Visitors flock to Zoo Atlanta to welcome giant pandas Ping Ping, Fu Shuang

China

Visitors flock to Zoo Atlanta to welcome giant pandas Ping Ping, Fu Shuang

2026-09-28 16:06 Last Updated At：16:39

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.

Beijing Capital Airport to handle over 1.6 mln passenger trips during National Day holiday

Beijing Capital International Airport, a primary international and domestic aviation gateway for China, is expected to handle more than 1.66 million passenger trips during the upcoming week-long National Day holiday, with inbound and outbound traffic continuing to climb due to the country's expanded visa-free policy.

According to airport authorities, the port is estimated to handle an average of over 230,000 passenger trips per day during the holiday period from Oct 1 to 7, as well as 9,448 flights, an average of 1,350 per day.

"For the holiday, travel demand to destinations like Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Chengdu, Chongqing, and Guiyang has been rising. The main popular international destinations include Bangkok, Singapore, Ho Chi Minh City, and Bali," said airport officer Du Tao.

In the meantime, international passenger flow at Beijing's customs remain at high levels, with the number of inbound and outbound travelers on constant increase.

"It is estimated that during the National Day holiday from October 1 to October 7, the number of traveler entries and exits at Beijing's ports will reach 511,000, of which 385,000 are expected at Beijing Capital International Airport and 126,000 at Beijing Daxing International Airport," said Yin Li, officer from the Beijing General Station of Exit and Entry Frontier Inspection.