Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the economic potential of Foping County, Shaanxi Province, driven by the "Panda Economy" and "Cool Economy," leveraging its rich ecological resources and tourism opportunities. Group 1: Panda Economy - Foping County is home to over 130 wild giant pandas, making "panda encounters" a common experience for visitors [2] - The local tourism industry is thriving, with attractions like the Qinling Giant Panda Rescue and Breeding Research Base drawing large crowds [2] - The presence of pandas has inspired creative content, with visitors sharing their experiences on social media platforms [2] Group 2: Cool Economy - Foping County is marketed as an ideal summer retreat, with accommodations fully booked during peak season, often requiring advance online reservations [2] - Local residents are capitalizing on tourism by selling regional specialties such as wild mountain walnuts and Qinling honey [2] - Various cultural and tourism events, such as music festivals, are being organized to attract visitors and boost local income [4] Group 3: Digital Transformation - The integration of panda-themed merchandise and creative products is enhancing consumer engagement and driving local spending [6] - Digital platforms like "Play Foping" are being utilized to streamline travel experiences, combining accommodation, dining, and activities [6] - The use of VR technology to create a digital replica of the panda rescue base allows for virtual tourism experiences, expanding the reach of Foping's attractions [6]

Core Points - The departure of four giant pandas from Adventure World in Shirahama, Japan, marks the end of an era that significantly contributed to the local economy, generating approximately 125.6 billion yen over 31 years [2][6] - The local community is now facing uncertainty regarding the future economic impact and tourism appeal without the pandas, which were a major draw for visitors [2][4] Economic Impact - The giant pandas were estimated to have brought about 125.6 billion yen in economic benefits to Shirahama over 31 years, highlighting their role as a key economic driver [2][6] - Approximately 300,000 visitors annually were drawn to Shirahama specifically to see the pandas, accounting for about one-third of total visitors [3][4] Tourism Challenges - Local businesses, particularly those selling panda-themed products, are concerned about declining sales following the pandas' departure, with some stores reporting that 40% of their products were panda-related [2][3] - The Adventure World theme park is struggling to maintain visitor interest without the pandas, as evidenced by a child's remark about the lack of appeal of panda plush toys compared to live animals [3][4] Community Response - The Shirahama town government is exploring new activities and events to attract tourists, such as piano competitions and beach festivals, in an effort to diversify the local economy [4][7] - There is a push for "de-panda-ization," with local leaders acknowledging the need to develop new attractions and branding to replace the lost panda appeal [6][7] Future Prospects - The local community is encouraged to leverage other attractions, such as beaches and hot springs, to draw visitors, although there are concerns about competition from other tourist destinations [4][8] - The potential for future panda returns is uncertain, but there is hope that improved diplomatic relations could lead to the pandas' return, which would reinvigorate local tourism [9]

Core Insights - The event "Panda National Park Science Exhibition and Super IP Creation Salon" aims to enhance the panda economy industry chain and ecological value transformation in Chengdu, gathering over a hundred representatives from government, academia, and enterprises [1][7] Group 1: Ecological Co-construction - The event included a visit to the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, showcasing the achievements in panda conservation through various multimedia presentations [3] - Professor Zhang Hemin, known as the "Father of the Giant Panda," emphasized the importance of scientific protection for industry development and called for a sustainable panda ecological circle [4] - The establishment of the Giant Panda National Park has not only protected panda habitats but also fostered the development of various economic activities, highlighting the unique cultural and economic value of the panda IP [4] Group 2: International Communication - The event featured discussions on the international promotion of giant pandas, utilizing live streaming and video to enhance global visibility and engagement [5] - The Chengdu Panda Base has successfully integrated conservation with cultural experiences, creating a symbiotic relationship between research and cultural innovation [5] Group 3: Innovative Integration - The event showcased innovative products such as high-fidelity panda toys and collaborations with companies like Pop Mart to create panda-themed blind boxes, demonstrating the global appeal of panda IP [6] - The integration of traditional Chinese medicine with panda imagery has led to the development of products like "Panda Health Tea," achieving annual sales exceeding 80 million yuan [6] - The event included discussions on cross-industry collaborations and the upgrading paths for the panda economy industry chain [6] Group 4: Industry Development Initiatives - The event is part of a broader initiative by the Chengdu Civil Affairs Bureau to support industry chain strengthening, with over 2,000 enterprises participating since its launch in 2023 [7] - The panda economy forum aims to promote deep integration of industry, innovation, and value chains through new technologies, partnerships, and market expansion [7]