A week-long farewell party for U.S.-born male giant panda Bei Bei, who will leave the Smithsonian's National Zoo for China on November 19, has kicked off in Washington D.C.

Bei Bei's departure is part of the U.S. national zoo's cooperative breeding agreement with the China Wildlife Conservation Association whereby all cubs born there relocate to China after their fourth birthday.

Bei Bei turned 4 on August 22.

An online and on-site series of "Bye Bye, Bei Bei" celebratory events were held on Monday and will continue through next week, giving panda lovers the chance to bid farewell to Bei Bei before he starts the next chapter of his life.

His mother Mei Xiang and father Tian Tian, who arrived in Washington D.C. in late 2000, live next door. Bei Bei's brother Tai Shan and sister Bao Bao moved to China respectively in 2010 and 2017.

Preparation for Bei Bei's journey started last month and included acclimating him to a travel crate.

When departing for China, Bei Bei, with a supply of his favorite treats, will be accompanied by assistant curator Laurie Thompson and a veterinarian on a direct flight to China's Chengdu in a dedicated B777 aircraft by FedEx.

Upon arrival in Chengdu, Bei Bei's new keepers will accompany him to one of the bases run by the China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda, and Thompson will remain with Bei Bei for a short time while he acclimates to his new home.

Bei Bei will enter the giant panda breeding program when he reaches sexual maturity between five and seven years old, according to the U.S. national zoo.

(Cover: Bei Bei enjoys bamboo leaves at the Smithsonian's National Zoo. /VCG Photo)

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