Meet He Hua (和花/Hehua/Huahua), the panda with a personality as fluffy as her round, chubby body. Born on July 4, 2020, at the Chengdu Research Base, this adorable giant panda has captivated hearts across the globe. He Hua’s charm isn’t just in her distinctive appearance – her pure white fur, playful antics, and signature “blocking with attitude” move make her a social media sensation. Fans eagerly watch her viral moments, from her bamboo-stealing adventures with friends to her surprisingly gentle interactions with her caretakers. He Hua’s delightful character, combined with her growing fame, has made her a beloved symbol of panda conservation and the star of Chengdu’s panda community.
Basic Information
- Name: He Hua (和花)
- Meaning of the Name: Flower of the Family He
- Other Names: Hua Hua (花花), Fatty Hua (胖花)
- Date of Birth: July 4, 2020
- Place of Birth: Moon Delivery Room, Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding
- Birth Weight: 200 grams
- Lineage Number: 1237
- Mother: Cheng Gong (成功)
- Father: Mei Lan (美兰)
- Twin Sister: He Ye (和叶)
- Siblings: Gong Zai (功仔), He Qi (和琪), He Mei (和美), He Xing (和兴), He Sheng (和盛), He Feng (和风), and He Yu (和雨)
- Current Residence: Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding
Intriguing Details of Panda He Hua
Distinctive Appearance
Hua Hua’s irresistible charm and unique physical traits make her instantly recognizable and adored by fans. Unlike many pandas her age, she is slightly smaller, with an adorably plump, round body that makes her look like a fluffy little cloud come to life. Her head seamlessly merges with her body, giving her the endearing illusion of having no neck – just one continuous ball of cuddly softness. When she sits, she forms a perfect triangle, a textbook example of the “round and chubby” panda aesthetic. Adding to her visual appeal, Hua Hua’s fur is exceptionally pure white, setting her apart from other pandas whose coats often take on a slightly yellowish hue. With her bright, pristine fur and irresistibly round figure, she looks like a living plush toy, capturing hearts wherever she goes.
The “Bamboo Theft” Saga
Beyond her irresistibly round appearance, Hua Hua skyrocketed to fame through a series of viral videos on platforms like Douyin, capturing the hearts of countless fans. The videos chronicled her ongoing struggle with her mischievous playmate, Run Yue (润月), who had a habit of stealing her bamboo shoots. Time and again, Hua Hua would patiently peel her bamboo, only to have Run Yue snatch it away the moment she was ready to take a bite. The cycle repeated endlessly, turning into a comedy of errors.
In one particularly heartwarming clip, after several failed attempts to enjoy her bamboo in peace, Hua Hua finally surrendered, tossing the shoot to Run Yue in playful resignation. This relatable moment – equal parts adorable and exasperating – cemented her as a fan favorite.
But Hua Hua didn’t stay the underdog for long. In another viral video, she was seen happily munching on an apple when her sister, He Ye, tried to swipe it. This time, Hua Hua was ready. With a firm yet effortless lift of her left paw, she blocked He Ye’s attempt, coolly continuing her snack without missing a beat. Fans dubbed the move her “attitude block,” praising her for finally standing her ground.
Gentle and Personable Nature
Hua Hua’s gentle nature and charming ability to understand Sichuan dialect have made her an irresistible favorite among her caretakers and visitors alike. Known for her calm demeanor, Hua Hua approaches life with a laid-back attitude – especially when it comes to meals. She savors every bite, often eating slowly and peacefully, which sometimes leads to her food being snatched up by more assertive pandas. But her primary caretaker, Tan Jingtao, makes sure Hua Hua never goes hungry, always ensuring she gets extra food and special treats to meet her nutritional needs.
As a true “Sichuan girl,” Hua Hua responds most to the local dialect. While she may not immediately react to her name, “Hua Hua,” the moment someone calls out “Guolai” – meaning “come here” in Sichuanese – her ears perk up. She’s learned that this phrase is a signal for food, and she eagerly associates it with tasty rewards. Tan Jingtao affectionately explains, “She knows that hearing ‘Guolai’ means there is food.”
But Hua Hua’s sweetness doesn’t stop there. She has a rare fondness for bath time, a trait not often seen in pandas. While many pandas avoid getting cleaned, Hua Hua sits contentedly in a basin, letting her caretakers scrub her gently with a towel. This unique love for hygiene has earned her the endearing nickname “clean panda,” further showcasing her delightful, personable character.
Playful and Engaging
Hua Hua’s charm isn’t just in her gentle nature but also in her playful, interactive spirit. She is one of the rare pandas over two years old who still enjoys close human interaction, much to the delight of her fans. Known as the most “business-savvy” panda, Hua Hua seems to have a remarkable understanding of human speech and loves to cooperate during photo sessions. Visitors can’t help but marvel at her ability to pose for pictures, making her an absolute star in the zoo.
Her playful side is further emphasized by a unique physical trait: her right hind paw naturally turns outward, which impacts her ability to climb trees as gracefully as other pandas. This isn’t due to laziness—it’s simply the way she’s built. The result is that Hua Hua runs a little slower than her panda peers, a fact that only adds to her endearing, unhurried personality.
In a number of viral videos, Hua Hua is seen chasing birds with a charmingly calculated, stealthy approach, demonstrating her playful curiosity. She also has a cute habit of holding bamboo shoots like a bouquet of flowers, covering her face as she enjoys her meal slowly, almost as if savoring the moment. This delightful behavior has earned her the affectionate nickname “Hugging Bamboo with a Hidden Face,” capturing her sweet, playful, and utterly irresistible nature.
Growth and Milestones of Panda Hua Hua
Early Life: Hua Hua made her grand entrance into the world alongside her twin sister, He Ye, on July 4, 2020, at the Chengdu Research Base. Even as a young cub, she quickly distinguished herself with her active and playful personality
Second Birthday: On July 4, 2022, Hua Hua celebrated her second birthday in style at the Chengdu Research Base’s juvenile yard. The milestone was met with great enthusiasm, as her caretakers and fans alike gathered to celebrate the little panda’s growth. It was clear then that she was destined for something special.
Third Birthday and Rising Fame: By the time Hua Hua turned three on July 4, 2023, her fame had skyrocketed. Her third birthday was a festive affair at the Chengdu Base, but it was the viral sensation she had become that truly stole the show. The hashtag #PandaHeHua began trending across social media, often topping the search lists for days on end. Hua Hua had officially earned her title as the “Top Panda Star” from netizens, a beloved figure capturing hearts all around the world.
Special Appearances: In July 2023, as Chengdu geared up to host the 31st World University Summer Games, Hua Hua made a memorable appearance in the promotional video “New Thousand Miles of Rivers and Mountains: Vibrant Sichuan.” Her adorable presence added an extra spark to the video, delighting viewers and cementing her place in the spotlight as one of Chengdu’s most cherished ambassadors.
Spring Festival Gala: Hua Hua’s rise to stardom continued in 2024, when she was invited to make a special appearance at the prestigious Spring Festival Gala. This iconic moment solidified her status as a true panda superstar.
Honorary Director: In April 2024, Hua Hua’s popularity reached new heights when the Chengdu Municipal Bureau of Culture and Tourism appointed her as an honorary director. Her new role aimed to further boost the tourism industry in Chengdu, leveraging her beloved status to promote the city’s cultural charm on a global stage.
Fourth Birthday: On July 4, 2024, Hua Hua marked her fourth birthday at the Chengdu Research Base, surrounded by fans and caretakers. The celebration was nothing short of spectacular, complete with special treats like ice cakes, pumpkins, apples, and bamboo shoots. Nearly a thousand eager visitors lined up to catch a glimpse of their panda superstar, witnessing firsthand the joy and warmth that Hua Hua radiates.
