People bid farewell to a pair of pandas, “Meng Meng” and “Jiao Qing”, which are leaving their hometown in southwest China’s Chengdu, capital of Sichuan Province, Saturday morning to start a 15-year journey in Berlin Zoo, Germany. /CFP Photo

A farewell ceremony was held on June 23, 2017, with panda fans saying goodbye to their beloved animals. /CFP Photo

A special panda garden has been built at the zoo in Berlin for the newcomers, and panda-themed souvenirs such as mugs and hats went on sale last month for panda fans. /CFP Photo

China has launched international scientific research programs on pandas with a dozen of countries, including the US, Japan and Canada. /CFP Photo

Panda souvenirs in Berlin. /CFP Photo

Meng Meng. /CFP Photo

Jiao Qing. /CFP Photo