Where to see China’s giant pandas around the world, from the US and Spain to South Korea, Singapore and more

You do not have to travel to China to see a giant panda – the black-and-white animals are often loaned out to other countries as signs of goodwill

Aibao has just given birth to twin cubs in South Korea, while the US is down to seven pandas after Ya Ya was returned following concerns over her treatment

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Aibao, a female giant panda in South Korea, has just given birth to twin cubs – but she is not the only panda living outside China. Photo: courtesy of Samsung C&T

Published: 12:44pm, 12 Jul 2023Updated: 4:11pm, 13 Jul 2023

China has a long tradition of loaning giant pandas to other countries as signs of goodwill. There are at least 65 of them overseas in 18 countries.

With giant panda Aibao giving birth to twin cubs in South Korea on July 7, we take a look at how some of these Chinese national emblems are faring across the world.

1. South Korea – Aibao, Lebao, Fubao and new twins

Aibao, a nine-year-old giant panda who arrived in South Korea in 2016, gave birth to twin female cubs on July 7 at Everland Resort, the country’s largest theme park.

They are the first panda twins to be born in South Korea and the first cub pair born overseas this year. Born two hours apart, they are yet to be named.

Aibao and her partner, 11-year-old Lebao, had another female cub, Fubao – the first panda born in South Korea – in 2020. The couple are set to return to China in 2031.

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South Korea welcomes its first locally born panda twins

Where to see China’s giant pandas around the world, from the US and Spain to South Korea, Singapore and more

1. South Korea – Aibao, Lebao, Fubao and new twins

2. United States – seven pandas