The first Golden Panda Awards is set to take place in Chengdu, the capital city of southwest China’s Sichuan Province, from September 19 to 20, in efforts to honor the best storytellers in four categories: Film, TV Dramas, Documentaries, and Animation.

The mascot of the Golden Panda Awards is a waving panda bear adorned with a golden rim, as if basking in the morning sun.
In Sichuan Province and beyond, many artistic accolades bear the panda's name, and Chengdu-based artist Xu Liaoyuan has been involved in the design of trophies many times.
Speaking to the China Global Television Network (CGTN) on Thursday, the artist explained why the awards have been named after China's most loved and iconic animal.
"The rarity and significance of pandas, globally recognized, represent a shared value. I believe that in future, panda art should explore more diverse, avant-garde avenues, and be open to every dimension of art," Xu said.
The panda's distinctive black-and-white form represents the traditional Chinese philosophy and practice of "Tai Chi", a centuries-old martial art symbolizing the harmonious coexistence of yin and yang (negative and positive). Such symbolism aligns with the Golden Panda Awards' mission of promoting a global community with a shared future.
Meng Fanzhuo, a young animation director, breathes life into different panda images, and aspires for greater success.
"The biting force of pandas is very strong, but they're vegetarian. This contrast is very cute, making people crazy for them. The technology of Chinese animation can now match international standards, and I definitely believe we're capable of creating world-class panda IP, like Kung Fu Panda," Meng said.
The first Golden Panda Awards has attracted more than 7,000 films from more than 100 countries and regions, and 90 of them have been nominated. The winners will be announced on Wednesday.
The award is established by the China Federation of Literary and Art Circles and the Sichuan provincial government. The jury panel comprises professionals from around the world. China's renowned director Zhang Yimou will be president of the jury.