Hang Bao

Basic Profile

Hang Bao (Chinese: 航宝, “Aerospace Treasure”), is a female giant panda born on June 23, 2020 at the China Conservation and Research Center for Giant Pandas (CCRCGP) Wolong Shenshuping Base. Her mother is Xin Xin (鑫鑫).

The Beidou Connection

Hang Bao was born on the same day — June 23, 2020 — that China launched the final satellite of the Beidou-3 navigation system, completing the country’s global satellite network. The coincidence was not lost on keepers.

In 2021, CCRCGP partnered with the China National Space Administration’s News and Publicity Center and the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation to launch the “China Aerospace, National Treasure Shines” (中国航天，国宝闪耀) naming contest. Over 300 submissions were received within 3 days, with over a million social media impressions.

The name “Hang Bao” (航宝) was selected:

• 航 (Hang) = aerospace, representing China’s space achievements
• 宝 (Bao) = treasure, with dual meaning — pandas as national treasures, and space achievements as national treasures

Life at CCRCGP

Hang Bao was raised in a semi-wild environment at the Hetaoping base, where she developed strong wild instincts. Keepers describe her as active, lively, and more “wild” than typical captive-born cubs.

In April 2022, CCRCGP and China’s space agencies signed an agreement to develop Hang Bao as an IP mascot to promote the integration of space technology with panda conservation research.