Chengdu’s Panda Week Boosts Tourism And Cultural Ties In Europe

Published on November 22, 2025

Chengdu is beginning a new chapter in tourism and cultural collaboration with Europe. Delegates from Chengdu Media Group, working with the Chengdu Administration of Culture, Sports and Tourism, worked on Chengdu’s tourism, culture, and sister-city partner municipality activities across France, Spain, Austria, and other countries in Europe during the Spring of 2025. The Delegates organized and participated in cultural exhibitions, concerts, and ephemeral activities that facilitate and promote understanding and collaboration between Chengdu and European cities.

Chengdu Panda Week Captivates European Audiences

The highlight of the delegation’s tour was the launch of Chengdu Panda Week, a series of events celebrating Chengdu’s unique panda cultural IP. This initiative took place across multiple European cities, including France, Belgium, Germany, and Austria, offering locals a glimpse of Chengdu’s rich cultural heritage through engaging activities like panda-themed parades and interactive dialogues focusing on culture, tourism, and ecology. The event also drew significant attention from over 300 guests from various political, economic, and artistic circles, reaching an audience of more than 100,000 people.

These cultural exhibitions highlighted Chengdu’s efforts to use its panda heritage as a bridge for tourism and cultural exchange. As Chengdu continues to leverage its globally recognised panda brand, the city’s tourism industry is poised for growth, with international visitors keen to experience its unique cultural and ecological offerings.

Chengdu’s Cultural Showcase in Vienna

The Chengdu delegation’s journey continued to Vienna, where the city’s reputation as a park city was showcased through a special photography exhibition at the Confucius Institute. The exhibition, titled Chengdu – A Park City, presented stunning visuals of Chengdu’s natural landscapes, historical landmarks, and vibrant urban life, resonating with local residents and students alike.

In addition to the exhibition, the Chengdu folk music ensemble CrazyFolk performed in Vienna’s most iconic locations, such as Schonbrunn Palace Square and Karntner Strabe. These musical flash mobs blended traditional Chinese instruments with Western sounds, offering a taste of Chengdu’s cultural diversity. These performances not only attracted crowds but also helped foster a deeper connection between the cities, further solidifying Chengdu’s position as a cultural hub with international appeal.

Strengthening Sister-City Ties in Madrid

Another key development in Chengdu’s growing European presence is the opening of the “Memories of Chengdu – International Sister City Promotion Centre” in Madrid. This new initiative aims to foster stronger ties between Chengdu and its European sister cities by providing a dedicated space for promoting cultural and tourism exchanges. The launch ceremony was supported by the recent introduction of a direct flight route between Chengdu and Madrid, making travel between the two cities more accessible than ever. The establishment of the promotion centre is seen as a milestone in enhancing collaboration across sectors, particularly in tourism, culture, and sports.

As part of the celebration, Chengdu presented two of its World Games mascots, Shubao and Jinzai, to local figures, reinforcing the symbolic connection between the two cities. This event was part of a broader strategy to connect Chengdu with its international sister cities, driving tourism and cultural partnerships that benefit both parties.

Impact of Chengdu’s European Tour on Tourism

The Chengdu delegation’s European tour is part of a broader effort to strengthen the city’s position as a premier global destination. Through its cultural and tourism initiatives, Chengdu is building stronger connections with international audiences, leveraging its unique offerings such as pandas, historic sites, and vibrant cultural traditions. The city’s focus on tourism, combined with enhanced air connectivity and ongoing people-to-people exchanges, promises to attract more international visitors in the coming years.

Chengdu’s proactive engagement with European cities through events like the Panda Week and sister-city promotions is helping to elevate the city’s global tourism profile. As these partnerships continue to evolve, Chengdu is well on its way to becoming a leading international tourism destination, drawing visitors eager to experience its blend of natural beauty, rich cultural history, and modern urban vitality.

Overview

Chengdu is Committed to Increasing its Tourism Opportunities due to Chengdu’s Global Tourism Focused Panda Heritage Chengdu has been uniting its individual cultural exchange relations with cities in Europe and setting Chengdu for European travelers seeking uniter cultural tourism to travel to.