The foremost zoo in south China's metropolis of Guangzhou has prepared a series of animal-themed activities to attract visitors from China and abroad ahead of the tourism boom expected for the upcoming Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day holiday.
The panda pavilion at the Guangzhou Zoo has been bustling with crowds of visitors eager to see the adorable giant panda Xing Yi since the zoo resumed operations after Typhoon Ragasa's impact on the city waned.
"We knew he would go to sleep around 10:00 after eating, so we came specially around 08:00 to see it. He happened to come out just then -- what a lovely surprise," said a local resident.
International tour groups have also visited to see Xing Yi. Many foreign tourists were captivated by the panda's endearing and playful antics.
Visitors from Iran and Hungary expressed delight when a reporter asked about their experience at viewing China's treasured bears.
In anticipation of China's National Games in November, which will be co-hosted Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macao, the zoo has also organized a series of animal sports-themed events and animal activities, allowing visitors to watch macaques jump from diving boards, giraffes attempt "high-altitude basketball shots," and Sulcata tortoises compete in slow-motion races.
Other fresh attractions include newly installed photo spots designed with Cantonese cultural elements, where visitors can pose as if having morning tea with animals including African lions and elephants.
"At the castle near the south gate, we've set up an 'Animal Tea Party' photo spot where everyone can take lots of great pictures. At the animal square, there's a 'pop-up point' for the African animal zone, where visitors can also learn about African wildlife and take photos," said Xu Jianlin, deputy head of the science education department at the Guangzhou Zoo.
The zoo's Guangdong Ocean World attraction will also launch exciting activities during the National Day holiday to welcome the National Games, including an "Ocean Animal National Games" and mermaid rhythmic gymnastics performances.
According to the organizers, "Bingbing the Clown," the mascot of Guangzhou Ocean World whose recent juggling performance video garnered over 50 million views on Chinese social media platforms, will also present shows for visitors.
Guangzhou Zoo prepares exciting animal activities ahead of National Day holiday
