Featuring a Giant Panda Culture Exhibition Area, the event hosted by Sichuan Province celebrates the preservation of the beloved icon of vulnerable species that has been at play since establishment of Wolong National Nature Reserve in 1958.

Around 200 guests included heads of related ministries and commissions, leaders from the People's Government of Sichuan Province, diplomatic envoys to China and international friends, officials from the cities, prefectures, and departments and bureaus of Sichuan Province, well-known giant panda experts, celebrities from the culture sector and entrepreneurs.

A light-up map indicated countries where China giant pandas were sent for international exchanges and cooperation.

Certificates and souvenirs were also awarded to ambassadors for the global promotion of Giant Panda culture.

With its eco-environmental achievements in saving the species adopted as an "international business card" for tourism promotion, the event also celebrated Sichuan's folk customs, culture, art and famously spicy cuisine at a banquet with artistic performances.

Supporting cultural programmes and initiatives include a 'Panda on the Road' interactive experience, 'Panda Diary' VR-AR event, Sichuan Airlines Panda-themed flight, international conference and educational exhibitions in Beijing's libraries, airports, subways, public transportation, communities, universities and cultural centres.

The heartening story of saving the Giant Panda is also told through photos, film, TV, virtual reality, research exhibits, works of art and cultural and creative products at a 'Panda China-Sichuan Theme Exhibition' open to the public from August 23-26 at The China Millennium Monument in Beijing.

Native to south-central China, Giant Pandas were on the brink of extinction as a result of deforestation of their natural habitat of bamboo forest and poaching until conservation efforts began in Sichuan.

Releasing a new progress report on the conservation campaign, Mr. Yang Chao, Director of the Protection Department of China's State Forestry and Grassland Administration, said habitat protection has since extended to 67 nature reserves through Sichuan and neighbouring Shaanxi and Gansu - compared to just 13 reserves in 1998.

According to latest estimates, the steadily growing wild population has reached 1,864 individuals.

Another 518 are in captivity worldwide - representing a "healthy, sustainable breeding population".

As the State Forestry Administration of China continues to reinforce conservation efforts for one of the worlds' most adored and protected rare animals, the Giant Panda is one of the few species with its natural habitat designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Sichuan Giant Panda Sanctuaries covering seven natural reserves were inscribed onto the World Heritage List in 2006.

Mr. Yang Chao, Director of the Protection Department of China's State Forestry and Grassland Administration said 'Panda Week' is in future scheduled on the environmental calendar as a biennial international celebration of China's 50 years of conservation efforts saving the icon of vulnerable species.