In China, pandas are considered “sacred creatures of the forest”. And at River Wonders within Mandai Wildlife Reserve, well, they’re also celebrities in their own right – we’re looking at you Kai Kai, Jia Jia, and Le Le.
But did you know there’s another place in Singapore where you can spot giant pandas? This Mid-Autumn Festival, 2 more will be taking over the lawns of Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall as part of Wan Qing Mid-Autumn Festival Open House 2023 from 29th August to 1st October 2023.
Image credit: Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall
As part of the annual open house, there are 2 massive pandas just chilling and rolling on the lawn. The outdoor lantern installation is aptly titled A Mid-Autumn Paw-trait – plus, it’s free to the public.
Fun fact: giant pandas are no longer considered an endangered species under the IUCN Red List, an organisation that assesses the risk of extinction to animals across the globe.
So besides signifying a prosperous Mid-Autumn reunion, this year’s display is also a celebration of wildlife conservation efforts. Plus, it’s a collaboration with toy designer 52TOYS’ Panda Roll series and WWF-Singapore.
Image credit: Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall
At night, the magic comes to life as the pandas are lit up, set against the backdrop of the Sun Yat Sen Memorial Hall facade built in 1902. The kids will love running around and posing with these adorable creatures – dress them up in traditional clothes for added festive vibes.
During the Wan Qing Mid-Autumn Festival Open House taking place from 10am-6.30pm on 23rd-24th September, there’ll be plenty of free and ticketed events to keep the whole family entertained.
Uncover clues, solve puzzles, and take part in Lost in Time: The Case Of The Missing Researcher ($8/pax), an escape game activity where you and your team are investigating the mystery surrounding the researcher who was studying a 19th-century artefact. There are also parent-bonding activities like a Panda Lantern Making Workshop ($24/parent-child pair).
Image credit: Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall
But you don’t even have to spend money if you don’t want to – there are various free programmes as well. Sign up for the story-telling sessions that tell you about ancient Chinese myths and legends at Storytelling Sessions: Tales of Mid-Autumn Festival, or sample Mid-Autumn goodies like mooncakes, pomelos, and freshly-brewed tea at the Mooncake, Pomelo & Tea Tasting activity.
Image credit: Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall
A trip down to Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall is always a great way to spend the Mid-Autumn Festival. With the various activities and focus on panda conservation, you can get the kids educated and cultured at the same time.
If you’re planning to visit the permanent galleries and special exhibitions, they have extended hours on Saturdays and Sundays from 2nd-24th September 2023, as well as on Friday 29th September. You’ll be able to visit the galleries until 9pm, with the last admission at 8.30pm.
Admission: Free, paid activities available onsite
More places to check out this September:
Cover image adapted from: Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall
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