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Honoring Giant Panda Pioneer Père Armand David Tour in Europe
Commissioned by the Ya’an Municipal Government, Mr. Sun Qian, former Mayor of Ya’an and current President of the Sichuan Tourism Association, led a delegation of distinguished cultural experts to Europe on October 8, 2026, to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the birth of Père Armand David, the French missionary and naturalist who first introduced the giant panda to the Western world.
The commemorative visit included Espelette, France, associated with Père David’s birthplace, as well as several other destinations across Europe. The delegation also visited a giant panda enclosure in Spain, the Alps, the Waterloo Museum, and Pairi Daiza Zoo in Belgium. Throughout the journey, the delegation received a warm welcome from local governments, cultural institutions, and partner organizations.
In recognition of Mr. Sun Qian’s longstanding contributions to the promotion of giant panda culture, tea culture, and friendship between China and France, the town of Espelette awarded him the title of Honorary Citizen, marking a significant moment in the cultural exchange between the two countries.
The European commemorative tour was curated and planned by China Exploration on behalf of Mr. Sun Qian, bringing together cultural heritage, wildlife conservation, and international friendship through a shared appreciation of the giant panda and its enduring place in relations between China and France.
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