January 29, 2026
SHANGHAI – The twin giant pandas from Tokyo’s Ueno Zoo arrived in Chengdu, Sichuan Province, early Wednesday, according to a China Central Television report.
The 4-year-olds, male Xiao Xiao and female Lei Lei, left from Narita Airport on a chartered plane on Tuesday night.
The twins arrived at the China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda in Ya’an, Sichuan Province, at around 5 a.m. Wednesday, according to the Tokyo metropolitan government.
Their mother, 20-year-old Shin Shin, and 8-year-old sister, Xiang Xiang, also live at the center.
The two pandas will be quarantined for about one month, according to Chinese media outlet Jimu News. Following this, officials will begin considering their public viewing.