On International Giant Panda Day, 27 October, the city of Dujiangyan in Sichuan province declared its participation in the Panda Homeland Culture Creativity Contest. Organised by the Chengdu government, this contest aims to position Chengdu as an international hub for panda-themed cultural and creative innovation, inviting artists and creators from across the globe to contribute.
The city of Dujiangyan, known for its giant panda heritage, plans to select a live giant panda as the ambassador for its cultural initiative, with the help of the National Conservation and Research Center for Giant Panda. This panda will inspire a unique cultural identity that incorporates Dujiangyan’s heritage and scenic environment, creating a distinctive IP that enhances the city’s brand. The ambassador’s identity will soon be announced, building anticipation among both local and international panda enthusiasts.
In line with its aspirations, Dujiangyan will host a range of categories in the creativity contest, including sculpture, painting, video, and design, aimed at celebrating and promoting the diverse cultural significance of the giant panda. The intention is to develop the giant panda IP in ways that enhance public spaces, tourism, and digital applications, broadening the impact and accessibility of panda-themed projects.
Dujiangyan’s own cultural and tourism group is also taking charge of a new platform for giant panda-inspired cultural innovation. This initiative is designed to foster cooperation and collaboration among the contest participants, supporting a shared ecosystem for panda-themed creative projects. The contest has already attracted more than 100 artists and organisations from countries including Japan, the United States, Uruguay, and Norway.
According to Li Yue, head of Dujiangyan’s publicity department, the city is committed to advancing the giant panda IP culture and aims to strengthen the cultural industry around this beloved animal. “This project will help Chengdu to emerge as a global giant panda cultural hub and cement Dujiangyan’s role as a central player,” Li said.
During a related cultural IP creation salon, industry leaders, artists, and cultural experts gathered to discuss the practical and creative aspects of developing giant panda-themed cultural properties. Zhou Xiaodong, general manager of the Chengdu Dujiangyan Investment Development Group, pointed out future opportunities for collaboration within the Dujiangyan project, which plans to open panda-themed restaurants, hotels, and cultural venues across the city.
Dujiangyan has already built a reputation for its dedication to panda conservation and tourism. Named as a prime site for the giant panda national park pilot, the city has hosted numerous panda-themed events and developed products that celebrate panda-friendly values, establishing itself as a leader in the field.
The Panda Homeland Culture Creativity Contest encourages global creators to showcase their vision for the giant panda, celebrating its iconic status and increasing its visibility on the international stage. Fu Yuxiang, a notable sculptor and co-chairman of the contest, extended an invitation to artists worldwide to contribute groundbreaking ideas that will continue to elevate the giant panda as a cultural symbol.
With this latest collaboration, Dujiangyan is poised to enhance both local engagement and global awareness of the giant panda, solidifying its status as a cultural epicentre for panda-related innovation and tourism.