On October 17, the Sichuan Provincial Local Chronicles Office announced the official release of the English edition of the “Panda Chronicles” in the UK, which is now available in 40 English-speaking countries worldwide.
A representative from the Sichuan Provincial Local Chronicles Office expressed that this innovative work marks a significant milestone in the field of local chronicles in China. This overseas publication represents the first international release of a themed chronicle on the giant panda, contributing to a deeper global understanding of Chinese panda culture and its ecological conservation concepts. This initiative aims to enrich the narrative of China’s story and enhance the cultural exchange on the international stage.
The English edition of the “Panda Chronicles” is part of the “Classic China International Publishing Project.” Its publication is expected to elevate the international image of Sichuan and China as a whole, while also fostering new bridges for cultural exchanges between China and other countries. The hope is that through this chronicle, and by leveraging the giant panda as a “messenger of peace,” more people around the world will learn about the panda, Sichuan, and China.
Li Jiang, Vice President and Deputy Editor-in-Chief of the Local Chronicles Publishing House, shared that the English edition is a collaborative effort between the Sichuan Provincial Local Chronicles Office and the UK-based Pass International Publishing Company. This edition builds upon the original Chinese version published in 2019, reworked with new creative input, editing, and design to cater to an English-speaking audience. The “Panda Chronicles” is an official publication that comprehensively showcases the origins, ecology, research, conservation, and cultural significance of giant pandas, under the guidance of the Sichuan Provincial Government’s Information Office.
The newly released English edition not only provides a precise translation of the original work but also features innovative compilations that combine text and images. It delves into the biological characteristics, behaviors, reproductive protection, and other facets of giant pandas, enriched with rare photographs and charts that vividly illustrate the evolving relationship between pandas and humans, along with their historical and cultural context.
Additionally, significant internationalization adjustments have been made in the visual design and cultural presentation of the “Panda Chronicles” to ensure that overseas readers can fully appreciate the unique charm of giant pandas as well as the profound heritage of Chinese culture.
In recent years, the Sichuan Provincial Local Chronicles Office has been actively exploring new ideas and methods in local chronicling, focusing on tapping into local cultural resources. Through various forms, including chronicles, simplified history texts, and special publications, it aims to convey the essence of Chinese culture and contribute to the construction of a culturally strong nation and province.
