The population of giant pandas, China's beloved mascot, is growing stably thanks to an improving environment of their habitats in wake of the country's conservation efforts, according to sources with the National Forestry and Grassland Administration.
Giant pandas are a national treasure of China and a flagship species of global biodiversity protection.
In October 2021, the country set up a Giant Panda National Park spanning its southwestern province of Sichuan and northwestern provinces of Shaanxi and Gansu, protecting more than 70 percent of the wild giant pandas in the nation. More than 1,300 wild giant pandas live in the park which covers some 22,000 square kilometers. In interviews with China Central Television, staff members of the park said their encounters with wild giant pandas are becoming more and more frequent in recent years, and that they even had to use drones to capture the footage of five different giant pandas at the same location in one month in Gansu.
"According to our latest monitoring data, the number of giant pandas monitored in the scope of key areas has risen by 50 compared with four years ago, which shows that the population of giant pandas is going up steadily, and the isolation of small populations is continuing to ease," said Yang Zhisong, deputy head of Sichuan Giant Panda Research Institute.
Population of giant pandas in China grows in better living environment: authorities
Various activities were held worldwide to celebrate the upcoming Chinese New Year, or the Spring Festival, which falls on Jan 29 this year.
Recently, the Chinese Consulate General in Niigata of Japan, in collaboration with the Gansu Provincial Song and Dance Theater, delivered a spectacular visual feast for the overseas Chinese and Japanese audiences in Sendai.
The performance, featuring the elements of Dunhuang culture and the history and culture of the Tang Dynasty, attracted about 2,000 spectators. Many Japanese people praised the colorful Chinese culture and expressed their hope to go to China to see with their own eyes and understand Chinese culture and traditional Chinese festivals such as the Spring Festival.
"It's the first time I've seen such a performance. It's so gorgeous. I'm really touched. This Spring Festival event is also an opportunity for Japan and China to further develop friendly relations. If there is any chance for a performance like this in the future, I would like to come and watch it. I also really want to travel to China now," said a Japanese audience member.
"Happy to know that cultural heritage like the Spring Festival was included on the Representative List of Human Intangible Cultural Heritage, I think it's great to be able to celebrate such a festival in Japan. I really hope everyone can take a look and learn about the Spring Festival," said another audience member.
"We want to invite performers from Gansu Provincial Song and Dance Theater to present Dunhuang-themed music and dance which is full of Silk Road cultural elements. This will allow local people to see the mutual learning between Chinese and Japanese civilizations," said Cui Weilei, Consul-General of China in Niigata.
Budapest's Chinatown was alive with energy on Saturday as the streets were filled with music, dance, and the aroma of traditional Chinese delicacies during a two-day Spring Festival celebration.
The "Happy Chinese New Year" Temple Fair brought together numerous visitors and performers to usher in the upcoming Year of the Snake. They enjoyed the magnificent dragon and lion dances, ethnic performances, sugar-figure blowing, calligraphy demonstrations, and the unique experience of wearing traditional attire Hanfu.
"We come here because we have a deep appreciation for Chinese culture and Chinese traditions, and a special interest in Chinese music. I think the most important part of Chinese culture is Chinese food because the best way to bring people from all over the world together is to sit around a table and eat together," said a resident in Budapest.
Colorful celebrations and Spring Festival receptions were also held at many Chinese embassies and consulates around the world.
By showcasing Spring Festival customs and intangible cultural heritage, these events allowed local communities to experience the festive vibes of the Spring Festival up close.
In Dubai, over 1,000 performers and artists from around the world came together to blend traditional Chinese culture with modern art through a rich variety of performances, drawing a large number of audience. The airing of the Spring Festival Gala promotional video by China Media Group also became a highlight of the evening.
A reception was held Wednesday evening in Cairo by the Chinese embassy in Egypt to celebrate the upcoming Spring Festival.
Around 600 attendees including Zhang Tao, charge d'affaires of the Chinese embassy, Ahmed Shaheen, Egyptian assistant foreign minister for Asia-Pacific, Australia, and New Zealand affairs, representatives of the Egyptian government and people from all walks of life were gathered.
"On the occasion of the coming of the Spring Festival, I would like to send my sincerest wishes to dear Chinese friends," said Shaheen in a speech.
Celebrations ring in Chinese New Year worldwide