Panda Xian Xian (贤贤) is a female giant panda born on August 15, 2014, at the Hetaoping Wild Panda Training Base in Wolong, Sichuan Province. With a lineage rich in heritage and ties to a well-respected giant panda conservation family, Xian Xian has become an important figure in the panda world. She has traveled to different locations, participated in breeding programs, and undergone wild training as part of efforts to prepare her for the challenges of a semi-wild environment. Over the years, Xian Xian has captured the hearts of panda enthusiasts worldwide through her involvement in conservation initiatives and even media appearances.
Basic Information
- Name: Xian Xian (贤贤)
- Date of Birth: August 15, 2014
- Gender: Female
- Birthplace: Hetaoping Wild Panda Training Base, China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda, Wolong, Sichuan
- Pedigree Number: 935
- Mother: Gong Zhu (公主)
- Siblings: Jun Zhu (郡主), Ge Ge (格格), Ya Ao (雅奥), Li Li (丽丽), Bi Li (比力), Huan Huan (欢欢), Zhu Ling (竹灵), Zhu Hai (竹海), Yun Yun (运运), Shan Hu (山虎), Wu Wen (武雯), Qi Qi (七七), etc.
Intriguing Details of Panda Xian Xian
Name Origin: On May 16, 2015, Mr. Kenji Miyahara (宫原贤次), Honorary Advisor of Sumitomo Corporation, visited the Ya’an Bifengxia Base of the China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda. In recognition of Mr. Miyahara’s longstanding contributions to China’s legal system and the strong ties he helped foster between China and Japan, he was given the privilege of naming the panda cub. He chose the name “Xian (贤)” from his own name, symbolizing the wish for the panda to grow up healthy and wise.
Movie Star: Xian Xian is no stranger to the spotlight. She was featured in the critically acclaimed documentary Born in China, where she portrayed the beloved panda “Mei Mei.” With her big eyes and heart-shaped eye patches, she looked irresistibly charming as she snuggled up to her mother, leaving a deep impression on audiences. Filming for the documentary took place across multiple seasons from 2014 onward and covered some of China’s most stunning landscapes.
Master of Dramatic Reactions: Xian Xian became famous for her exaggerated reaction to a falling leaf. In the footage, a single leaf gently landed on her, and she immediately rolled over multiple times in a dramatic, seamless motion, as if she had been fiercely attacked by the leaf. This earned her the internet title of the “ultimate drama queen.”
Elegant Lady: Xian Xian has a gentle and composed personality, earning her the affectionate nickname “贤淑女” (a refined and virtuous lady) from the panda center staff. She enjoys interacting with humans and often places her paw gently on her keepers. She also loves striking poses and is particularly drawn to the color pink, showing special attention to people wearing pink clothes.
Relocations & Birthday Celebrations: Throughout her growth, Xian Xian has moved multiple times. She was born at the Hetaoping Wilderness Training Base, later relocated to Dujiangyan Base, and then lived at both the Dezhou Zoo and Shijiazhuang Zoo before returning to the Sichuan Giant Panda Conservation and Research Center in June 2022. On August 15, 2017, she celebrated her third birthday at Dezhou Wildlife Park, where nearly a hundred panda fans gathered to sing and send her birthday wishes. Xian Xian was exceptionally lively that day, frequently approaching the glass viewing area to interact with visitors and take photos.
Reproduction & Wild Training: In 2023, Xian Xian gave birth to twin cubs at Wolong Shenshuping Base, named “Xian Xian Big Cub” and “Xian Xian Small Cub.”
The older cub joined her mother in a wilderness training program, learning essential survival skills for life in the wild. In July 2024, Xian Xian and her cubs entered the second phase of this training, documented in Panda Family. If all goes well, the elder cub will eventually return to the mountains permanently.
The younger cub, however, was placed under the care of another panda, Rui Rui (蕊蕊). He is incredibly clingy – when eating bamboo, he insists on holding Keeper Li’s hand, and the moment he sees his caretaker, he rushes over to hug her legs.