1600 Paper Pandas Exhibition Meets "KANO" Trend – Panda Cub vs. Black Bear Showdown Kicks Off in Front of the National Theater & Concert Hall

▲ On the 16th, in front of the National Theater & Concert Hall’s Arts Square, the “Panda Cub Team” and the “Brown Sugar Team” composed of Formosan black bears were engaged in a heated baseball match in full swing. (Photo / Provided by Taipei City Government Department of Information and Tourism)

Tourism Center / Comprehensive Report

The “1600 Pandas World Tour” exhibition has moved to a new location and welcomed “new blood” – 200 Formosan black bears are now on display in front of the National Theater & Concert Hall’s Arts Square. Taking advantage of last Sunday the 16th’s fine weather, under the watchful eyes of tens of thousands of spectators, the “Panda Cub Team” and the “Brown Sugar Team,” both made up of bears, put on an intense baseball game.

The influence of the movie “KANO” continues to gain momentum in Taiwan, and now even pandas are riding the wave. “It’s the top of the seventh inning, with the Panda Cub Team at bat, two ‘bears’ out, runners on first and second, and the pitcher has just thrown one strike and three balls...” Taipei Mayor Hau Lung-pin, who had just returned from Hsinchu County and came straight to the event without resting, served as a one-day commentator, earnestly providing live play-by-play for this bear-vs-bear showdown. The crowd listened intently to the game commentary, making this “Panda Cub vs. Brown Sugar Baseball Friendship Match” the highlight of the day.

▲ Panda Cub: “Here’s a walk-off home run for you!” Black Bear: “Almost got him with the third strike!” Polar Bear: “Whatever happens, just don’t hit me...” (Fictional dialogue, Photo / Provided by Taipei City Government Department of Information and Tourism)

As of the 16th, the “1600 Pandas World Tour” exhibition at the National Theater & Concert Hall has attracted over 235,000 visitors and remains extremely popular. The exhibition runs until the 30th, from 9 AM to 9 PM daily. The public is encouraged to use public transportation to come and admire the adorable “twin bears.”