Move over, mascots—Chengdu’s real-life giant pandas are stealing the spotlight as the city gears up for the 2025 World Games! Over 100 international athletes swapped their training gear for panda-watching hats this week, visiting the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding to meet China’s furry ambassadors 🐼.
The pre-Games cultural tour, running until August 18, offers seven immersive routes showcasing 17 iconic sites. From the ancient Dujiangyan Irrigation System (a UNESCO World Heritage site older than TikTok trends) to the misty peaks of Mount Qingcheng, athletes are getting a crash course in Sichuan’s rich history and eco-friendly "park city" vibes 🌿.
"I’ve never seen pandas this close—they’re like living plush toys!" said one starstruck sprinter, snapping selfies with bamboo-munching locals. The panda base also debuted limited-edition merch, blending traditional Sichuan embroidery with sporty designs—perfect for suitcase souvenirs 🧳.
With the Games kicking off Thursday, this cultural warm-up proves Chengdu isn’t just hosting a competition—it’s throwing a global block party where 5,000-year-old heritage meets Gen-Z energy 🎉.
