Ya'an Bifengxia Base of China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda Timeline

On June 10, 2026, panda Qian Qian (芊芊) gave birth to twin male cubs at the CCRCGP Ya'an Base — the first twin birth among the center's captive population in 2026. One cub is nursed by its mother while the other is cared for by the hand-rearing team; the cubs alternate between the two.

After arriving in Chengdu, Xiao Xiao and Lei Lei began a 30-day quarantine at CCRCGP's Ya'an Bifengxia Base. Keepers monitored bamboo intake, droppings, and behavior while building trust before any public debut.

The last two pandas in Japan — Xiao Xiao and Lei Lei — arrived in Chengdu on Jan 28, 2026, after departing Ueno Zoo. Japan entered its first panda-free era since 1972. Over 310,000 people applied for the final-viewing lottery, with roughly 4,400 winners admitted on the last day (odds up to 24.6:1). China's foreign ministry welcomed Japanese fans to visit pandas in China.

Lei Lei departed Ueno Zoo on Jan 27, 2026, flying from Narita to Chengdu. After 30-day quarantine she settled at Ya'an Bifengxia Base, reuniting with sister Xiang Xiang. Japan's panda-free era began.

Xiao Xiao departed Ueno Zoo on Jan 27, 2026, with fans lining the streets. He flew from Narita to Chengdu, arriving Jan 28. After quarantine he settled at Ya'an Bifengxia Base, ending Japan's 54-year panda era.

Bao Di returned to China from Belgium.

Bao Mei returned to China from Belgium.

Tian Bao returned to China from Belgium.

Hua Bao returned to China from Finland.

Jin Bao Bao returned to China from Finland.

Ri Ri (比力) returned to China alongside Shin Shin (仙女). They departed Tokyo Narita on a chartered cargo flight and arrived at CCRCGP's Ya'an Bifengxia Base for retirement.

Shin Shin (仙女) and her mate Ri Ri (比力) were repatriated to China from Ueno Zoo due to age-related hypertension. They arrived at CCRCGP's Ya'an Bifengxia Base for quarantine and retirement after 13 years in Japan.

After completing quarantine and acclimation, Fan Xing moved to the visitor-accessible Overseas Returned Pandas section at Ya'an Bifengxia Base.

Xi Wang returned to Ya'an Bifengxia Base.

Wu Gang passed away from osteosarcoma.

Fan Xing departed Ouwehands Zoo with a farewell ceremony featuring lion and dragon dances, as hundreds of Dutch fans bid her goodbye. She arrived at the China Conservation and Research Center the same day.

Xiang Xiang returned to China from Japan.

Long Xin moved to Fengtongzhai Dengchigou, the Panda International Traceability Camp in Baoxing County.

Bei Bei returned to China from the US.

Da Bai Tu was transferred to the Ya'an Bifengxia Base as part of the national giant panda breeding program.

Pan Qing was born at Ya'an Bifengxia Base as one half of the heaviest twin pair in CCRCGP history, weighing 220g alongside her brother Hong Xi.

Qin Xin was born at Ya'an Bifengxia Base to first-time mother Shu Qin, described as robust with a loud cry.

Wu Gang successfully mated with Cui Cui.

A Jie was born at Ya'an Bifengxia Base. She became the "Big Sister" of the Gengda Mountain Gang, known for her fighting skills and big appetite.

Yi Yun was born at Ya'an Bifengxia Base to Fei Fei at age 20 — the oldest panda mother of twins on record. Yi Yun's twin sibling did not survive.

Shun Shun born at Ya'an Bifengxia Base, son of Lu Lu.

Gong Gong was born at Ya'an Bifengxia Base, son of Feng Yi (Liang Liang). He would become the first panda in Hainan.

Xin Yuan was born at Ya'an Bifengxia Base, twin sister of Yuan Xin (Le Bao). Daughter of the "Genius Panda Mother" Long Xin, she was selected for wild training from birth.

Ding Ding (originally Cai Yun) was born at Ya'an Bifengxia Base. She would later become Jinan's beloved "spring water" panda.

Yong Ba returned to CCRCGP Bifengxia after public outcry over living conditions at Shenzhen Safari Park.

Long Xin gave birth to a set of twins just weeks after surviving the devastating Wenchuan earthquake and being transferred to Ya'an.

Jin Yi was born at Ya'an Bifengxia Base, twin of Jin Xin, daughter of Jin Zhu. She would become a "National Day Panda" at Beijing Zoo in 2009.

Long Sheng moved from Hetaoping to Ya'an Bifengxia Base, where he spent four formative years.