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

Twenty-nine survivors were found in the passenger plane crash in Aktau, Kazakhstan on Wednesday, Kazakhstan's Ministry of Emergency Situations (MES) reported.

An Embraer 190 aircraft operated by Azerbaijan Airlines with flight number J2-8243 from Baku to Grozny crashed near Aktau Airport on Wednesday with a total of 67 people on board.

According to the MES, 482 people are involved in the rescue on site, as well as 97 pieces of equipment, two aircraft and four teams of search and rescue dogs.

A group of electric power workers near the crash site were among the first batch of rescuers, who said they helped save around 15 people at the scene.

"We saw the plane crash with our own eyes and quickly packed up to head to the scene for rescue. Later, personnel from the Ministry of Emergency Situations and hospital staff members arrived. About 10 of us went there. We brought a crane to help rescue people from the cabin," a rescuer said.

The emergency departments of Kazakhstan, Russia and Azerbaijan exchanged information via video conference.

According to Subkhonkul Rakhimov, a survivor of the crash, the plane suddenly rose rapidly and began to increase its altitude when it was about to land in Grozny. There was heavy fog at the time, and the crew tried to land the plane in Grozny three times, but all failed. An explosion occurred during the third attempt to land.

29 survivors rescued from plane crash in Kazakhstan