Pandas shape China's global image, boost tourism

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠More than just cuddly creatures, pandas are serving as China's charming cultural ambassadors, boosting tourism both domestically and internationally.

A panda sanctuary in southwest China's Chongqing Municipality is welcoming visitors to meet its 23 furry residents, captivating both locals and tourists alike.

Visitors are flocking to the zoo to catch a glimpse of the famous twin pandas, Yu Ke and Yu Ai, and the newest addition, the charming cub Qi San Mei, born in June.

“(I love) both Yu Ke and Yu Ai,” said Huang Yi, a local tourist.

“I saw Qi San Mei on a short video platform. She is so cute that I came to take a look at her with my own eyes,” said Xu Sicong, another tourist.

“Pandas they are great animals. I see them on the TV. Now I'm seeing them live. I'm very excited,” said a U.S. tourist.

“I love pandas. They are so cute. I wish we could pat a baby. Is it possible?” said another U. S. tourist.

Meanwhile, visitors can indulge their love for pandas by purchasing cute panda merchandise or enjoying panda-themed snacks and drinks.

The fascination with pandas extends far beyond China's borders. In Moscow, the Chinese Fauna Pavilion, with its panda exhibit, draws in over 15,000 visitors daily, fostering cultural exchange and understanding.

Recently, Russia's own panda superstar, Katyusha, was spotted frolicking in the snow at the Moscow Zoo, melting hearts with her adorable antics

Moreover, the Chinese pavilion at the World Travel Market (WTM) London 2024 used the undeniable charm of pandas to attract global attention, incorporating panda imagery into their decorations and marketing materials. WTM London is one of the world's most influential travel and tourism events.

Pandas shape China's global image, boost tourism

China's domestically developed anti-submarine Wing Loong-X UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle) made its debut on Tuesday at the ongoing 15th China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition in Zhuhai, Guangdong Province.

The Wing Loong-X is currently the largest and heaviest armed reconnaissance and strike UAV in China, with a range of capabilities including long endurance and multiple payload options. It can fly for up to 40 hours and reach altitudes of 10,000 meters.

The UAV also has a quick response feature, allowing it to rapidly switch configurations and payloads based on mission needs.

"Under its wings, you can see two sets of sonar buoys and air-to-air missiles, with a torpedo hanging beneath. The customer demands it leads the world by five years, with strong detection and countering capabilities for air, land, sea, and underwater targets," said Tang Yong, UAV chief designer at Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC).

In addition to the Wing Loong-X, China's air force debuted two other new reconnaissance and strike UAVs, which are designed for tactical reconnaissance, surveillance, and strike missions, with capabilities to carry electro-optical sensors, synthetic aperture radar, and communication reconnaissance equipment, enabling them to target fixed and moving objects on land and at sea.

The 15th China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition, also known as Airshow China, is scheduled to run from Tuesday to Sunday.

China's self-developed Wing Loong-X UAV debuts at Zhuhai Airshow