My first encounter with the Giant Panda in Dujiangyan City

In a world where colours blend and stories intertwine, the panda emerges as a symbol of wonder and connection. It weaves embroidery of cultural exchange, diplomatic relations, and the harmony of nature.

 Allow me to paint a colourful piece that brings these elements to life as I journey with you on my first encounter with the Giant Panda in Dujiangyan City.

Entrance to the panda village. (Photo by Francis Emukule)

At the heart of this vibrant tale stands the majestic panda, embodying more than meets the eye. It dances between the strokes of a Ugandan artist named Crystal Panda and the animated realms of "Kung Fu Panda." Yet, there is a deeper meaning that unfolds, revealing the significance of pandas in diplomatic circles.

Yaya, a panda loaned to America, became the catalyst for a profound dialogue on compassion and national treasures. In China, this gentle creature symbolizes the nation's essence—a reflection of its ancient culture and tender spirit. From the ancient times of Queen Wu Zetian's gift to Japan, the practice of Panda Diplomacy bloomed.

Amongst the scenic wonders of Dujiangyan in Sichuan Province, I found myself on a pilgrimage to witness the panda's grace. This haven, where four ancient civilizations converge, breathes life into the mysterious 30-degree north latitude. Dujiangyan, an ecological city adorned with natural beauty, preserves history spanning 4,500 years.

As I ventured forth, the allure of Dujiangyan unfolded before my eyes. The famous Mt. Qingcheng-Dujiangyan water conservancy project, conceived over two millennia ago, still whispers its wisdom today. Amidst this tranquil sanctuary, where nearly 30 million souls seek solace, a floating bridge beckoned, bridging worlds with courage and curiosity.

Here, in the panda's homeland, resided a treasure trove of these gentle giants. Sichuan boasts of 1864 wild pandas, while Dujiangyan became the custodian of over 60 pandas in Panda Valley and Panda Park—an accolade for the city with the highest density of pandas per capita.

Facts about Pandas

Before venturing deeper into this realm, I learned intriguing facets of panda culture. Laziness veils their true essence; however, don’t be fooled for within those innocent, fluffy beings resides an energy-saving prowess. They transform into formidable defenders when provoked, never to be fooled by appearances. Born no larger than a palm and weighing a mere 50 to 120 grams, their journey unfolds.

In the wild, the female pandas face a bittersweet choice, raising only the strongest of their offspring. These tiny beings start as pink wonders, but within a month, they don the iconic black and white garb. Crawling by three to four months and mastering the art of tree climbing by six months, the panda cubs embark on their adventure. Their mothers impart wisdom, teaching them to wait patiently on tree branches until she returns.

Pandas thrive amidst altitudes of 1,500 to 2,600 meters, where summer gifts them with icy blocks to lounge upon. These warm months also herald the arrival of new life, as panda mothers bring forth their precious cubs. However, the transition from captivity to the wild poses challenges, as a few brave males discovered, including the ill-fated Shang Shang.

Solitude is the panda's preferred path, save for the tender bonds of youth. The world struggles to distinguish between males and females, just as pandas adapt to new languages when in English-speaking territories. Their poor eyesight compels them to rely on their nose and ears to seek sustenance and assess the freshness of their food.

Camera flashes remain forbidden, as pandas cherish their limited eyesight. Language eludes them, yet their faeces unveil their diet's story—yellow for bamboo shoots, green for leafy greens. And so, these enigmatic creatures continue their journey, navigating the realms of nature and human fascination.

People pointing their cameras to the on the panda. (Photo by Francis Emukule)

People dressed in panda costumes. (Photo by Francis Emukule)

The Panda encounter

As I entered the sacred grounds of the Panda Valley in Dujiangyan, an enchanting world unfolded before me. Adorned with panda sculptures, the entrance whispered a warm welcome to this sanctuary of nature. Every detail was meticulously tended to, from the symmetrical grass to the gentle ripples in the artificial water pools that cast a cool ambiance.

The breeze carried whispers through the bamboo forest, a soothing melody that accompanied my stroll. It was a glimpse into paradise, where I longed to build a home amidst such serene beauty. And then, my eyes met the object of my affection—the giant panda.

Love at first sight does not capture the depth of emotion that surged within me. The panda's face bore an innocence that resonated with peace, love, and tranquillity. As thousands of awestruck visitors surrounded it, the panda remained unfazed, engrossed in its bamboo feast, embodying the essence of minding one's own business.

Only the sound of crunching bamboo broke the silence, a gentle reminder of the panda's simple and contented existence.  I envied the single-minded dedication to eating, a pursuit that seemed so blissfully uncomplicated.

Panda. (Photo by Francis Emukule)

But the pandas at the Panda Valley were not just nameless creatures; they carried stories within them. Take Cheng Jiu, for example, whose fur faded shortly after birth, earning him the endearing name Xiao Huihui, meaning "little grey boy" in Chinese. And because of his affinity for apples, he became known as Apple Radar—a name filled with warmth and familiarity.

In this peaceful realm, where pandas and humans coexist, respect and understanding intertwine. We tread lightly, refraining from using flashlights that could harm their delicate eyesight. Language barriers crumble, replaced by an unspoken connection that transcends words. And their faeces, seemingly mundane, offer insights into their well-being, revealing the secrets of their nourishment.

As I bid farewell to the Panda Valley, the memories of that encounter lingered, painted with hues of awe and admiration. The panda, a symbol of China's rich cultural heritage, embodies the delicate dance between diplomacy and nature, inviting us to embrace harmony, cherish diversity, and protect the treasures that unite us all.

In the realm of the panda, a world of wonders awaits one that reminds us of the beauty found in simplicity, the power of connection, and the importance of preserving the fragile threads that weave our shared existence.