By Chuan-X Panda
Published: June 22, 2025 15:45 PM
China's national treasure, giant pandas are native to China. They are mainly distributed across Sichuan, Shaanxi, and Gansu provinces. Among these, Sichuan ranks first in panda population size, earning Chengdu the title of "hometown of the giant panda." According to reports, by 2025, the number of wild giant pandas in Sichuan reached 1,387, accounting for over 73% of China’s and even the world’s total.
Influenced by their regional environments, pandas from different areas develop unique traits. So, what are Chengdu’s pandas like today? Chuan-X Panda has compiled the following characteristics — let’s explore how Chengdu’s spirit embody pandas:
1. The Gourmet Panda
Chengdu is known as the "Land of Abundance," rich in resources and culinary delights. Locals love food and know how to savor it. Sichuan cuisine, rooted in ancient Ba-Shu civilization, is one of China’s "Four Great Cuisines." Similarly, an adult pandas spend 12–16 hours a day eating, consuming 12–38 kg of bamboo. That's why they're always seen in videos munching on bamboo or peeling shoots!
2. The Leisurely Panda
Chengdu people embrace a "comfortable and leisurely" lifestyle — chatting with friends over meals and savoring slow living. This philosophy has made Chengdu "one of China’s happiest cities." Pandas here also relish their idyllic natural surroundings: strolling through forests, climbing trees to enjoy mountain views, or napping on branches. For example, Si Hai, a panda known for her relaxed demeanor and unique charm, was chosen to reside in Qatar’s panda pavilion, bringing joy to its people.
3. The Chivalrous Panda
Though pandas look adorable, they were historically called "iron-eating beasts" (食铁兽) for their formidable strength. Influenced by Shu culture, Chengdu’s people have always been warm, generous, and justice-driven. As a 3,000-year-old cultural hub, Chengdu thrives on Taoist and Buddhist traditions, alongside values of integrity and righteousness. This spirit inspires panda-themed creations like Kung Fu Panda or the "chivalrous panda"（Xiake Panda） archetype.
4. The Poetic Panda
Chengdu’s millennia-old charm has drawn poets like Li Bai, Du Fu, and Su Shi, who praised it as the "City of Brocade adorned with flowers." Nestled in the Western Sichuan Plains, Chengdu boasts landscapes like Qingcheng Mountain, Xiling Snow Mountain, and the Min River — majestic scenery that fuels poetic inspiration. Thus, Chengdu’s pandas aren’t just fleeting symbols; they are timeless icons rooted in this ancient land, embodying its history.
In essence, Chengdu’s pandas are more than mascots — they are cultural IPs shaped by the city’s landscapes, history, and lifestyle, bearing a distinctive Chengdu identity. They let locals and visitors alike savor the spicy, vibrant flavors of everyday life while experiencing the poetic charm of art and heritage.
Pics from Xiake Panda