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Adorable Taiwan Pandas Captivate Travelers' Heart

By Jenna Jolie

Taiwan, a tiny island nation in the heart of Asia, is known for its stunning natural landscapes, exciting city life, and delectable cuisine. But amidst all these wonders, one captivating creature has captured the world's attention – the adorable Taiwan pandas. These furry ambassadors are not native to the island, yet they have become symbols of friendship, conservation, and endearment.

The History of Taiwan Pandas

China Sends Two Giant Pandas To Taiwan As A Diplomacy Gift

The enchanting tale of Taiwan's pandas began with a heartwarming display of diplomacy and friendship between Taiwan and China. In 2008, the Chinese government, renowned for using pandas as diplomatic gestures, decided to extend this symbol of goodwill to Taiwan to ease cross-strait tensions. Two pandas, named Tuan Tuan and Yuan Yuan, arrived as precious gifts from China to Taiwan, their combined names signifying "reunion" in Chinese. These adorable ambassadors of peace, solidarity, and friendship found their new home at the Taipei Zoo, swiftly becoming national treasures and playing a pivotal role in fostering harmony between Taiwan and China.

Throughout history, pandas have held significant importance as symbols of China's diplomatic outreach to allies and former adversaries. Before Taiwan, China has given pandas as "diplomatic gifts" to countries such as North Korea, the Soviet Union, and Japan, further demonstrating their role as bearers of goodwill and friendship. Taiwan embraced Tuan Tuan and Yuan Yuan with open arms, cherishing their presence at the Taipei Zoo.

Tuan Tuan and Yuan Yuan arrived as precious gifts from China to Taiwan

Tuan Tuan and Yuan Yuan arrived as precious gifts from China to Taiwan

A Symbol of Hope and Unity

In their natural habitat, pandas are exclusive to China, where they have been making a remarkable recovery from the brink of extinction. However, the challenges of panda reproduction remain a concern, contributing to the ongoing conservation efforts to ensure their survival.

Beyond their conservation and educational significance, the presence of Tuan Tuan and Yuan Yuan in Taiwan serves as a reminder of the power of friendship and unity between nations. These charming pandas have not only bridged the gap between Taiwan and China but have also brought people from diverse backgrounds together in their shared admiration for these gentle creatures.

Fun Facts about Panda Travelers Probably Want to Know

Pandas are fascinating creatures with a lot of fun facts:

  • Pandas have excellent camouflage, which helps them blend seamlessly into their natural habitat. 
  • Their unique eyes are different from other kinds of bears
  • Panda cubs are well protected during their first month by their doting mothers.
  • Despite their hefty appearance, pandas are surprisingly agile, as they can easily swim and even climb trees. 
  • Pandas have extended wrist bones, which they use like a thumb, enabling them to grip food skillfully.
  • Pandas can spend a significant portion of their day eating. They primarily rely on bamboo, which constitutes a critical part of their diet. However, they occasionally diversify their meals by consuming other food sources, like carrots or apples. 
  • Pandas are incredibly regular in bodily functions, averaging about 40 times poo daily.

Fun facts about Taiwan pandas

Fun facts about Taiwan pandas

A Trip to Taipei Zoos To Interact With These Lovely Pandas

Taipei Zoo Guide For Travelers: The Opening Hours, What to See, and Tips

Travelers should check the features of Best Time To Visit Taiwan - The Complete Weather Guide - which are matching with Taiwan Panda yearly activities to prepare your mind and imagine what will you see from these cute pandas. For example, the activities of the year of pandas during the shedding cycle or the habit of hibernation, activity in the heat of summer, ...

Taipei Zoo Display Areas

The Taipei Zoo is one of the ten largest municipal zoos in the world and the largest in Southeast Asia. The Taipei Zoo is divided into 2 major areas, including the indoor display area and the outdoor display area.  

- Indoor Display Areas:

  • The Insectarium,
  • Penguin House,
  • Koala House,
  • Amphibian and Reptile House,
  • Xinguang Special Exhibit House (Giant Panda House),
  • Tropical Rainforest Area,
  • Education Center.

- Outdoor Display Areas:

  • Formosan Animal Area,
  • Children's Zoo,
  • Tropical Rainforest Area,
  • African Animal Area,
  • Desert Animal Area,
  • Australian Animal Area,
  • Temperate Zone Animal Area,
  • Bird World.

Taipei Zoo Information

  • Address: No. 30號, Section 2, Xinguang Rd, Wenshan District, Taipei City, 116
  • Opening Hours:
    • Indoor & outdoor exhibits: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
    • Animals Exhibits: 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM
  • Regular Admission: NT$60
  • Education Center fee: NT$20
  • Shuttle Train: NT$5
  • Number of Animal Species: 377
  • Closest MRT Station: Taipei Zoo Station (Brown Line)

Taipei Zoo is the place to see giant pandas in Taiwan

Taipei Zoo is the place to see giant pandas in Taiwan

Helpful Tips When Visiting Taipei Zoo

Travelers should follow some regulations set by the authorities of Taipei Zoo if they want to interact with the adorable animals there.

  • Visitors are not allowed to smoke in the area. (Violators will be fined up to NT$10,000.)
  • All pets are prohibited from the Zoo. Please be aware of this regulation
  • Do not carry balloons, bicycles, scooters, rollerblades, skateboards, or any items that could injure animals or people into the zoo
  • Please refrain from feeding the animals
  • Avoid climbing over or into exhibitions
  • Do not enter restricted areas or shuttle tracks/routes
  • Eating and drinking are prohibited in indoor areas
  • Kindly refrain from using flash photography in indoor areas, Habitat Corridors & Other Conservation Linkages
  • UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle) is not allowed
  • Commercial activities are not allowed in the zoo

Interacting With Giant Pandas In Xinguang Special Exhibit House (Giant Panda House)

Yuan Yuan and Yuan Zai is now living in the Giant Panda House

Yuan Yuan and Yuan Zai is now living in the Giant Panda House

The Xinguang Special Exhibit House in Taipei Zoo is home to two precious giant pandas. This area was generously bestowed by the Shin Kong Group to the Association of Friends of Taipei Zoo. Within this remarkable facility resides a duo of lovely pandas: Yuan Yuan, the mother, and her adorable daughter, Yuan Zai. Yuan Yuan gave birth to a daughter Yuan Zai in 2013, and Yuan Zai was the first panda born naturally in Taiwan. Yuan Yuan is now 18 years old, and her daughter has recently turned 10 years old. Sadly, their family was once complete with the presence of Tuan Tuan, but his passing earlier this year left a void due to a brain tumor.

The ground floor of the exhibit house features a sprawling 765 square meter outdoor display area, complemented by two indoor spaces, one covering 254 square meters and the other 210 square meters. The spacious area outside is adorned with lush green vegetation, offering a refreshing and picturesque environment where giant pandas can play as they do in nature. Various rocks of different shapes and sizes provide ideal spots for climbing and playing, while a pond with a waterfall adds to the serenity of the area. 

The indoor enclosures prioritize the pandas' well-being, ensuring they stay comfortable and healthy throughout the year. The rooms are equipped with air-conditioning, maintaining a pleasant temperature range of 24-26 degrees centigrade during summer. In the winter, the room adopts a natural ventilation system, with air conditioning activated only when the outside temperature exceeds 22 degrees centigrade. Humidity levels are carefully regulated at 70-80% year-round to support the pandas' optimal living conditions. As visitors peer through the exhibit's windows, they will witness the delightful interactions and endearing behaviors of Yuan Yuan and Yuan Zai. 

In Conclusion

Taiwan pandas have left an indelible mark on the hearts of its people and visitors from around the world. Not only being symbols of diplomacy, these lovely creatures play their roles in conservation and education, bringing joy and hope to those who encounter them.

As Taiwan continues to cherish and care for Tuan Tuan and Yuan Yuan, this helps to promote the importance of protecting all living beings that share our planet. Taiwan's pandas have proven that no matter where they come from, these adorable creatures have the power to unite and enchant people, leaving an everlasting impact on the world.

If you fall in love with these adorable pandas, let’s pack your luggage to Taiwan now. You should note that obtaining your Taiwan visa is required to visit this stunning destination. In case you have any inquiries about Taiwan visas or Taiwan travel, please feel free to contact Taiwan Immigration Services. We are always here to assist you and make your Taiwan trip more comfortable.

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