Qing Zai

Basic Profile

Qing Zai (Chinese: 青仔), also known as Mei Nian Da (美年达), is a male giant panda born on September 12, 2021 at the Wolong Shenshuping Base of the China Conservation and Research Center for Giant Pandas. He holds the global studbook number 1374. His mother is Jia Mei (家美, sb973), his father is Qing Qing (青青, sb975), and his twin sister is Qing Bao (青宝, sb1375) — who departed for the Smithsonian National Zoo in October 2024.

Naming

Qing Zai and his sister Qing Bao were named after their father Qing Qing (青青). The character “青” (qing) evokes the concept of “lucid waters and lush mountains” (绿水青山), conveying a message of ecological protection and biodiversity conservation.

As the older cub of Jia Mei’s first litter, Qing Zai was initially referred to as “Jia Mei Da Zai” (家美大仔). His nickname Mei Nian Da (美年达) combines his mother’s name “Mei” with the popular soft drink Mirinda, reflecting his bubbly and energetic personality.

As a young cub, his mother Jia Mei accidentally scratched his nose while interacting with him, leaving a small scar that earned him the playful nickname Dao Ba Da (刀疤达, Scar Da).

Personality

Qing Zai is a classic mama’s boy. Wherever his mother Jia Mei goes, Qing Zai follows — always trying to stay as close to her as possible. Like his father Qing Qing (青青/蔓越煤), he has a deeply affectionate and clingy nature. He inherited his father’s heart-shaped eye circles and general appearance, so much so that people say he and his father look like they were stamped from the same mold.

His daily routine follows a comedic cycle: he cuddles his mother → she gets annoyed → she scolds or swats him → he cries for less than 30 seconds → he immediately goes back to cuddling her. This endearing loop is a source of constant amusement for keepers and fans alike.

Despite his clinginess, Qing Zai is a handsome, active, and playful boy. He is visibly larger than his sister Qing Bao, with a solid, robust build. He inherited his family’s energetic spirit and enjoys roughhousing with his peers. His signature cylindrical body shape, which went viral in 2023, adds to his charm.

Life Journey

Early Days at Wolong (2021-2024)

Qing Zai was born at the Wolong Shenshuping Base and spent his early years there. During his cubhood, he was housed alongside his sister Qing Bao and peer Le Le (叻叻) — the male panda who returned from Singapore — in a combined enclosure. This co-housing arrangement was designed to promote healthy social behavior development among young pandas.

Keepers described him as an enthusiastic eater with a notably round, cylindrical build.

Viral Fame (May 2023)

In May 2023, Qing Zai’s distinctive cylindrical body shape became a viral sensation on Weibo and other Chinese social media platforms. Netizens playfully remarked that he had “no neck and no waist” (脖子和腰没有就没有吧), celebrating his rotund physique as a symbol of contentment and good living.

The viral posts featured photos of Qing Zai sitting upright with a perfectly round torso, earning him comparisons to a steamed bun, a rolled bamboo mat, and other cylindrical objects. The lighter tone of the discussion reflected the affectionate public attitude toward captive giant pandas in China.

Move to Dujiangyan (2024-2025)

As he matured, Qing Zai was transferred to the Dujiangyan Base of the CCRCGP. As of June 2025, he resides there together with Le Le (叻叻), the Singapore-returned male panda. The two are described as energetic companions who keep each other active and engaged.

4th Birthday (September 2025)

On September 12, 2025, Qing Zai celebrated his 4th birthday at Dujiangyan Base, receiving special enrichment treats and birthday festivities. His sister Qing Bao, then at the Smithsonian National Zoo in Washington D.C., celebrated the same milestone across the Pacific.

Family Updates

Mother’s 2025 Cubs

On August 28, 2025, Qing Zai’s mother Jia Mei gave birth to a second set of twins (one male, one female) at Wolong Shenshuping Base. Tragically, the male cub died on April 3, 2026 from acute respiratory distress syndrome caused by tongue root swelling, despite over 60 hours of intensive veterinary care. The female cub continues to grow and develop under the care of the breeding center.

Sister Qing Bao in America

Qing Zai’s twin sister Qing Bao (青宝) made her public debut at the Smithsonian National Zoo in Washington D.C. on January 24, 2025, alongside Bao Li (宝力). Her 4th birthday was celebrated with a special fruit ice cake at the zoo in September 2025.

Physical Characteristics

• Build: Notable cylindrical body shape, with a round, compact torso
• Face: Round facial features typical of the Sichuan subspecies
• Distinguishing mark: Small scar on his nose from a cubhood injury

Conservation Significance

As a captive-born individual at the CCRCGP, Qing Zai represents the continued success of China’s giant panda captive breeding program. His sister Qing Bao’s transfer to the United States highlights the family’s role in international conservation diplomacy.