A short history of panda fever worldwide

For decades, the animal has never failed in its duty as China's ambassador of friendship and has won hearts of thousands of fans worldwide. As China's national treasure, giant pandas have witnessed many significant diplomatic moments and been playing a key role in building China's international image.

President Xi Jinping (2nd R), his wife Peng Liyuan, and German Chancellor Angela Merkel (1st R) visit the Panda Garden at the Berlin Zoo in Berlin, July 5, 2017. Xi and Merkel attended the opening ceremony of the Panda Garden at the Berlin Zoo on Wednesday. [Photo/Xinhua]