Chengdu’s 2025 Panda Carnival Gala Ushers in a New Era of Hope for Giant Panda Conservation and Unites the World in Cultural Harmony

Published on November 25, 2025

In Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan Province, China, the 2025 Panda Carnival Gala took center stage as part of the Global Panda Partners Conference. Held on November 21, 2025, this unique event showcased not only advancements in giant panda conservation but also the city’s rich cultural heritage. The gala, which highlighted the conservation progress of the giant pandas, is also an important reminder of the role Chengdu plays as a leader in both wildlife conservation and cultural tourism. This celebration of pandas is not just a tribute to China’s national treasure but a means to strengthen international cultural exchanges while promoting sustainable tourism in the region.

Key Highlights:

• 2025 Panda Carnival Gala showcased panda conservation efforts and cultural performances.
• Giant panda population now totals 808 individuals as part of successful conservation efforts.
• Chengdu offers pandacentric cultural tourism with activities for both wildlife enthusiasts and cultural explorers.
• The event featured Sichuan opera, modern street dance, AIGC short films, and live musical performances.
• Mengniu Ruibuen’s conservation efforts supported the preservation of pandas, including the mother-daughter pair Rui Rui and En En.

Chengdu’s Role in Giant Panda Conservation

Chengdu has become synonymous with the giant panda conservation movement, playing a pivotal role in the protection and breeding of these endangered species. The China Conservation and Research Center for Giant Pandas, located in Chengdu, provides a glimpse into the rigorous conservation efforts underway. The 2025 Panda Carnival Gala shed light on the tireless work done to monitor and care for the pandas, including the daily routines of mother-and-daughter pandas, Rui Rui and En En. This gala emphasized the crucial work being done in the city to ensure the future of giant pandas and their habitats, making Chengdu a global center for panda conservation.

Panda Conservation Milestones:

• The giant panda’s status has improved from endangered to vulnerable due to successful conservation efforts.
• 808 giant pandas now live in both the wild and captive breeding programs.
• Sichuan Province’s habitat optimization has enhanced panda sustainability.

Cultural Tourism in Chengdu: A Blend of Tradition and Modernity

Chengdu, known for its rich cultural heritage, offers a seamless fusion of traditional culture and modernity, attracting travelers from around the globe. The Panda Carnival Gala was an example of how Chengdu uses its cultural assets to engage with visitors. The event’s cultural programming was a key component, blending traditional Sichuan opera face-changing with street dance performances, modern AIGC short films featuring panda mascots, and local food promotions. These performances bridged the old and the new, showcasing Sichuan’s rich artistic culture while embracing innovative technologies. For visitors, this combination provided an opportunity to experience both local heritage and contemporary creativity, all centered around the giant panda.

Chengdu’s Cultural Attractions:

• Sichuan opera face-changing: A traditional performing art unique to the region.
• Street dance performances: Modern performances adding a youthful vibe to the city’s cultural scene.
• AIGC short films: Showcasing innovative use of technology and panda-themed narratives.
• Food promotions: Showcasing the region’s rich culinary heritage and local creators.

International Cultural Exchange and Partnerships

One of the major goals of the Panda Carnival Gala was to foster international cultural exchange. The event brought together corporate partners, financial supporters, and various stakeholders from across the globe, highlighting long-term collaboration in panda conservation. Mengniu Ruibuen, a corporate partner, showcased its public welfare projects aimed at supporting panda protection, including the sponsorship of Rui Rui and En En. This effort highlights the role of corporations in conservation, emphasizing the growing role of brand-driven conservation initiatives.

International Support for Panda Conservation:

• Mengniu Ruibuen’s continued support for panda conservation with a refreshed image for their national-treasure IP.
• Global collaborations featured corporate social responsibility efforts alongside cultural and conservation-driven goals.

Chengdu as a Destination for Sustainable Tourism

Chengdu’s commitment to sustainable tourism is evident in the Panda Carnival Gala, which encouraged travelers to visit and experience the city’s natural wonders while contributing to the region’s conservation goals. By combining cultural tourism with environmental stewardship, Chengdu is setting an example for other cities around the world. Visitors to Chengdu have the opportunity to engage with nature through panda-themed tours while also enjoying the cultural vibrancy that the city has to offer. As one of China’s most innovative tourism destinations, Chengdu is perfectly positioned to lead the charge in sustainable, conservation-focused tourism.

Sustainable Tourism in Chengdu:

• Panda-themed tours focus on both environmental education and cultural engagement.
• Efforts to reduce the environmental impact of tourism while promoting wildlife conservation.
• Integration of cultural performances and eco-friendly practices during events.

A Night to Remember: The Gala’s Closing Ceremony

The Panda Carnival Gala concluded with a memorable mass rendition of “We Are Pandas“, a symbolic song celebrating the global significance of giant pandas. The performance was a fitting end to an evening that showcased the city’s ongoing commitment to panda conservation and cultural heritage. Visitors, conservationists, and global partners came together to celebrate a shared commitment to the future of the panda, a symbol of China’s natural treasures. The night underscored the importance of the panda as a cultural icon and highlighted Chengdu’s role in shaping global conservation efforts.

Highlights from the Gala’s Closing Ceremony:

• “We Are Pandas”: A mass rendition symbolizing global unity for panda conservation.
• Cultural performances: A blend of Sichuan opera, modern music, and dance.

Conclusion: Chengdu’s Global Role in Panda Conservation and Cultural Tourism

The 2025 Panda Carnival Gala in Chengdu served as a reminder of the city’s dedication to preserving the giant panda while simultaneously promoting cultural tourism. With continued advancements in panda conservation, the city’s efforts contribute to the broader goal of sustainable tourism that connects visitors to the region’s wildlife, culture, and natural beauty. Chengdu has firmly established itself as a hub for conservation efforts, while also offering unique opportunities for tourists to immerse themselves in both the traditional and modern aspects of Sichuan culture. As the city continues to grow, it remains a leading example of how conservation and tourism can go hand in hand to benefit both nature and culture.