A newly released video from China's famous panda capital shows two giant panda cubs cuddling, climbing and even engaging in a tiny tug-of-war as they grow up side by side.
The footage, filmed on Jan 9 at the Star Giant Panda Nursery House in a panda base from Chengdu, southwest China's Sichuan Province, features two bear cubs born in 2025 sharing their early days in peaceful and playful harmony.
One clip shows a panda cub lies comfortably stretched out on a tree branch, only to be joined moments later by a slow-climbing companion. The second cub carefully hoists itself up, settles in, and snuggles close, turning the branch into a cozy panda perch for two.
Another clip shows the pair pressed together on the grass, silently testing their strength in what looks like a miniature tug-of-war, gripping the same branch with their tiny teeth.
According to the research base, raising same-age panda cubs together is part of a practice known as "social enrichment," designed to encourage natural behaviors through appropriate interaction.
The Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding is a world-renowned institution for the conservation of giant pandas. The base is famous for its work in protecting and breeding giant pandas, red pandas and other endangered wild animal species unique to China, as well as its educational outreach programs. It is now a major tourist attraction for both domestic and overseas panda enthusiasts.
2 baby pandas caught on camera bonding, bickering with each other in China
As the Chinese New Year approaches, cities across China are bustling with festive markets, cultural fairs, and traditional activities, blending heritage with contemporary celebrations to welcome the Year of the Horse.
The Chinese New Year, or the Spring Festival, falls on Feb. 17 this year, and marks the beginning of the Year of the Horse.
In Guangzhou, south China's Guangdong Province, a cultural market featuring intangible cultural heritage items from across the country has opened, attracting over 60 master artisans. Visitors can explore local foods, traditional attire, and creative cultural products, immersing themselves in the lively pre-festival atmosphere.
"I could feel the strong Spring Festival vibe as soon as I entered. I got a 'fu' character (meaning blessing or good fortune) poster to take home and hang on my door for good luck. It's very auspicious," said You Zelin, a visitor.
Chaozhou City in Guangdong has also launched a themed event series, "City of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Daily Life," combining heritage exhibitions, hands-on activities, and cultural tourism to immerse visitors in the city's historical atmosphere.
Meanwhile, in Dali City of southwest China's Yunnan Province, a New Year market along the Erhai Lake ecological corridor is bustling with locals and tourists shopping for regional specialties, from agricultural products to Bai ethnic tie-dye items, roasted tea, and hand-brewed coffee.
"You can find everything here, and it's really lively. With Spring Festival around the corner, we came to pick up some holiday supplies," said a customer surnamed Zhu.
In Tianjin, a special "Children's Temple Fair" is allowing young participants to engage with traditional customs through hands-on activities like making velvet flowers, painting, and tasting local snacks, all designed to foster a deeper connection with cultural heritage.
Shanghai's Yuyuan Garden Lantern Festival is now lit, with displays running through the Lantern Festival on March 3. The festival has expanded beyond its traditional grounds to include six blocks stretching toward the Bund. This event features stunning lantern displays inspired by Tang dynasty horses and integrated with digital technology, offering a seamless blend of traditional craftsmanship and modern artistry.
From cultural markets and lakeside bazaars to children's fairs and radiant lantern shows, these diverse celebrations reflect the vibrant and evolving ways in which communities nationwide are ushering in the Chinese New Year.
Traditional crafts, lanterns light up Chinese New Year festivities nationwide
