Meet Jia Jia and De De: Giant Twin Panda Cubs Star in Hong Kong’s Tourism Drive

Twin Panda Cubs Become Stars of Hong Kong’s Tourism Drive (Image: ANI)

It’s not every day that cuddly animals steal your heart, but Hong Kong’s newest residents are doing just that. Two adorable panda cubs have captured the city’s attention and given a much-needed boost to its tourism sector.

Public debut sparks tourist boom at Ocean Park

Born last August to panda Ying Ying, the cubs made their first public appearance on Sunday, 16 February, at Ocean Park. Their arrival has created a buzz, especially as Ying Ying made history herself—becoming the oldest first-time panda mother at nearly 19 years old.

Ocean Park has since seen a 20% spike in bookings. Travel platform Trip.com reports that international visitors now make up 75% of those reservations. The park is offering premium panda-viewing sessions and personalised visitor experiences. These include exclusive tours and themed activities, making the twins central to the city’s travel revival.

A public contest helped name the twins, previously known only as "Elder Sister" and "Younger Brother". The official names were later unveiled during the first half of the year.

Pandastic campaign spreads citywide

Hong Kong has rolled out a full-on panda campaign under the "Pandastic Hong Kong" banner. This city-backed strategy includes panda-themed trains, metro stations, and even mailboxes. A total of 49 panda-themed mailboxes will appear across districts like Causeway Bay and the Southern District. Each box is 3D-printed and styled with cultural motifs, encouraging tourists to explore with a playful touch.

A sculpture exhibition with 2,500 panda figurines has also launched, popping up in various public areas. Meanwhile, panda mascots have become common sights at busy locations like Hong Kong International Airport, Star Ferry Pier, and MTR stations.

Cultural moments and a panda-packed summer ahead

Ahead of the 2025 Sun Life Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Races, the panda family will be dressed in traditional Tuen Ng costumes. They’ll appear at the Avenue of Stars between 31 May and 8 June, offering tourists a unique photo moment with a cultural twist.

The cubs’ first birthday in August will be a highlight of the city’s “Summer Viva” campaign. Ocean Park plans exclusive events, merchandise, global livestreams, and even a VIP “Panda Chauffeur” experience. Travel bundles with hotel stays, meals, and park tickets will also be available.

To keep the excitement going worldwide, the DiscoverHongKong.com portal has launched a dedicated "Panda Extravaganza" section. It features itineraries and tips for anyone planning a "panda pilgrimage."

India’s travel and food platform Curly Tales caught the panda buzz firsthand. Editor-in-Chief Kamiya Jani visited with her daughter Ziana in March. They watched the cubs play, munch bamboo, and swing on trees. Ms Jani said the visit was magical and described the pandas as “a riot of cuteness.” Her daughter’s joy, she added, made the moment unforgettable.

Hong Kong positions itself as a panda capital

With six giant pandas now in residence, Hong Kong hosts one of the largest panda populations outside mainland China. Through this panda-powered push, the city is turning heads across the world. Officials are hoping this burst of panda charm will help the city reclaim its global appeal—and maybe even become the world’s panda capital.