Panda Xing Ya: A Symbol of Friendship between China and Netherlands

Panda Xing Ya

Xing Ya (星雅), a male giant panda born on August 5, 2013, at the Ya’an Bifengxia Base of the China Giant Panda Protection and Research Center, has become a symbol of cultural exchange between China and the Netherlands. With a playful spirit and vibrant personality, Xing Ya has not only captivated the hearts of panda enthusiasts but has also played a significant role in international conservation efforts.

Basic Information

  • Name: Xing Ya (星雅)
  • Gender: Male
  • Date of Birth: August 5, 2013
  • Place of Birth: Ya’an Bifengxia Base, China
  • Mother: Zhuang Mei (壮妹)
  • Father: Yuan Yuan (园园)
  • Lineage Number: 879
  • Siblings: Jin Bao Bao (金宝宝), Chu Xin (初心)Xiao He Tao (小核桃), Xing An (星安)

Life Experience of Panda Xing Ya

Early Life: Xing Ya was born and raised at the Ya’an Bifengxia Base, where he experienced a nurturing environment that helped shape his early development.

Life in the Netherlands: On April 11, 2017, Xing Ya embarked on a significant journey to the Netherlands, where he was joined by another panda, Wu Wen (武雯). This move marked the beginning of a 15-year stay at the Ouwehands Zoo, aimed at strengthening cultural ties between China and the Netherlands.

Birthday Celebration: On August 8, 2018, Ouwehands Zoo hosted a grand celebration for Xing Ya’s fifth birthday, inviting visitors to join in the festivities.

Successful Mating: On January 18, 2020, Xing Ya successfully mated with Wu Wen. This achievement was made possible through the collaborative efforts of experts from both the panda center and the zoo, including allowing the two pandas to become familiar with each other’s scent in advance, as well as playing “porns” featuring the female panda.

Offspring: On May 1, 2020, Xing Ya and Wu Wen welcomed their daughter, Fan Xing (梵星), into the world at Ouwehands Zoo. The name “Fan” pays homage to the famous artist Vincent van Gogh, symbolizing their Dutch birthplace, while “Xing” represents her father, Xing Ya.

Second Cub: On the evening of July 12, 2024, Xing Ya and Wu Wen’s second child, Lang Yue (朗月/Bright Moon), was born. On January 14, 2025, she was officially introduced to the public.

Gallery of Panda Xing Ya