Rent-a-Panda

One of the highlights of any family’s tour of Washington is seeing Mei Xiang and Tian Tian, the pandas at the National Zoo. But unlike other animals there, the pandas aren’t owned by the zoo. Here’s the story of cute pandas and China’s hard-nosed “panda diplomacy.”

Following President Nixon’s historic trip to China in 1972, China’s leader Mao Zedong gave the US two giant pandas in recognition of growing diplomatic relationship between the two countries. In 1984 China decided that pandas would no longer be gifts, rather they would be leased.

The original pandas were much beloved and became the main attraction at the zoo until their deaths. Because Americans had become so enamored with the lumbering bears, the zoo naturally wanted replacements. To get them the National Zoo’s had to sign a lease for $500,000 a year per panda (with unlimited milage) plus an agreement that any cubs born during that time will be returned to China when they turn four.

Panda diplomacy is an excellent example of “soft power,” measures nations can use to get what they want without coercive methods. For example, Finland was able to leases pandas only after it agreed to a one-China (non-recognition of Taiwan) policy.

Extending the leases on Mei Xiang and Tian Tian may depend on the state of US-China relations. So, if you want to see these adorable bears, make sure you visit the zoo before 2023 when their lease is up, and they have to be returned to the dealer.

David Shaw

When not showing visitors the District (that’s what residents call Washington) I enjoy reading, grilling, and traveling. I’ve been to nineteen countries and every state except Idaho and Nebraska. I am a Certified Master Guide of the Guild of Professional...

David Shaw Full Bio
Duration
2 hours
Group Size
2 to 6

Above It All - Washington National Cathedral

Washington National Cathedral is a Gothic masterpiece. Perched on a hill overlooking the city it is the second largest cathedral in the country and the 6th largest in the world. It is a living work of art filled with stained-glass, hand-carved wood, and wrought iron. While a modern structure (finished in 1990) it is constructed in the old-world way and has no structural steel.

Duration
2 hours 30 minutes
Group Size
1 to 6

Hidden on Capitol Hill

Few people think beyond the Capitol when they think of the Hill. This tour takes you to the heart of a neighborhood with a fascinating history that still speaks to us today. Learn about these famous locations from a former Capitol Hill resident.

Duration
2 hours 30 minutes
Group Size
1 to 6

Embassy Row: Divinity & Diplomats

Most Embassy Row tours don’t venture far beyond Dupont Circle. But ours does. We see it all from top to bottom. This stretch of Massachusetts Avenue used to be called Millionaires Row where Gilded Age robber-barons built grand mansions. Today those mansions house most of Washington’s embassies, along with private clubs and statues of world heroes such as Mandela, Gandhi, and Churchill – and we will be right in the heart of it.