The Yueyang Zhonghua Giant Panda Garden in Hunan province officially opened to the public recently. It's the largest such garden in central China, home to a total of ten pandas. CGTN reporter Dai Kaiyi shows us how the pandas are settling in, what their first Chinese Lunar New Year celebrations look like, and asks the staff how they will be welcoming both the pandas and visitors during this festive season.

DAI KAIYI Yueyang, Hunan Province "As we are having fun during Spring Festival with families and friends, it turns out, it's not just us, others are celebrating as well. And here they are-a group of giant pandas living a laid-back life and greeting guests on their doorstep."

Open to public for just a little over a month, the panda garden here in central-southern China's Hunan Province has attracted fans from all corners of the country. They've come to catch a glimpse of these furry bears, which come from the southwestern Sichuan Province, a region that hosts more than 80% of China's giant pandas. And here is their new home.

XIANG LE Director of Animal Care, Yueyang Nanhu Zoo Co. "After settling in, the ten pandas are doing well in Yueyang. With expert guidance and attentive care, they are all very stable, with good spirits, appetite, and activity levels. We've even made special toys for them to play with based on their preferences."

DAI KAIYI Yueyang, Hunan Province "They designed Lunar New Year cartoon images for each of the ten pandas in the garden, with each looking a little different, so that it's easier for visitors to tell which is which."

These giant creatures may be black and white, but their comic portrayals in colorful costumes adds an extra layer of festive charm. The zookeepers have also enhanced their diet with specially curated food for the Spring Festival celebrations.

DAI KAIYI Yueyang, Hunan Province "Here at this mini-size museum, we see all types of food that pandas eat, such as bamboo sticks and leaves, apples, freshly-picked bamboo shoots, and corn. And sometimes they eat carrots too. During this first Spring Festival that these cute little pandas are spending here in their new home, they are treated to a special feast prepared by the keepers."

HU JUN Deputy General Manager, Yueyang Longshan Cultural Tourism Development Co. "During the Spring Festival, to enhance the festive atmosphere, the panda park has launched the 'Panda Welcomes Spring, Prosperity with the Dragon' themed event. The outdoor area is decorated with panda-themed window flowers, couplets, and wall stickers. After entering the park, visitors can also take photos at traditional Chinese-style photo spots and the Panda New Year Wall. The feeding staff have also prepared delicious 'gift bags' for the pandas."

Giant pandas are China's beloved national treasure, and taking good care of them is crucial for the creature's future. Just like this garden in Hunan Province, caretakers are doing just that for the pandas by creating a memorable Lunar New Year at their new habitat. 

Source: CGTN