“A panda taking a selfie?” a child giggled, pointing towards Yangtianwo Plaza. At Yangtianwo Plaza, a giant panda sculpture dominates the square. This isn’t just any panda. This one, nicknamed “Selfie Panda,” is lounging on its back, a playful pose capturing the spirit of our modern obsession. It’s a massive artwork, 26.5 meters long, 11 meters wide, and 12 meters high. Created by Dutch artist Florentijn Hofman, the panda is made of three million lacquer-painted stainless steel rods, weighing a staggering 130 tonnes. Yangtianwo Plaza, once a regular city square, has been transformed into a vibrant hub, all thanks to this whimsical giant. But the “Selfie Panda” isn’t just a random artistic choice. Its creation is inspired by a real-life event. In 2005, a giant panda wandered from its natural habitat and found itself right here, in downtown Dujiangyan, near Yangtianwo Plaza. Imagine the surprise of the locals! This unexpected visitor quickly became a local sensation. The “Selfie Panda” commemorates this unusual encounter, immortalizing the panda’s visit in a monumental, selfie-ready form. Since its unveiling, the sculpture at Yangtianwo Plaza has become a magnet for tourists and locals alike, all eager to snap a photo with this larger-than-life, playful panda. The square is now a popular destination, a symbol of the city’s unexpected encounter with nature.
Hauptfriedhof
Lost in time stands the Hauptfriedhof Trier. A tranquil expanse in the bustling city it’s more than just a cemetery.