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Alert: The pictures below will make you hungry.
A giant panda in Nanjing Hongshan Zoo enjoys a big meal. /VCG Photo
A giant panda in Nanjing Hongshan Zoo enjoys a big meal. /VCG Photo
A giant panda in Nanjing Hongshan Zoo enjoys a big meal. /VCG Photo
A giant panda in Nanjing Hongshan Zoo enjoys a big meal. /VCG Photo
A giant panda in Nanjing Hongshan Zoo enjoys a big meal. /VCG Photo
A giant panda in Nanjing Hongshan Zoo enjoys a big meal. /VCG Photo
A giant panda in Nanjing Hongshan Zoo enjoys a big meal. /VCG Photo
A giant panda in Nanjing Hongshan Zoo enjoys a big meal. /VCG Photo
A giant panda in Nanjing Hongshan Zoo enjoys a big meal. /VCG Photo
What is "Shufu"? And why does "Out of Shufu Day" make pandas so happy?
According to traditional Chinese lunar calendar, "Shufu" refers to the hottest, dampest days in each year. Many Chinese people figuratively call "Shufu" the "sauna weather" to describe the smothering heat and wetness. "Shu" means heat or hot weather in Chinese; while "Fu" means long summer. The "Shufu" period could be 30 or 40 days. The starting and ending points vary depending on lunar calendar calculation. With the "Shufu" period ends, the weather becomes cooler and drier.
Pandas usually inhabit in areas of relatively high altitude and cold climate. When relocated to warmer areas, they prefer autumn and winter rather than summer, especially summer in Nanjing, a city famous for its sultry weather in July and August. So you can totally understand that happily engorging guy: A cooler day brings back a good appetite.
(Cover image via VCG)
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