South Africans experienced the joy of the Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival this weekend, taking part in cross-cultural learning experiences at a grand outdoor event in Pretoria.
The 2026 China-South Africa Mid-Autumn Cultural Exchange Festival concluded on Sunday in the capital city. The festival is a key cultural event of the 2026 China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges, which aims to bring local communities together to celebrate cultural diversity and friendship.
The two-day event was free and open to the public throughout the weekend, offering local people a glimpse into the meaning of the holiday, which traditionally falls on the 15th day of the eighth month in the Chinese lunar calendar, marking the harvest season. At the festival in Pretoria, visitors were invited to "make wishes to the moon" in celebration.
Also featured were an African ethnic culture exhibition, a Chinese food zone, and interactive programs showing intangible cultural heritage.
"It's amazing to see Chinese people and South Africans coming together as a unity and get to express the cultural values. We tried a lot of our food, new foods, tried new stuff. And even the tea that they sell over there. It was amazing. And for me personally, I had a nice experience," said a local young man visiting the festival.
Mooncake tastings, calligraphy sessions and other hands-on activities attracted local residents as well as members of the Chinese community living in South Africa, with performances of dance and music adding to the festive atmosphere.
"I feel it's good for us youths to enjoy and experience such new cultures, learn different cultures. It's a very awesome experience for me. Well, the dancers are impressive, the music is lovely. And I just enjoy everything," another local festival attendee said.
Organizers said they will continue to use traditional holidays as a platform to build more people-to-people exchange opportunities and further strengthen mutual understanding between South Africans and Chinese communities.
Chinese holiday festival brings cross-cultural glee to South African capital
Giant pandas Ping Ping and Fu Shuang arrived in Atlanta on Sunday morning, drawing visitors who made special trips to Zoo Atlanta to welcome them -- even though the pair will not be able to meet the public right away.
The pair departed from China's Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport in southwest China's Sichuan Province on a chartered flight at 02:55 on Sunday.
As planned, Ping Ping and Fu Shuang will stay in the United States for 10 years as part of a cooperative research program for giant panda conservation.
Upon their arrival, zoo visitors were filled with excitement. Many Atlanta residents still remember the panda family that previously stayed at the zoo before returning in 2024.
"I saw them. I got to see them one time when they were here last time and we're excited. It's my wife's favorite animal, so she'll be very excited to have an opportunity to see him because she wasn't here last time, she didn't get to see him," said a visitor.
"I'm really excited. We managed to catch the last ones before they left, so I'm glad they're coming back, especially with our baby here, Rena. I'm excited to show her the pandas when they are available to see," said another visitor.
Ping Ping, the male panda born on March 17, 2020, is easily recognizable due to his large, dark eye rims. His name, together with that of his brother An'an, comes from the wish for them to be safe and sound throughout their lives. He has a stocky build, moves nimbly, and has demonstrated proficiency in climbing trees, often resting among the branches.
Fu Shuang, the female panda born on October 18, 2020, is characterized by a small tuft of fluffy fur on her head and a full, protruding forehead. Her name comes from her mother, Fu Lu, and carries the meaning of both fortune and prosperity. With a round appearance, she is quick to react and very capable of foraging for food.
According to the Chinese side, both Chinese and U.S. veterinarians and keepers conducted a joint examination and confirmed that the two pandas are in good health. They have begun a routine quarantine period of about one month before making their debut to the public.
Visitors flock to Zoo Atlanta to welcome giant pandas Ping Ping, Fu Shuang
