Sheng Yi

Basic Profile

Sheng Yi (Chinese: 升谊) is a female giant panda born on May 31, 2021, at Zoo Negara (Malaysia National Zoo) in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. She holds the global studbook number 1310.

Her father is Xing Xing (兴兴/Fu Wa, studbook 906) and her mother is Liang Liang (靓靓/Feng Yi, studbook 641). She is the third cub born to the Malaysian pair, following her older sisters Nuan Nuan (暖暖) (born 2015) and Yi Yi (谊谊) (born 2017).

Naming

Her name “升谊” was jointly selected by Malaysian Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Takiyuddin Hassan and Chinese Ambassador to Malaysia Ouyang Yujing. “升” (Sheng) means “elevating” and “谊” (Yi) means “friendship” — together symbolizing the growing friendship between China and Malaysia.

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Life in Malaysia

Sheng Yi was born weighing 27 kg at birth (already a large size). She fed on fresh bamboo shoots, specially made wowotou, and fruits. She was described as an active climber and a careful, precise eater.

She began public viewing in late 2021 and quickly became a popular attraction at Zoo Negara.

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Return to China

On March 24, 2023, Zoo Negara announced that Sheng Yi and her sister Yi Yi would be returned to China.

On August 29, 2023, a farewell ceremony was held at Zoo Negara’s panda house. Both pandas departed Malaysia that evening, arriving in Chengdu by air. Local Malaysian fans braved rain to see them off, and social media was flooded with farewell messages.

Sheng Yi currently resides at the China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda in Wolong, Sichuan.

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Tourism Ambassador

In June 2025, Sheng Yi was appointed as a Cultural Tourism Ambassador alongside the panda Wang Wang (网网), appearing at the Beichuan Giant Panda Cultural Tourism Season launch event in Sichuan.