On July 11, Wuxi Zoo hosted a 9th birthday celebration for giant panda Yubao, who came from Chongqing. The event, themed “Love Between Mountains and Waters, A Bond Between Wuxi and Chongqing,” was held both online and offline, making Yubao a friendly symbol of connection between the regions of Bashu (Chongqing) and Jiangnan (Wuxi).
Zhang Naicheng, director of the Panda Pavilion at Chongqing Zoo, traveled to Wuxi specifically to attend the event. The celebration was live-streamed on multiple platforms, attracting tens of thousands of viewers. During the livestream, Zhang shared fond memories of Yubao, recalling that he was one of the first surviving twin pandas born at Chongqing Zoo. “He was lively and energetic, clever and humble, and always had a big appetite,” said Zhang. “His small and unique eye patches left a lasting impression.”
At the event, the zoos of Wuxi and Chongqing exchanged regional specialty gifts: Chongqing brought fresh bamboo shoots, while Wuxi returned the gesture with juicy Jiangnan peaches.
Yubao’s birthday gift was creatively designed—a four-tier peach ice cake made from layers of carrots, cucumbers, and pumpkins. Zhang also brought along a panda-shaped comfort toy named “A Beibei,” carried all the way from Chongqing. Yubao shared the delicious treats and new toy with his neighbor Jiayueyue, adding even more joy to the festive celebration.