Two giant pandas back from abroad draw crowds in their Sichuan home county

Two giant pandas returned to Beichuan Qiang Autonomous County in southwestern China's Sichuan Province, after living in Australia and Malaysia, and have attracted a new wave of local visitors.

The pandas, Wang Wang and Sheng Yi, made their public debut on Saturday at the Beichuan Giant Panda Zoo and Botanical Garden. As tourists praised them and cameras clicked away, the two pandas leisurely enjoyed fresh bamboo branches.

"Wang Wang and Sheng Yi are very cute. They are so chubby and walk in a wobbly manner," said Wang Shu, a tourist.

To celebrate the arrival of the pandas and encourage spending, the local tourism department has launched a seasonal event focused on consumption. This event features activities centered around giant pandas, including the Panda Cultural Festival, Panda Food Week, and Panda Shopping Month. These initiatives aim to promote a deeper integration of culture and tourism.

During the consumption season, the relevant departments also launched a benefit package: all paid A-level tourist attractions in Beichuan will offer a 50-percent discount on tickets from June 28 to August 31. Additionally , there will be a 20 percent shopping discount on the purchase of intangible cultural heritage cultural and creative products.

"The Beichuan Panda Zoo has a very big event this time. Tickets are 50 percent off, and the food here is also very delicious at an affordable price," said Wang Zhen, another tourist.

Two giant pandas back from abroad draw crowds in their Sichuan home county

Beijing City is intensifying its efforts to enhance public well-being in response to the growing demand from residents for more flexible services.

Starting Jan. 1, 2026, the Beijing Government Service Center will offer select high-demand personal services on weekends and most public holidays, including vehicle and driver's license processing, certificate applications, passport services, and other frequently used services.

"This year, we received feedback from residents and made targeted adjustments, including setting up a 24-hour self-service area and reorganizing service counters, to make the process simpler and more efficient," said Yan Dongdong, director of Beijing Municipal Government Service Center.

Most services can now be handled online, with offline assistance also available, significantly reducing waiting time at service counters.

"There used to be long lines. Now, once we arrive, things are handled very quickly," said a Beijing resident.

"I made an appointment online. Everything was done smoothly and quickly when I arrived here," said another Beijing resident.

The center now brings together 60 government departments, offering more than 2,300 services in one location, making public services more accessible and efficient.

The center has also introduced reading services and exhibition areas for cultural displays, expanding its role as a more open and people-centered public space.

Beijing expands government service hours to meet public demand