On Friday we reported that Tai Shan's return to his Chinese roots might create a “normal” panda environment for the furry guy—one that would focus more on breeding and less on the panda cams and fan clubs of yesteryear. Well guess who just scored a corporate sponsorship, oodles of money and even more of a lifetime guarantee of fame and fortune? more ›

While China's busy being pissed off at the United States, maybe now's the best opportunity to talk about something, well, cuter and cuddlier between the two nations. See, the United States is about to change direction and make a rare export to China - namely, two giant pandas. Mei Lan, born in Atlanta in 2006 and Tai Shan, born in Washington, D.C. in 2005, are currently aboard a Boeing 777 freighter from Washington, D.C. to Beijing. more ›

Shanghaiist has received several emails about pandas recently, mostly from slightly-older-than-middle-aged women. It seems a baby giant panda was born at the National Zoo in Washington, DC, in July -- and since pandas are Chinese and Shangahiist lives in China, we are supposed to care. And, although it has nothing to do with Shanghai, the birth is kind of a big deal. Giant pandas are critically endangered, with only 1,600 currently living in the wild. more ›