Nǐhǎo! Don’t worry, I’ve included tons of cute baby panda pics for the 2016 Cub Update of their 2-3 months, but first let me update you on what’s been happening with us interns.  It has been a busy week here in Ya’an. The first week of October was Golden Week here in China, a 7-day holiday period celebrating the National day of China. During this time, millions of people travel throughout China to spend time with their family or to explore this beautiful country.

Traffic back to Ya’an for the Golden Week.

Of course that means that Bifengxia was very busy! Many people came to the base to see our cute pandas, which also meant that the traffic to and from Bifengxia was crazy. During this time, instead of leaving the panda base at 4:30pm we left at 7:00pm. Although we left later to avoid traffic, it still took us an hour and a half to get home versus the usual 20-30 minutes.

The base employees playing a friendly game of basketball with official jerseys and everything!

However, we did have the chance to see a friendly basketball game between the awesome panda keepers while we waited at the base. They have really cool jerseys!

Niu lian ping mountain with all the tea bushes.

We also had the opportunity to visit 牛碾坪 (Niu lian ping) with our friend Luo Biao. It is a beautiful tea plantation in the mountains that is absolutely breathtaking!

Biking along the mountain!

Now on to what everyone is waiting for, Pandas! The cubs are growing so fast right before our eyes. Many of them are becoming a bit more independent as their mothers no longer feel the need to be near them all day. Luckily, this gives us the opportunity to take some cute pictures of the two! Enjoy!!

-Sofany