On August 23, the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding (hereinafter referred to as the Panda Base), Leshan Normal University, Sichuan Chongsheng Bio-tech Co., Ltd., and Sichuan Yingtuo Education and Technology Co., Ltd. together held the listing ceremony for the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding-Leshan Normal University Co-construction of the Firefly Research Base and launch ceremony of the Firefly Dream-seeking Research Tour in Panda Valley, Dujiangyan. Hou Rong, deputy director of the Panda Base; Li Mingxi, deputy director of the Field Center of the Panda Base; Nong Xiang, dean of the College of Life Science at Leshan Normal University; and Cao Chengquan, professor at the College of Life Science at Leshan Normal University and founder of Sichuan Chongsheng Bio-tech Co., Ltd. attended this activity, which also invited 10 families to experience the coming Firefly Dream-seeking Research Tour in Panda Valley.

At the ceremony, Hou Rong, deputy director of the Panda Base, reflected on the Panda Base remaining true to its original aspiration and combining practice with theory since its establishment, emphasizing that animal conservation is comprehensive and systematic work. She suggested that fireflies, the spirits of Panda Valley, should be put under conservation status, like giant pandas, which reside in the Valley. It is of great necessity to create a pristine ecological scenic spot.

Dean Nong Xiang and Professor Cao Chengquan also delivered their speeches on fireflies as an ecological indicator. Their ability to survive and reproduce in great quantities affirms the merits of the ecological environment of the Panda Valley and the tenacity and outstanding contributions made by the Panda Base to restore the ecological environment. Research on the commensalism between fireflies and giant pandas in the Panda Valley not only drives research development in firefly biology and ecology, but also facilitates further exploration into the giant pandas’ habitat. The Giant Panda · Little Firefly - Firefly Dream-seeking Research Tour in Panda Valley that was held with the Panda Base allows teenagers to personally explore the ecological environment where fireflies reside and appreciate the breathtaking sight of fireflies flickering at night, inspiring their interest in nature conservation and developing an awareness of ecological conservation.  

Then, deputy director Hou Rong granted Professor Cao Chengquan a letter of appointment on behalf of the Panda Base, naming him Chief Expert of the Firefly Research Base co-constructed by the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding – Leshan Normal University. Later, she and Dean Nong Xiang, Professor Cao Chengquan, Deputy Director Li Mingxi together finished the listing ceremony of the Firefly Research Base. 

Deputy director Hou Rong granting Professor Cao Chengquan the letter of appointment

During the Firefly Dream-seeking Research Tour in Panda Valley, the ten families that were invited listened to a popular science speech on Exploring the Mystery of the Fireflies, visited giant panda enclosures, observed red panda behavioral training, attended a speech about giant panda and red panda science, made firefly wishing lanterns, and promised to protect fireflies. As night fell, every participant listened to professor Cao explaining the types, life habits, and biology of fireflies while holding their DIY firefly lanterns and strolling along the quiet paths in Panda Valley. Those glimmering lanterns called to the fireflies flickering in the night, a beautiful scene of humanity and nature coming together. 

Children listening to the speech 

Parent and child making a wishing lantern

All participants promising to protect fireflies and nature

A closer look at a firefly 

Fireflies flitting through the alpine azalea

Wishing lanterns calling to the fireflies flickering in the distance