Hong Kong goes wild for panda twins' first birthday bash

New Straits Times

7 days ago

KUALA LUMPUR: Hong Kong is set to mark the first birthday of its beloved panda twins, Jia Jia and De De, with a citywide celebration featuring themed attractions, exclusive collectibles, and entertainment events throughout August.
Born on Aug 15 last year, to resident giant pandas Ying Ying and Le Le at Ocean Park, the twin cubs have become an instant favourite among locals and international visitors, drawing widespread attention since their debut.
To commemorate the occasion, the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) and Ocean Park have collaborated with artist Kasing Lung, creator of the Labubu character, to launch a special birthday-edition Labubu x Panda Twins vinyl toy.
The limited-edition collectible features a bamboo-green Labubu in a polka-dotted birthday hat holding the panda twins and comes with a custom gift box and a handcrafted birthday card by the artist, according to HKTB in a statement.
Visitors to Ocean Park between Aug 1 and 31 may participate in a lucky draw for a chance to win one of 300 birthday gift boxes, with additional giveaways planned during the main birthday celebration period from Aug 15 to 17.
Throughout summer, Ocean Park will be the centre of festivities with the "Panda Friends Summer Splash" event, which includes themed water attractions, photo zones, games, and giveaways featuring Line Friends characters and panda-themed decor.
Visitors can enjoy attractions such as the Ball Pit Party, Water Battle Zone, and Panda Friends Splash Playground, while panda badges, party hats, and other souvenirs will be distributed across the park.
The celebration will also feature the Gala of Lights — Panda Birthday Edition, a nighttime spectacle of projections, dancing fountains, and music, alongside surprise gifts for visitors attending during the key celebration dates.
Exclusive merchandise, including plushies of Jia Jia and De De in kindergarten uniforms, themed snacks, and special ticket bundles such as the "Twin Park Package Ticket", are also available for fans and tourists.
Beyond Ocean Park, panda-themed installations are appearing across Hong Kong, including creative MTR station takeovers and 32 panda-inspired road signs, extending the celebration throughout the city. — BERNAMA