Fu Bao

Basic Profile

Fu Bao (Chinese: 福宝, meaning “Lucky Treasure”), affectionately known as “Fu Princess” (福公主) and “Yongin Fu-shi” (龙仁福氏), is a female giant panda born on July 20, 2020, at Everland Resort in Yongin, South Korea — the first giant panda ever born in South Korea.

Her mother is Ai Bao (爱宝/华妮, studbook 879) and her father is Le Bao (乐宝/园欣, studbook 841). She has two younger sisters: Rui Bao (睿宝) and Hui Bao (辉宝) (born 2023).

Birth

Born at 21:39 local time on July 20, 2020, Fu Bao weighed 197 grams and measured 16.5 cm in length. Her mother Ai Bao was initially nervous but soon successfully cradled and nursed her.

Naming

Everland held a public naming contest with four candidates: Chao Bao (超宝), Xing Bao (星宝), Xing Xing (幸幸), and Fu Bao (福宝). “Fu Bao” won with 17,000 votes — symbolizing “a treasure that brings happiness.”

Life in Korea

Public Debut (January 4, 2021)

Fu Bao made her first public appearance at Everland’s “Panda World.” By six months, she weighed 12 kg and had learned to walk, run, and climb.

Keeper Bond

Fu Bao formed an exceptionally close bond with her Korean keepers Kang Cheol-won (姜哲远) and Song Young-kwan (宋永宽), known affectionately as “Grandpa Kang” and “Grandpa Song.” Their interactions became viral sensations.

Cultural Phenomenon

Fu Bao became a cultural phenomenon in Korea:

• Photo essay book “Panda Baby Fu Bao” published on her 1st birthday
• Emoticons — “Fu Bao 1 Year Old” and “Fu Bao 3 Year Old” topped Korean charts
• Samsung Galaxy Buds case designed with Fu Bao’s image
• T-Money card sold out immediately
• Pop-up store “Fu Bao, My Sweet Home” — 2,000 visitors daily, 110,000+ items sold, 1 billion KRW in 13 days
• Honorary citizen of Yongin City (February 2024)

Birthdays

• 1st (2021): Zhuazhou ceremony — grabbed wowotou (symbolizing happiness)
• 3rd (2023): Chinese Ambassador to Korea Xing Haiming attended

Return to China

Farewell

On March 3, 2024, Fu Bao made her final public appearance in Korea. Fans lined up from 6 AM in the rain. On April 3, 2024, about 6,000 people gathered to see her off. She departed Everland on a special vibration-proof vehicle for Incheon Airport, flying to China aboard a charter flight.

Arrival

On the afternoon of April 3, 2024, Fu Bao arrived in Chengdu. She underwent one month of quarantine at the Wolong Shenshuping Base.

Public Debut in China (June 12, 2024)

Fu Bao made her first public appearance in China via a global livestream co-produced by Hunan TV and Mango TV, breaking viewership records. She now resides at the Wolong Shenshuping Base.

Health

In April 2025, Fu Bao entered a pseudo-pregnancy state, exhibiting decreased appetite and activity. She was moved to a non-exhibition area for rest in December 2024, and resumed public viewing in March 2025. Her weight stabilizes around 103-104 kg.

Cultural Impact

Fu Bao became a symbol of Korea-China friendship. A film titled “Goodbye, Fu Bao” was produced as a documentary-animation hybrid about her life in Korea. Korean travel agencies launched “Fu Bao Tour” packages to China, and Sichuan Province promoted a “Fu Bao Journey” tourism route.