Uncontrolled Excitement in Hong Kong: Newborn Panda Twins Captivate Residents, Starting a Mass Frenzy
Toss Out the Dim Sum and Selfies, It's All About the Pandas Now!
Hong Kong's hottest attraction isn't that traditional dim sum or stunning skyline anymore—it's the city's first-ever giant panda twins, creating quite the backlash and lifting hearts globally! Dubbed "Pandamania," Hong Kong is riding high on this panda craze, powering a government-backed strategy dubbed "Pandastic Hong Kong" to restore and rebrand its global tourism appeal after the pandemic.
The adorable cubs, born in August 2024 to resident panda Ying Ying, made their first public appearance on 16 February at Ocean Park. Ying Ying, now nearly 19 years old, set a record as the oldest first-time panda mother and caused quite a stir internationally.
While the cubs were affectionately known as "Sister" and "Brother," a public naming contest took place, with the final names unveiled in the first half of the year. These cubs aren't just winning hearts—they're reviving an entire economy!
Since the announcement of their debut, Ocean Park bookings surged by 20%, with international visitors accounting for a staggering 75% of new reservations. With interest skyrocketing, Ocean Park now offers premium panda-viewing sessions and tailor-made visitor experiences, making it a key player in Hong Kong's traveling revival.
Editor-in-Chief of India's renowned food and travel platform Curly Tales, Ms Kamiya Jani, got a taste of Hong Kong's "Pandamania" when she and her daughter Ziana visited Ocean Park in March. The duo caught the cute cubs crawling through trees, nibbling bamboo, and frolicking around like only pandas can. Unable to handle the overwhelming cuteness, the mother-daughter duo snapped selfies with AI pandas and took home panda souvenirs.
"Witnessing pandas up close was simply magical. A family of pandas swinging, munching, and laughing—it's an experience that Ziana and I will always treasure. Their antics made our visit even more special," shared Ms Kamiya.
But the pandas aren't just confined to the park—they've taken over the city!
From panda-themed trains and subway stations to 3D-printed mailboxes, Hong Kong is launching a city-wide panda campaign. In collaboration with Hong Kong Post, 49 panda-themed mailboxes will pop up across districts, starting with Causeway Bay and the Southern District.Each 3D-printed design features local landmarks and cultural motifs, inviting visitors to explore the city through a panda-inspired lens.
Panda mania has also spread across the city, with a whimsical sculpture exhibition featuring 2,500 pandas and panda mascots appearing at high-traffic zones, including Hong Kong International Airport, Star Ferry Pier, and MTR stations.
With more surprises in store, the pandas are taking Hong Kong by storm!
Stay tuned for the 2025 Sun Life Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Races, when the twin cubs, their family, and pandas from across the city will don traditional Tuen Ng costumes and make surprise appearances at the Avenue of Stars from 31 May to 8 June.
The main event, though, is the twins' first birthday in August as part of Hong Kong's "Summer Viva" campaign. Expect exclusive Ocean Park events, global livestreams, birthday gifts, and even a VIP "Panda Chauffeur" service. Tailor-made vacation packages featuring hotels, park tickets, and dining options will be offered to elevate the tourist experience.
Visitors worldwide can plan their "panda pilgrimage" with the help of a dedicated "Panda Extravaganza" section on DiscoverHongKong.com.
With six giant pandas, one of the largest populations outside mainland China, Hong Kong is establishing itself not just as a travel destination but as a “Panda Capital” in its own right. Pandas are putting Hong Kong on the map, boosting local pride, and generating headlines worldwide.
So, fasten your seatbelts—it's going to be a Pandastic year in Hong Kong!
About Curly TalesCurly Tales is India's leading food, travel, and lifestyle platform founded by Kamiya Jani. The platform offers content designed to inspire and inform viewers, focusing on food, travel, and unique experiences across India and beyond.
- The adorable panda twins born in Hong Kong have sparked a global trend named "Pandamania," which is significantly contributing to the city's economic revival by attracting more tourists to Ocean Park.
- The event scene in Hong Kong has been invigorated by the twin pandas, as they are anticipated to don traditional Tuen Ng costumes at the 2025 Sun Life Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Races and celebrate their first birthday with special events during the "Summer Viva" campaign.
- Going beyond tourism, Hong Kong has launched a city-wide panda campaign, decorating subway stations, trains, and installing 3D-printed panda-themed mailboxes across districts to immerse visitors in a pandemonium of panda-inspired attractions.
- While panda mania has captured the hearts of tourists and locals alike, the city's global appeal extends beyond pandas, making it a celebrated destination for various aspects of life, from sports events and lifestyle experiences to home-and-garden escapades and entertainment offerings.
