Aerial photo taken on April 7, 2021 shows the "Selfie Panda" sculpture on display at Yangtianwo square in Dujiangyan, southwest China's Sichuan Province. (Xinhua/Wang Xi)
CHENGDU, April 9 (Xinhua) -- A statue featuring a giant panda clicking selfie has become the latest center of attraction among the public in southwest China's Sichuan, a province renowned for the iconic giant pandas.
A tourist takes photos of the "Selfie Panda" sculpture at Yangtianwo square in Dujiangyan, southwest China's Sichuan Province, April 7, 2021. (Xinhua/Wang Xi)
The sculpture measures 26.5 meters in length, 11 meters in width and 12 meters in height. It can be seen lying on its back in the Yangtianwo Square, Dujiangyan City, taking a selfie with a camera up against the sky.
The statue has been designed by Dutch artist Florentijn Hofman, who is best known for his Rubber Duck creation.
Aerial photo taken on April 7, 2021 shows the "Selfie Panda" sculpture on display at Yangtianwo square in Dujiangyan, southwest China's Sichuan Province. (Xinhua/Wang Xi)
The panda statue weighs 130 tonnes and 3 million stainless steel wires have been used to create its black and white fur. According to Hofman, the panda statue is inspired by a story of a real giant panda wandering into the city's downtown area in 2005.
A tourist poses for a selfie with the "Selfie Panda" sculpture at Yangtianwo square in Dujiangyan, southwest China's Sichuan Province, April 7, 2021. (Xinhua/Wang Xi)
Meanwhile, local authorities plan to launch more activities for visitors to interact with the statue.
About 70 giant pandas inhabit the city of Dujiangyan, attracting more than 20 million tourists every year. ■
