Si Jia

Basic Profile

Si Jia (Chinese: 思嘉, nicknamed Da Bing Jia/大饼嘉, Smiling Princess/微笑公主), studbook number 634, is a female giant panda born on August 12, 2006 at the China Conservation and Research Center for Giant Pandas (CCRCGP) Hetaoping Base. Her mother is Xi Mei (喜妹, studbook 511) and her father is Ling Ling (灵灵). Her twin brother is Tao Tao (淘淘).

She is known in panda fan circles as one of the two great beauties — “南思嘉，北二胖” (Southern Si Jia, Northern Er Pang).

The Smiling Face

Si Jia has a naturally upturned mouth that gives her a permanent smile, earning her the nickname “Smiling Princess.” She has a round “pancake” face, “Mickey Mouse” ears, and her back has a natural “王” (king) character pattern formed by her body fat.

Life Journey

Earthquake Evacuation (2008)

During the 2008 Wenchuan earthquake, Si Jia was evacuated to Yunnan Wildlife Park, where she lived for several years. In 2009, her paw print was collected for permanent display at the Wolong Panda Museum.

Yabuli: The Northernmost Panda (2016–present)

On July 5, 2016, Si Jia and her half-brother You You (佑佑, studbook 707) were transferred to the Yabuli Panda Pavilion in Heilongjiang — China’s northernmost, coldest panda facility. She has adapted remarkably to the harsh winters, playing in snow at temperatures well below freezing.

Keepers say she now understands commands in Northeast dialect — calling her for meals in the local accent gets an immediate response. She weighs approximately 125 kg and is described as a food-loving, easygoing panda who “has seen it all.”