On July 18, the Flying Tigers Legacy Delegation from the United States visited Guangzhou Zoo for a panda education program and got up close with giant pandas. For many of the American students, educators, and young professionals, it was the highlight of their trip.
Ethan Saldana, a student from South Texas, could barely contain his excitement. "Seeing the pandas was so cool. We have none in America, where I live—we have none," he said. "So, it was so cool, and they're so cute. Yeah, it was so cool, and I just want to take one home." When asked if he planned to buy any merchandise, he didn't hesitate: "Yes, I need the blankets, I need the plushies, and I need everything."
Saldana said his teacher had told him about the Flying Tigers summer camp, "And immediately when she told me that I had the opportunity to go to China, I was like, 'I wanna go see the pandas. I wanna do the whole trip, everything.'"
Addison Barrera, another student from the same group, was equally captivated. "So, it was really awesome seeing them. That one was asleep, but it still looked so cute. And then we got to see this one chewing on the bamboo—it's so cute," she said.
The giant panda, China's national treasure, is far more than an adorable animal. It is a symbol of peace, friendship, and harmony—values that resonate deeply with the Flying Tigers legacy. With its gentle nature and iconic black-and-white coat, the panda embodies the Chinese philosophy of yin and yang, representing balance and harmony.
For centuries, pandas have served as "ambassadors of friendship," bridging cultures and nurturing goodwill between nations. One ancient tradition even held that warring states in ancient Shu would raise a panda flag to signal a truce.
At Guangzhou Zoo, the pandas' habitat is carefully designed to mimic their natural bamboo forests, offering the delegation a glimpse into the life of these beloved creatures.
For Barrera, the visit was about more than just pandas. "Just to be informed about other cultures, share cultures, it helps eliminate the kind of ignorance that maybe we both might have on both sides," she said. "So being here and experiencing it firsthand, you can spread that back home and continue to spread information here. And I think that's super important."
The delegation, organized by the Guangdong People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, is part of an exchange program launched in September 2022 by the Sino-American Aviation Heritage Foundation.
This year marks the 85th anniversary of the Flying Tigers' formation, adding special significance to the visit. Over the past six months, the foundation has brought nearly 300 American young people to China, fostering people-to-people ties that echo the spirit of the Flying Tigers—a shared history of courage and cooperation that continues to inspire new generations.
Reporter: Guo Zedong
Video, photo & cover: Pan Jiajun
