Chinese shares close higher Monday

Chinese stocks closed higher on Monday, with the benchmark Shanghai Composite Index up 2.07 percent to 3,284.32 points.

The Shenzhen Component Index closed 2.65 percent higher at 10,327.4 points.

The ChiNext Index, tracking China's Nasdaq-style board of fast-growing enterprises, gained 2.6 percent to close at 2,155.4 points.

The combined turnover of the Shanghai and Shenzhen bourses reached 1.65 trillion yuan, a slight increase of 3.92 percent from Friday's 1.59 trillion yuan. Turnover on the Shanghai Stock Exchange stood at 701.499 billion yuan, and the Shenzhen Stock Exchange saw 933.486 billion yuan in trades.

Leading industry sectors included ground defense equipment, black home appliances, and vertical application software, among others.

Adorable panda cubs born in 2024 were recently filmed engaging in playful activities at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding in southwest China's Sichuan Province.

The footage was captured at the base's Moonlight Delivery House and Star Giant Panda Nursery House.

In one scene, two baby pandas slowly glided down a slide while being accompanied by their attentive zoo-keeper.

In another clip, an energetic panda cub clung to a horizontal bar, teetering as it turned, only to be deftly steadied by its vigilant keeper.

These recreational activities are designed to enhance the behavior and quality of life of giant pandas in captivity. By encouraging more natural behaviors, these efforts help promote their overall health both mentally and physically.

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.