Xing Xing

Basic Profile

Xing Xing (兴兴, meaning “prosperity”), originally named Fu Wa (福娃, “lucky娃娃”), is a male giant panda born on August 23, 2006 at the Wolong Hetaoping Base in Sichuan, China. He was given the name Fu Wa in honor of the 2008 Beijing Olympic mascots (the Fuwa). Upon arriving in Malaysia in 2014, his name was changed to Xing Xing through a public naming competition — the name was announced by Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak.

Xing Xing was part of a twin birth with his sister Fu Ni (福妮, sb638), who was sent to the Adelaide Zoo in Australia.

Family

Xing Xing’s father is Lu Lu (芦芦, sb503), a wild-origin male from Lushan County, Sichuan, who became one of the most prolific breeding males in the captive population with over 50 offspring. His mother is Long Xin (龙欣, sb516), daughter of the famous breeding female Lei Lei (雷雷). His twin sister Fu Ni (福妮) resides at the Adelaide Zoo in Australia.

Xing Xing’s mate is Liang Liang (靓靓, originally Feng Yi / 凤仪, sb608), who traveled with him to Malaysia in 2014. Together they produced three cubs:

• Nuan Nuan (暖暖, sb1075, born 2015) — returned to China in 2017
• Yi Yi (谊谊, born 2018) — returned to China in 2023
• Sheng Yi (升谊, born 2021) — returned to China in 2023

Life Journey

Early Years in China (2006–2014)

Xing Xing was born at the Wolong Hetaoping Base to mother Long Xin. During the 2008 Wenchuan earthquake, he was evacuated and temporarily housed at the Chengdu breeding base. In May 2008, he was selected as one of the “Olympic pandas” sent to Beijing Zoo to accompany the summer games. After the Olympics, he returned to Sichuan.

In 2010, Xing Xing was loaned to the Wenling Changyudongtian Panda House in Zhejiang Province for two years, returning to the Ya’an Bifengxia Base in 2012 to prepare for his international journey to Malaysia.

Life in Malaysia (2014–2025)

On May 21, 2014, in celebration of the 40th anniversary of China-Malaysia diplomatic relations, Xing Xing and his mate Feng Yi (renamed Liang Liang in Malaysia) arrived at Zoo Negara in Kuala Lumpur for a 10-year conservation loan. After a one-month quarantine, they debuted to the public on June 25, 2014, with Prime Minister Najib Razak personally announcing their new names.

The pair adapted quickly to Malaysia, eating locally grown bamboo and even learning to respond to Malay language commands. In a remarkable achievement, Xing Xing and Liang Liang successfully mated naturally within 15 months of arrival — the fastest natural conception of any Chinese-loaned panda overseas. Their first cub, Nuan Nuan, was born on August 18, 2015.

Xing Xing fathered two more cubs: Yi Yi in 2018 and Sheng Yi in 2021. All three cubs were returned to China as per the terms of the loan agreement.

In 2018, the high cost of the panda loan — reported at approximately 1 million ringgit per year — sparked public debate in Malaysia about early return. However, public affection for the pandas ultimately led to the completion of the full 10-year term.

Return to China (2025)

After the loan period ended, Xing Xing and Liang Liang returned to China in May 2025. They first underwent a 30-day quarantine at Zoo Negara before being flown back. Their departure was marked by farewell events at the zoo, including a message board, keeper meet-and-greet sessions, and documentary screenings. Upon arrival in China, they were taken to the China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda.

Significance

Xing Xing (Fu Wa) represents a successful chapter in China-Malaysia panda diplomacy. As an “Olympic panda” who later became a beloved figure in Southeast Asia, his story spans the full arc of China’s modern panda conservation program — from disaster relocation during the Wenchuan earthquake to international breeding loan and ultimately fathering three cubs abroad.