https://www.scmp.com/rss/519092/feed en https://assets.i-scmp.com/static/img/icons/scmp-meta-1200x630.png https://www.scmp.com Alice Wu Alice Wu Last week, a friend and I chatted about our children’s favourite art pieces after happening upon an auction house’s exhibition in a building in the heart of Hong Kong’s business district. We both recalled stopping to look at Yayoi Kusama’s Mount Fuji prints. “I pass by the space twice every day,” my friend said. She told me that my son’s pick – a piece by Sam Francis – was a new installation, replacing what had been a display of handbags. How often do we pause to notice art, or enjoy life in... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/hong-kong-opinion/article/3348095/hong-kong-can-draw-art-marchs-success-keeping-it-authentic?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/hong-kong-opinion/article/3348095/hong-kong-can-draw-art-marchs-success-keeping-it-authentic?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 30 Mar 2026 00:30:11 +0000 Lo Hoi-ying Lo Hoi-ying Hong Kong’s first large-scale balloon float parade, featuring beloved icons such as SpongeBob SquarePants and the city’s baby panda cubs, attracted hundreds, including young children, to the West Kowloon Cultural District on Sunday. Families lined the paths of the West Kowloon Art Park as the parade of 16 giant helium balloons made a loop between the Hong Kong Palace Museum and contemporary art museum M+, accompanied by a youth marching band. The event brought together characters from popular... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3339499/spongebob-peppa-pig-and-panda-cubs-head-hong-kong-arts-hub-balloon-parade?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3339499/spongebob-peppa-pig-and-panda-cubs-head-hong-kong-arts-hub-balloon-parade?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 11 Jan 2026 10:42:17 +0000 SCMP Editorial SCMP Editorial The expanded giant panda family at Ocean Park has done more than bring people joy and warmth. But while it is good that the beloved furry friends continue to draw more visitors from near and far and boost revenues for the cash-strapped theme park, it will take more than the so-called panda economy to save the declining tourism attraction in the longer term. The 48-year-old brand attracted 10 per cent more visitors year on year, reaching 3.46 million in 2024-25. Locals accounted for most of the... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/comment/article/3330167/pandas-alone-wont-save-hong-kongs-ocean-park-long-term?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/comment/article/3330167/pandas-alone-wont-save-hong-kongs-ocean-park-long-term?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 24 Oct 2025 22:45:07 +0000 Denise Tsang Denise Tsang The fervour for giant pandas and their cubs in Hong Kong brought in more visitors and revenue to Ocean Park, their home, but other expenses ate into its financial health and worsened its deficit last year. The theme park’s deficit widened to HK$274.7 million (US$35.3 million) in the 12 months to June 30 from HK$71.6 million in the same period a year earlier, due to higher expenses such as depreciation, at HK$414 million, according to a document it submitted to the Legislative Council on... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3329837/pandas-give-hong-kongs-ocean-park-boost-deficit-worsens-hk275-million?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3329837/pandas-give-hong-kongs-ocean-park-boost-deficit-worsens-hk275-million?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 22 Oct 2025 03:00:28 +0000 Julian Ryall Julian Ryall The number of Japanese travellers to Hong Kong jumped more than 32 per cent for the first half of this year compared with the same period in 2024, an encouraging sign of recovery for tourism authorities in the Chinese city seeking to draw more visitors from the Land of the Rising Sun. Between January and July, 395,375 Japanese travelled to Hong Kong, a healthy 32.2 per cent increase on the same period last year. This figure is still, however, slightly more than 46 per cent down on arrivals in... https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/lifestyle-culture/article/3327074/japanese-flock-hong-kong-lured-nostalgic-kawaii-appeal-pandas-labubu?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/lifestyle-culture/article/3327074/japanese-flock-hong-kong-lured-nostalgic-kawaii-appeal-pandas-labubu?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 28 Sep 2025 02:00:17 +0000 Lo Hoi-ying Lo Hoi-ying A documentary about Hong Kong’s twin panda cubs is set to hit screens next year, while two new enclosures will be built for them by 2027, Ocean Park has said on the pair’s first birthday. The theme park in Wong Chuk Hang was buzzing with excitement on Friday morning as around 300 fans of “Jia Jia” and “De De” showed up to celebrate the cubs’ birthday. A parade featuring inflatable pandas and slices of cake kicked off the party, while balloon twisters entertained the guests who were selected... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3322022/hong-kongs-ocean-park-reveals-panda-film-works-twin-cubs-turn-1?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3322022/hong-kongs-ocean-park-reveals-panda-film-works-twin-cubs-turn-1?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 15 Aug 2025 09:54:36 +0000 Timon Johnson Timon Johnson Oscar-winning actress Michelle Yeoh has become the latest celebrity to take part in a Hong Kong tourism drive after sharing a fun social media picture with a Labubu doll specially made to mark the first birthday of the city’s panda twins later this month. The star on Monday shared a photo on Instagram of her holding up the Labubu doll, which is cradling the twin pandas in its arms, above a bucket of popcorn. “Celebrating Hong Kong-born panda twins’ first birthday (and my birthday too) with... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3320652/michelle-yeoh-takes-shine-labubu-made-hong-kong-panda-cubs-birthday?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3320652/michelle-yeoh-takes-shine-labubu-made-hong-kong-panda-cubs-birthday?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 04 Aug 2025 06:18:21 +0000 Wynna Wong Wynna Wong “Panda fever” has translated into a significant boost in business for Hong Kong’s Ocean Park, with the debut of several new bears leading to a 19 per cent surge in attendance year on year since their debut, according to the city’s tourism minister. Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism Rosanna Law Shuk-pui also said in a written reply on Wednesday to lawmakers’ questions that an additional HK$121 million (US$15.4 million) had been secured from the Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust to... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3314029/panda-fever-created-19-attendance-boost-hong-kongs-ocean-park-official?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3314029/panda-fever-created-19-attendance-boost-hong-kongs-ocean-park-official?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 11 Jun 2025 10:08:56 +0000 SCMP Editorial SCMP Editorial The twin giant panda cubs born in Hong Kong last August are cute as buttons and have now been officially named with monikers that will appeal to their vast army of fans. Their official naming also marks what many hope will be a boost to the so-called panda economy. Affectionately nicknamed “Elder Sister” and “Younger Brother”, a traditional way of addressing siblings in a Chinese family, the nine-month-old twins were yesterday formally given the names Jia Jia and De De, respectively. “Jia Jia”... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/comment/article/3312035/tonic-hong-kong-panda-cubs-named?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/comment/article/3312035/tonic-hong-kong-panda-cubs-named?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 27 May 2025 22:45:08 +0000 Lo Hoi-ying Lo Hoi-ying Hong Kong’s nine-month-old twin panda cubs, previously known only as “Elder Sister” and “Younger Brother”, have been named Jia Jia and De De, respectively, conveying the Cantonese slang term for encouragement “add oil” and the notion of virtue. Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism Rosanna Law Shuk-pui revealed on Tuesday the results of the panda naming contest, which received more than 35,700 entries from members of the public since submissions opened in February. “All suggestions reflected... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3311912/jia-jia-and-de-de-chosen-names-hong-kongs-twin-panda-cubs?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3311912/jia-jia-and-de-de-chosen-names-hong-kongs-twin-panda-cubs?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 27 May 2025 03:45:37 +0000 Emily Hung Emily Hung Despite the scorching heat, giant pandas Suhail and Thuraya have found a comfortable home in Qatar, thanks in part to the care of a Hongkonger who has brought her Ocean Park skills and experience to the Gulf country. Cissy Kou Wing-sze became the curator at Qatar Panda House in 2022, where she now looks after the bears also known as Jing Jing and Si Hai, one of whom is a descendant of Ocean Park’s late panda Jia Jia. “One day I wanted to look up the bloodline of Si Hai, and to my surprise, she... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3310821/pandas-qatar-meet-hongkonger-helping-chinese-national-treasures-thrive?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3310821/pandas-qatar-meet-hongkonger-helping-chinese-national-treasures-thrive?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 18 May 2025 10:48:11 +0000 Wynna Wong,Harvey Kong,Connor Mycroft Wynna Wong,Harvey Kong,Connor Mycroft YouTube star IShowSpeed’s visit to Hong Kong has drawn crowds of fans and resulted in the occasional moment of chaos, with the American live-streaming as he met the pandas at Ocean Park, rode a tram in Sheung Wan and bought snacks on Temple Street. The 20-year-old streamer, whose real name is Darren Jason Watkins Jnr, was in Sheung Wan on Friday afternoon. The famous Cristiano Ronaldo fan even hopped onto a tram advertising the football superstar’s coming museum in Hong Kong. But he appeared... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3305178/ishowspeed-hong-kong-youtube-star-meets-pandas-fans-flock-selfies?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3305178/ishowspeed-hong-kong-youtube-star-meets-pandas-fans-flock-selfies?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 04 Apr 2025 02:57:32 +0000 Twin panda cubs “Elder Sister” and “Younger Brother” greeted visitors in the company of their mother, Ying Ying, at Ocean Park’s giant panda adventure enclosure for the first time on Friday. The twins were born on August 15 of last year, and are making their first public appearance together with their mother after more than seven months. The babies were unveiled to park patrons on February 16, and have since attracted a lot of local and international visitors. The park has said it plans to... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3303315/hong-kongs-panda-cubs-making-first-public-appearance-mother-ying-ying?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3303315/hong-kongs-panda-cubs-making-first-public-appearance-mother-ying-ying?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 21 Mar 2025 07:50:46 +0000 Ambrose Li Ambrose Li Ocean Park has launched a fan club for Hong Kong’s first locally born panda cubs, with singers Keung To and Ian Chan Cheuk-yin of the boy band Mirror joining the group for an inaugural private visit next month. The theme park said on Friday that panda enthusiasts would have to pay HK$880 (US$113) to join the club. Members will have priority booking access for programmes and workshops, such as those for making paper from panda excrement and preparing steamed cornbread for the bears. A welcome... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3302442/hk880-be-panda-pal-hong-kongs-ocean-park-launches-fan-club-twin-cubs?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3302442/hk880-be-panda-pal-hong-kongs-ocean-park-launches-fan-club-twin-cubs?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 14 Mar 2025 10:49:47 +0000 Jiang Chuqin Jiang Chuqin One of Hong Kong’s giant panda cubs has sustained a minor eyelid injury while playing “too energetically” with her sibling, but caretakers from Ocean Park have assured the public she is recovering well. The park revealed late on Monday night that the right eyelid of the almost seven-month-old “Elder Sister” had turned red after a playful scrap with her twin brother, “Younger Brother”. “Rest assured, the caretakers have been closely monitoring her condition. After a thorough examination, it was... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3301886/hong-kong-panda-cub-injures-right-eyelid-after-playing-too-energetically?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3301886/hong-kong-panda-cub-injures-right-eyelid-after-playing-too-energetically?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 11 Mar 2025 04:40:07 +0000 Feel strongly about these letters, or any other aspects of the news? Share your views by emailing us your Letter to the Editor at letters@scmp.com or filling in this Google form. Submissions should not exceed 400 words, and must include your full name and address, plus a phone number for verification I refer to the op-ed, “Hong Kong’s tourist attractions are all around us” (February 13). The observation that a strong Hong Kong dollar and the diminished allure of luxury brands for tourists have... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/letters/article/3299995/when-tourists-come-hong-kong-theyre-not-panda-hunting?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/letters/article/3299995/when-tourists-come-hong-kong-theyre-not-panda-hunting?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 25 Feb 2025 06:30:09 +0000 Lo Hoi-ying Lo Hoi-ying Hong Kong’s Ocean Park is considering extending visiting hours for the giant panda cubs’ enclosure later this year, its chairman has said, after thousands of excited fans flocked there for the locally born twins’ public debut. Park chairman Paulo Pong Kin-yee said on Sunday that while the number of visitors was set to increase after the cubs’ debut that day, the duo was still sensitive to excessive noise and human scents. “Perhaps in the second half of this year, or next year, we can extend the... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3298865/panda-monium-ocean-park-crowds-flock-see-hong-kongs-twin-cubs?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3298865/panda-monium-ocean-park-crowds-flock-see-hong-kongs-twin-cubs?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 16 Feb 2025 03:59:19 +0000 Ambrose Li Ambrose Li Hong Kong launched a naming contest for the city’s giant panda cubs on Saturday, a day before they make their public debut at Ocean Park. At a ceremony to launch the contest, park chairman Paulo Pong Kin-yee said the facility had also seen a 30 per cent year-on-year increase in income over the Christmas period since two Beijing-gifted bears, An An and Ke Ke, made their own debut earlier in December. He hoped the park would enjoy a further boost in business with the unveiling of the two... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3298821/hong-kong-launches-naming-contest-citys-two-giant-panda-cubs?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3298821/hong-kong-launches-naming-contest-citys-two-giant-panda-cubs?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 15 Feb 2025 07:27:27 +0000 Pandas have dominated Hong Kong’s latest festival season. The excitement began in early December when giant pandas An An and Ke Ke, given to the city by Beijing, made their first public appearance at Ocean Park. A pop-up exhibition of 2,500 panda sculptures, including at the Avenue of Stars and Sun Yat Sen Memorial Park, also attracted crowds. Through Christmas and the Lunar New Year, panda fever soared as Hong Kong officials hinted at debut dates for the public to meet the giant panda twins... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/hong-kong-opinion/article/3298391/panda-fever-great-hong-kong-needs-its-own-cultural-icon?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/hong-kong-opinion/article/3298391/panda-fever-great-hong-kong-needs-its-own-cultural-icon?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 13 Feb 2025 09:00:09 +0000 Denise Tsang Denise Tsang Hong Kong’s Ocean Park plans to build a panda museum as part of efforts to help promote interest in the city’s own family of bears in the long term, its chairman has told the Post as the public waits to meet two locally born cubs for the first time. In an exclusive interview last week, Paulo Pong Kin-yee said the museum, which is expected to cost hundreds of millions of Hong Kong dollars, would be developed in stages over the coming years at the park’s existing site in Wong Chuk Hang. The twin... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3298127/hong-kongs-ocean-park-plans-panda-museum-drive-craze-citys-bear-family?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3298127/hong-kongs-ocean-park-plans-panda-museum-drive-craze-citys-bear-family?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 11 Feb 2025 00:30:14 +0000 Lo Hoi-ying Lo Hoi-ying Panda Watch is a blog by the Post that tracks the latest on the baby panda twins – the first to be born in Hong Kong – until they are ready to meet the public. This will be the last issue of the blog before the twins’ debut on February 16. To read our previous blog entries, click here. Hong Kong’s panda twin cubs will make their highly anticipated first public appearance on February 16, with Ocean Park getting them used to having humans in their presence. The cubs, “Elder Sister” and “Younger... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3297654/hong-kongs-giant-panda-twin-cubs-set-make-public-debut-february-16?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3297654/hong-kongs-giant-panda-twin-cubs-set-make-public-debut-february-16?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 07 Feb 2025 04:00:31 +0000 Sammy Heung Sammy Heung Hong Kong’s Ocean Park has removed a HK$36,000 (US$4,615) panda-themed luxury watch from sale a day after its launch following an outcry over its alligator leather strap. The theme park apologised on its social media page on Thursday for a lack of sensitivity and pledged to conduct a comprehensive internal review. “Ocean Park appreciates the public’s concerns and expresses apologies for the team’s lack of sensitivity in launching an IP product that did not align with the core conservation... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3297679/hong-kongs-ocean-park-halts-sale-luxury-watch-after-alligator-strap-outcry?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3297679/hong-kongs-ocean-park-halts-sale-luxury-watch-after-alligator-strap-outcry?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 06 Feb 2025 15:51:11 +0000 Willa Wu Willa Wu Hong Kong’s twin panda cubs will make their first public appearance on February 16, the city’s leader has revealed, saying an event to name the bears will be held. Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu announced on Tuesday that “Elder Sister” and “Younger Brother” would meet the public on the third Sunday in February at Ocean Park, where four other pandas also live. The debut will take place just a day after the cubs turn six months old. “Starting on Sunday, February 16, the public will be able to... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3295608/hong-kongs-twin-panda-cubs-meet-public-february-16-john-lee-says?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3295608/hong-kongs-twin-panda-cubs-meet-public-february-16-john-lee-says?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 21 Jan 2025 05:50:41 +0000 Lo Hoi-ying Lo Hoi-ying Panda Watch is a blog by the Post that tracks the latest on the baby panda twins – the first to be born in Hong Kong – until they are ready to meet the public. To read our previous blog entries, click here. Hong Kong’s giant panda twin cubs will finally make their debut public appearance in February, the city leader has announced, around six months after the bears were born. “Elder Sister” and “Younger Brother”, born to giant panda Ying Ying, would be ready to greet visitors at their home in... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3295058/panda-watch-hong-kongs-twin-cubs-make-public-debut-after-lunar-new-year?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3295058/panda-watch-hong-kongs-twin-cubs-make-public-debut-after-lunar-new-year?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 17 Jan 2025 03:00:07 +0000 Lo Hoi-ying Lo Hoi-ying Hong Kong’s giant panda twin cubs will meet the public in February, the city leader has confirmed. Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu said on Tuesday that “Elder Sister” and “Younger Brother”, born to giant panda Ying Ying, would be ready to greet visitors at their home in Ocean Park after Lunar New Year. “The pair of giant panda cubs are around six months old and will meet the public in February,” Lee said in a media briefing before his weekly Executive Council meeting. Earlier this month,... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3294650/hong-kongs-baby-panda-twins-meet-public-february-john-lee?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3294650/hong-kongs-baby-panda-twins-meet-public-february-john-lee?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 14 Jan 2025 04:43:28 +0000 Fiona Sun Fiona Sun Panda Watch is a blog by the Post that tracks the latest on the baby panda twins – the first to be born in Hong Kong – until they are ready to meet the public. To read our previous blog entries, click here. Hong Kong panda mum Ying Ying has cared for her newborn cubs together for the first time ahead of their public debut, which is expected to be after Lunar New Year. A video released by Ocean Park showed Ying Ying playing with her cubs, licking and cuddling “Elder Sister” and “Younger... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3293185/panda-watch-hong-kongs-ying-ying-cares-twin-cubs-together-first-time?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3293185/panda-watch-hong-kongs-ying-ying-cares-twin-cubs-together-first-time?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 03 Jan 2025 03:00:19 +0000 Cannix Yau Cannix Yau This year saw a wide range of newsmakers catching the public eye in Hong Kong, including former media boss Jimmy Lai Chee-ying, Argentinian football superstar Lionel Messi, a Dubai prince who backtracked on an investment deal and the latest additions to the city’s giant panda family. The Post looks back at the newsmakers who made the headlines in 2024. 1. Lionel Messi Tens of thousands of Messi fans who paid premium prices or even spent exorbitant sums on scalped tickets were outraged after the... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3292828/who-made-hong-kongs-headlines-2024-post-takes-look?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3292828/who-made-hong-kongs-headlines-2024-post-takes-look?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 31 Dec 2024 04:30:17 +0000 Ng Kang-chung,Jiang Chuqin,Oscar Liu Ng Kang-chung,Jiang Chuqin,Oscar Liu Hong Kong needs to build more infrastructure to host international mega-events if the government is serious about turning the city into a top regional travel destination, tourism sector leaders have said. While industry veterans were generally positive about the government’s blueprint to develop the tourism trade, which was unveiled on Monday, some said the city needed to make several quick fixes to attract more visitors. Entertainment tycoon Allan Zeman, dubbed the “father of Lan Kwai Fong”, a... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3292802/building-new-attractions-way-forward-hong-kongs-tourism-sector?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3292802/building-new-attractions-way-forward-hong-kongs-tourism-sector?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 31 Dec 2024 00:30:11 +0000 Feel strongly about these letters, or any other aspects of the news? Share your views by emailing us your Letter to the Editor at letters@scmp.com or filling in this Google form. Submissions should not exceed 400 words, and must include your full name and address, plus a phone number for verification Hong Kong plans to set up a third medical school and a government task group is to devise its direction and parameters, with eligible local universities invited to submit proposals to run this... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/letters/article/3291729/hong-kongs-new-medical-school-succeed-experience-vital?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/letters/article/3291729/hong-kongs-new-medical-school-succeed-experience-vital?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 23 Dec 2024 03:30:07 +0000 Panda lovers may be able to meet the Hong Kong-born twin cubs as soon as the Lantern Festival in February, Ocean Park’s chairman has said, while dismissing calls to sell cheaper tickets just to visit the bears. Park chairman Paulo Pong Kin-yee said on Saturday that the panda twins – born in August – might be ready to meet the public around Lunar New Year. “Our experts think that it’s a safer and a more appropriate time for the public to meet the cubs at the six-month mark. It will depend on how... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3291837/hong-kong-public-may-get-see-panda-cubs-february-ocean-park-boss-says?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3291837/hong-kong-public-may-get-see-panda-cubs-february-ocean-park-boss-says?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 21 Dec 2024 09:48:31 +0000 Lo Hoi-ying Lo Hoi-ying Panda Watch is a blog by the Post that tracks the latest on the baby panda twins – the first to be born in Hong Kong – until they are ready to meet the public. To read our previous blog entries, click here. Hong Kong’s giant panda twin cubs are more than four months old, and have started crawling around their dens, as they are set to spend their first Christmas at Ocean Park. In a video celebrating the fourth month of their birth, Ocean Park showed both “Elder Sister” and “Younger Brother”... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3291573/panda-watch-twin-cubs-start-crawling-ahead-first-christmas-hong-kongs-ocean-park?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3291573/panda-watch-twin-cubs-start-crawling-ahead-first-christmas-hong-kongs-ocean-park?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 20 Dec 2024 03:00:07 +0000 Elizabeth Cheung Elizabeth Cheung Hong Kong will host its first pyrotechnic drone show on December 28, with the event set to feature patterns of giant pandas as the city taps into the bear-driven economy. The 10-minute drone show, set to be held at 8.15pm at the West Kowloon Cultural District, will mark the conclusion of the first phase of the “Panda Go! Fest HK” exhibition, which featured 2,500 panda sculptures in various tourist spots this month. AllRightsReserved, the organiser of the panda-themed exhibition, said on... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3291313/hong-kongs-first-pyrotechnic-drone-show-light-sky-december-28?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3291313/hong-kongs-first-pyrotechnic-drone-show-light-sky-december-28?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 18 Dec 2024 05:09:44 +0000 Feel strongly about these letters, or any other aspects of the news? Share your views by emailing us your Letter to the Editor at letters@scmp.com or filling in this Google form. Submissions should not exceed 400 words, and must include your full name and address, plus a phone number for verification Panda tourism was raised in the chief executive’s latest policy address as a way to boost Hong Kong’s tourist appeal, at a time when visitor arrivals in our city have not recovered to pre-pandemic... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/letters/article/3291181/where-our-uniquely-hong-kong-panda-character?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/letters/article/3291181/where-our-uniquely-hong-kong-panda-character?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 18 Dec 2024 03:30:08 +0000 Danny Mok Danny Mok Hong Kong police have arrested a visitor for allegedly stealing a model panda from an installation in Kwun Tong, while officers are still hunting for another suspect who snatched a second bear from the site. The models were among 80 items, ranging from half a metre to three metres (1.6 feet to 9.8 feet) in height, on display at the Urban Renewal Authority’s “Free Space” in Kwun Tong as part of Christmas celebrations. The authority’s managing director, Wai Chi-sing, said on his blog on Sunday... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3290896/panda-poachers-hong-kong-police-arrest-visitor-over-theft-bear-installation?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3290896/panda-poachers-hong-kong-police-arrest-visitor-over-theft-bear-installation?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 15 Dec 2024 12:39:17 +0000 Lisa Lim Lisa Lim It’s pandamonium in Hong Kong. The city is now home to the largest number of giant pandas outside mainland China, with a pair recently gifted by Beijing, the third since Hong Kong’s 1997 return to Chinese sovereignty, taking the total to six of the creatures, all at Ocean Park. Thematic festivities include panda sculptures blending intangible cultural heritage with contemporary design at Cheung Sha Wan Promenade, and 2,500 sculptures of pandas at various landmarks. These pop-ups all feature... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/arts-culture/article/3290682/how-did-giant-panda-eclipse-true-panda-red-one-dont-get-panda-eyed-wondering-why?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/arts-culture/article/3290682/how-did-giant-panda-eclipse-true-panda-red-one-dont-get-panda-eyed-wondering-why?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 15 Dec 2024 00:15:07 +0000 Sammy Heung Sammy Heung A lifelike panda mascot and 700 sculptures delighted visitors to Hong Kong’s Ngong Ping 360 cable car attraction on Saturday, as fans stopped to interact and snap photos. But some said the city could do more than pop-up events to promote the bears and boost the panda economy. The attraction is hosting the second stop of the “Panda Go! Fest HK” exhibition, organised by local art studio AllRightsReserved, with themed cabins being used for the coming two weeks and 700 panda sculptures calling Ngong... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3290815/adorable-hong-kong-panda-mascot-700-sculptures-delight-cable-car-visitors?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3290815/adorable-hong-kong-panda-mascot-700-sculptures-delight-cable-car-visitors?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 14 Dec 2024 11:08:20 +0000 Feel strongly about these letters, or any other aspects of the news? Share your views by emailing us your Letter to the Editor at letters@scmp.com or filling in this Google form. Submissions should not exceed 400 words, and must include your full name and address, plus a phone number for verification Just ahead of the public debut of the two giant pandas gifted to Hong Kong by the central government, it was announced that the bears would retain their original names, An An and Ke Ke. This was the... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/letters/article/3289961/old-names-hong-kongs-new-pandas-suit-them-best?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/letters/article/3289961/old-names-hong-kongs-new-pandas-suit-them-best?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 10 Dec 2024 06:30:08 +0000 Edith Lin,Johnny Wan Edith Lin,Johnny Wan Hundreds of early birds queued outside Ocean Park’s giant panda enclosure on Sunday morning to meet the two bears gifted to Hong Kong by Beijing, with the pair’s public debut even attracting fans from around the world. Male bear An An and his female counterpart, Ke Ke, enjoyed a warm reception from visitors stopping by their home at the park’s Hong Kong Jockey Club Sichuan Treasures enclosure. The crowd waved at the duo and used their phones and cameras to capture the bears’ every move, as Ke Ke... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3289855/ocean-park-debut-hong-kong-pandas-ke-ke-draws-fans-around-world?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3289855/ocean-park-debut-hong-kong-pandas-ke-ke-draws-fans-around-world?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 08 Dec 2024 04:20:03 +0000 Denise Tsang,Fan Chen,Edith Lin,Oscar Liu Denise Tsang,Fan Chen,Edith Lin,Oscar Liu Hong Kong dives into the world of giant pandas on Saturday, with officials revealing the new names of a pair of bears Beijing gifted to the city along with an exhibition of 2,500 sculptures in Tsim Sha Tsui. A ceremony to introduce the giant pandas to the public and attended by top mainland Chinese and local officials, including city leader John Lee Ka-chiu, was held on Saturday afternoon. The two Beijing-gifted bears residing at Ocean Park in the Southern district are due to meet the public on... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3289798/lights-panda-action-hong-kong-prepares-unveil-beijing-gifted-bears-public?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3289798/lights-panda-action-hong-kong-prepares-unveil-beijing-gifted-bears-public?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 07 Dec 2024 03:12:33 +0000 Lo Hoi-ying Lo Hoi-ying Panda Watch is a blog by the Post that tracks the latest on the baby panda twins – the first to be born in Hong Kong – until they are ready to meet the public. As the twin cubs have passed their most critical 100 days after birth, the blog will be updated once every two weeks starting from this issue. To read our previous blog entries, click here. Hong Kong’s giant panda cubs are 16 weeks old and have grown in weight by over 40 times since birth. Ocean Park shared that “Elder Sister” had gone... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3289602/panda-watch-hong-kongs-twin-cubs-weigh-40-times-more-birth?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3289602/panda-watch-hong-kongs-twin-cubs-weigh-40-times-more-birth?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 06 Dec 2024 03:24:36 +0000 Fan Chen Fan Chen The “Ferrari” of all giant panda costumes will join 2,500 bear sculptures on the Avenue of Stars in Tsim Sha Tsui on Saturday, interacting with visitors and helping to promote the real deal at Ocean Park. The outfit even managed to catch some experts by surprise when it made its debut alongside the sculptures at Hong Kong airport on Monday. Its maker, Japan-based art studio Zeppet said the cost of making the suit amounted to the price of the “cheapest model of a Ferrari”. The outfit also... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3289553/japanese-studio-creates-ferrari-panda-costumes-help-promote-hong-kongs-bears?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3289553/japanese-studio-creates-ferrari-panda-costumes-help-promote-hong-kongs-bears?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 06 Dec 2024 01:30:16 +0000 Dave Besseling Dave Besseling Local media got their first glimpses of Hong Kong’s newest pair of giant pandas, An An and Ke Ke, at their new enclosures at Ocean Park on Monday, ahead of the big public reveal on December 8. But the five-year-olds from Chengdu are just the latest in a long line of Ailuropodas arriving to beguile Hongkongers. Back in 2007, it was two pandas that kicked off annual Handover Day celebrations. “The pair of giant pandas bound for Hong Kong as a handover anniversary gift from the central government... https://www.scmp.com/postmag/culture/article/3289247/when-giant-pandas-le-le-and-ying-ying-made-their-hong-kong-debut-2007?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/postmag/culture/article/3289247/when-giant-pandas-le-le-and-ying-ying-made-their-hong-kong-debut-2007?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 04 Dec 2024 04:45:08 +0000 The adorable giant pandas of China have brought joy and friendship wherever they go. They are also being touted as a new lifeline for Hong Kong’s tourism industry and Ocean Park, both of which are eagerly cashing in on the so-called panda economy now that the attraction is home to six of the furry fellows. Fans from near and far are looking forward to meeting the new couple from the mainland on Sunday, the day after their names are due to be officially unveiled in a ceremony. Two cubs born to... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/article/3289026/high-hopes-boost-panda-economy?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/article/3289026/high-hopes-boost-panda-economy?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 02 Dec 2024 22:45:07 +0000 Lo Hoi-ying Lo Hoi-ying A pair of pandas gifted to Hong Kong by Beijing put on an energetic display as they met members of the press on Monday, days before the duo will be unveiled to the public after spending two months in quarantine. The adult bears, male An An and female Ke Ke, spent time getting acquainted with visitors and stepping out in front of the cameras during the media preview ahead of the big day at Ocean Park on Sunday. Curious to see the group of visitors, Ke Ke crawled cautiously towards the front of... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3288952/hong-kong-giant-pandas-and-ke-ke-meet-press-ahead-sundays-public-unveiling?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3288952/hong-kong-giant-pandas-and-ke-ke-meet-press-ahead-sundays-public-unveiling?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 02 Dec 2024 06:34:15 +0000 Oscar Liu Oscar Liu Panda Watch is a weekly blog by the Post that tracks the latest on the baby panda twins – the first to be born in Hong Kong – until they are ready to meet the public. To read our previous blog entries, click here. Hong Kong’s panda twin cubs marked their 100th day of birth over the past weekend, but will only be taught at age two or three to reach for objects as part of “caregiving training” to enable veterinarians to examine them, an Ocean Park zoologist has said. In an interview with the Post,... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3288573/hong-kongs-panda-twin-cubs-will-be-given-caring-training-2-3-years-old?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3288573/hong-kongs-panda-twin-cubs-will-be-given-caring-training-2-3-years-old?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 29 Nov 2024 03:00:11 +0000 A pair of pandas gifted to Hong Kong by Beijing will officially meet the public on December 8, with their new names set to be revealed a day before their debut. Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu took to social media on Wednesday to make the announcement, saying the bears had spent the last two months adapting to their new home at Ocean Park. “I am pleased to announce that the government and Ocean Park will hold a ‘Panda Debut Ceremony’ on December 7 this year, and the pandas will officially meet... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3288299/giant-pandas-gifted-hong-kong-beijing-meet-public-december-8-john-lee-says?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3288299/giant-pandas-gifted-hong-kong-beijing-meet-public-december-8-john-lee-says?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 27 Nov 2024 04:06:04 +0000 Wynna Wong Wynna Wong Tens of thousands of people flocked to Ocean Park to celebrate 100 days since Hong Kong welcomed its local giant panda cubs into the world, with visitors even catching a glimpse of the twins’ father for the first time in two months. Their birthday also comes as the city kicks off a slew of panda-related promotions. Park chairman Paulo Pong Kin-Yee also said on Saturday that the two new adult bears gifted by Beijing to mark the 27th anniversary of Hong Kong’s return to Chinese sovereignty should... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3287833/pork-knuckles-red-eggs-party-hong-kong-giant-panda-cubs-turn-100-days?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3287833/pork-knuckles-red-eggs-party-hong-kong-giant-panda-cubs-turn-100-days?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 23 Nov 2024 04:55:44 +0000 Panda Watch is a weekly blog by the Post that tracks the latest on the baby panda twins – the first to be born in Hong Kong – until they are ready to meet the public. To read our previous blog entries, click here. Hong Kong’s twin cubs will celebrate their 100th day of birth on Saturday, with Ocean Park lining up a series of events to mark the occasion and bringing closer the prospect of the city advancing on a panda economy. On the same day, the panda cubs’ father, Le Le, will be making his... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3287603/panda-watch-how-can-hong-kong-cash-panda-economy-cubs-reach-milestone?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3287603/panda-watch-how-can-hong-kong-cash-panda-economy-cubs-reach-milestone?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 22 Nov 2024 03:00:08 +0000 Lo Hoi-ying Lo Hoi-ying Panda Watch is a weekly blog by the Post that tracks the latest on the baby panda twins – the first to be born in Hong Kong – until they are ready to meet the public. To read our previous blog entries, click here. Hong Kong’s first giant panda cubs are approaching their 100th day next week, growing beyond the most vulnerable period for both mother and babies. The park has been regularly posting images on social media showing heartwarming moments between mother Ying Ying and her babies, as well... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3286615/panda-watch-hong-kongs-twin-cubs-ready-100-day-milestone-festivities-planned?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3286615/panda-watch-hong-kongs-twin-cubs-ready-100-day-milestone-festivities-planned?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 15 Nov 2024 03:00:08 +0000 Wynna Wong Wynna Wong Panda Watch is a weekly blog by the Post that tracks the latest on the baby panda twins – the first to be born in Hong Kong – until they are ready to meet the public. To read our previous blog entries, click here. Hong Kong’s panda cubs will soon turn three months old, reaching a new milestone and setting the stage for celebrations. The pair, affectionately known as “Elder Sister” and “Younger Brother”, continue to capture the hearts of locals and panda enthusiasts alike. One of the latest... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3285668/panda-watch-hong-kong-cubs-near-3-month-mark-entering-exciting-and-playful-phase?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3285668/panda-watch-hong-kong-cubs-near-3-month-mark-entering-exciting-and-playful-phase?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 08 Nov 2024 03:00:07 +0000