Giant pandas, open the \”door\” to understand China (Overseas Journal)

At the Paradise Zoo in Brugelette, Belgium, the China Garden with the Giant Panda Garden as its core covers an area of ​​4.5 hectares. \”Giant pandas open a door, a door that helps people understand Chinese culture and Chinese wisdom.\” Eric Dong Bo, founder and chairman of the zoo, said.

This year marks the 30th anniversary of the establishment of Paradise Zoo and the 10th anniversary of giant pandas settling here. Dong Bo said that since the giant pandas \”Xing Hui\” and \”Hao Hao\” came here in 2014, the zoo\’s visitor traffic has increased significantly, and it has been rated as the most popular and most beautiful theme park in Europe by the public many times.

In order to allow giant pandas to live and work in peace and contentment here, Dong Bo not only invited Chinese craftsmen to create a garden full of Chinese charm, but also invited Chinese breeder Liu Yang to provide the most professional care for the giant pandas.

As a full-time overseas giant panda breeder, Liu Yang has been accompanying \”Xing Hui\” and \”Hao Hao\” for 10 years, during which time the giant panda \”Tian Bao\” and the twins \”Bao Di\” and \”Bao Mei\” were born here one after another. . Liu Yang\’s two foreign apprentices, Robin and Maxim, have also started their apprenticeship. From cleaning and feeding, to weighing feces, to recording data, and studying the living habits and dietary patterns of giant pandas, the two have done everything in an orderly manner. Even giant pandas love The secret-made steamed buns are also delicious.

From the time \”Xing Hui\” and \”Hao Hao\” competed in competitions, to a family of five, there was an endless stream of people coming to see them. Liu Yang said that there is a French grandmother in her 80s who drives more than 6 hours every week to see them, and even specially buys organic carrots and apples for delivery. There are several giant panda \”fans\” who come two or three times a week. On local social media, netizens have spontaneously established several giant panda \”fan groups.\”

This autumn, \”Tianbao\” and his twins \”Bao Di\” and \”Bao Mei\” will embark on a journey back to China. \”That will be a very sad moment.\” Dong Bo said that the zoo specially customized T-shirts and hoodies to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the Chinese giant pandas\’ trip to Belgium.

“When the giant pandas first arrived here, the local people didn’t know much about China.” Liu Yang told reporters that over the years, the Chinese elements that local people are interested in have been expanding, “such as Chinese traditional culture, urban Landscapes, food, music, clothing, etc. \”Many giant panda \”fans\” said that after the giant pandas return to China, they also plan to visit the China Giant Panda Base and travel around China.

After the giant pandas settled in Paradise Zoo, Dong Bo also invited several giant panda \”fellow townspeople\” here, including the South China mountain antelope, red panda, alligator, etc. In the future, Dong Bo plans to build another theme village to show Europeans the Chinese story of the symbiosis between man and nature. He said: \”In the habitat of giant pandas, there are very rich populations of wild animals. China has made great efforts to protect biodiversity and achieved remarkable results.\”

From falling in love with giant pandas to falling in love with them Introducing Chinese culture, giant pandas have opened the door for local people to understand and love Chinese culture. Dong Bo said: \”Many misunderstandings come from ignorance. We hope to spread Chinese wisdom to Europe through the cultural door opened by giant pandas.\”

(According to Xinhua News Agency, Brussels, September 17, reporters Kang Yi, Li Jizhi, and Ding Yinghua)