Located on a hillside 1,800 meters above sea level in Bogor, West Java, the Panda Palace at Taman Safari Indonesia has become a beloved destination for visitors. For 30-year-old Nuraen Kartika, her first up-close encounter with giant pandas was more than just a chance to see the cute creatures — she got a vivid taste of Chinese culture too.
“This building is very special,” Kartika, who had only seen pandas in online videos before, said. “The main red color and lanterns make it look just like in China. It’s different from other animal enclosures; it has its own character.” Blending natural landscapes with traditional Chinese architectural aesthetics (美学), the Panda Palace features curved roofs, red pillars, and detailed decorations. Lanterns, Mandarin couplets, and bamboo decorations decorate the area. Informative boards — available in both Indonesian and Chinese — share facts about pandas, alongside photos of Chinese landmarks like the Great Wall, creating an immersive cultural atmosphere. Visitors reach the palace via shuttle bus, enjoying stunning forest views that build anticipation before entering the panda habitat.
Taman Safari Indonesia has over 673 species and nearly 23,000 animals, drawing more than 5 million visitors yearly. Since 2017, the zoo has been home to two giant pandas, Cai Tao and Hu Chun, brought from China’s Sichuan Province. Now 15 years old, Cai Tao and his companion have become zoo stars.
For many visitors, the experience sparks (引发) curiosity about China. Peter Chen from Tangerang noted, “For those who have never been to China, it feels like we don’t have to go there, because China is already here.” Dian Puspita, visiting with her children, added, “I learned bamboo has deep cultural significance in China. I’d love to visit someday — not just for pandas, but for the culture.”
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