Read more: https://sc.mp/panda

Hong Kong welcomed its first locally born giant panda cubs in 2024 and the city has been trying hard to promote a “panda economy” with hopes of boosting tourism and consumption. Following the surprise gifting of two giant pandas from Beijing and the birth of a pair of cubs to the city’s resident pandas, the government has rolled out various panda-themed events, including an exhibition of 2,500 giant panda sculptures and the city’s first panda-themed drone show. Authorities even spent HK$700,000 (US$90,028) on a competition to rename the animals from the mainland, though some were disappointed when the pandas’ original names were kept after the event. But can all these efforts really contribute to economic growth?