Yi Lan

Basic Profile

Yi Lan (Chinese: 怡兰, meaning “idly blissful”), also known by her birth name Shu Chang (舒畅 meaning “smooth and happy”), is a female giant panda born on August 10, 2021 at the Wolong Shenshuping Base of the China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda (CCRCGP) in Sichuan, China.

Her mother is Yi Chang (怡畅). She has a twin brother named Shun Chang (顺畅), making the two the “smooth” twins. She also has a half-sibling named Ba Te (巴特).

TV Star

As a young cub, Yi Lan (then known as Shu Chang) was featured in the Sichuan television documentary series “Grow Up, Giant Panda” (《成长吧，大熊猫》), which followed the development of panda cubs at the CCRCGP. Her playful personality and distinctive small tuft of hair on her head made her a fan favorite among viewers.

Move to Bifengxia

In 2022, Yi Lan was relocated to the Ya’an Bifengxia Base, where she continued to grow and develop under the care of CCRCGP staff. She was described as a playful and very beautiful panda.

Selection for Australia

In June 2024, during a visit to Adelaide Zoo, Chinese Premier Li Qiang announced that two new pandas would be sent to Adelaide to replace Wang Wang and Fu Ni, who were returning to China after 15 years. Yi Lan and a male panda named Xing Qiu (星秋, studbook 1263) were chosen as the ideal pair for the next chapter of the China-Australia conservation partnership.

Yi Lan was selected for her adaptability, temperament, and future breeding potential. The Australian government entered into a 10-year loan agreement at approximately $1.5 million per year.

Journey to Adelaide

On December 15, 2024, Yi Lan and Xing Qiu departed from Dujiangyan, China, accompanied by a Chinese veterinarian and keeper from the CCRCGP. They arrived at Adelaide Airport early in the morning and were transported directly to Adelaide Zoo’s Bamboo Forest enclosure.

After completing a mandatory month-long quarantine period, they made their public debut on January 21, 2025, with an official welcome ceremony attended by South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas, federal ministers, and Chinese representatives. Yi Lan was described by zoo director Dr. Phil Ainsley as having already “bonded to her keepers” and thoroughly enjoying her new enrichment items.

As of 2025, Yi Lan and Xing Qiu are the only giant pandas in the Southern Hemisphere, and among the most popular attractions in South Australia.