now live. There was also a live connection with Professor Li Desheng, Deputy Director and Chief Scientist of China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda. Then two American panda experts shared their stories about Xiao Qi Ji and his brothers and sister.

At the last part, Ambassador Qin presented a Certificate of Recognition to Dr. Brandie Smith, Director of the Smithsonian’s National Zoo, in honor of its contribution to China-US cooperation on giant panda conservation.

The elements of panda were ubiquitous at the event. Hundreds of stuffed giant pandas and panda-themed cultural products made the event a genuine “Pandaversary Night”. Guests were in high spirits and took photos with the plush panda mascot, making the event lively and interactive.

In February 1972, the government of China gave a pair of giant pandas to the US as a gift when President Richard Nixon visited China. On April 16 of the same year, giant pandas Ling-Ling and Hsing-Hsing arrived at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo. US First Lady Pat Nixon attended the ceremony to dedicate the Panda House. Over 8,000 Americans greeted Ling-Ling and Hsing-Hsing on their arrival, and more than one million people visited them in the first month of their public appearance. Over the years, the cooperation between Chinese and American scientists on giant panda conservation and research has yielded great results. The “Pandaversary Night” put a successful end to a series of celebrations for the 50th anniversary of giant pandas’ arrival in the United States.



Embassy of the People's Republic of China in the United States of America
3505 International Place, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20008 U.S.A.
Tel: +1-202-495-2266
Fax: +1-202-495-2138
E-mail: chinaembpress_us@mfa.gov.cn

Visa Office
Address: 2201 Wisconsin Avenue, N.W. Suite 110, Washington, D.C. 20007
Tel: +1 202-855-1555 (12:30-16:30, Monday to Friday, except for holidays)
Fax: +1 202-525-2056
Email for Passport and Travel Document Application: washington_hz@csm.mfa.gov.cn
Email for Authentication Application: washington_gzrz@csm.mfa.gov.cn
Email for Visa Application: washington_visa@csm.mfa.gov.cn