Ocean Park and HKT jump on city-wide craze with 'Panda TV' launch

With the arrival of two giant pandas and their cubs, Ocean Park is riding on the panda craze with the launch of “Panda TV” in partnership with HKT's Now TV. 

“Panda TV” is a free channel that broadcasts the daily lives of the six giant pandas at the park, enabling Hong Kong residents to observe these charismatic creatures anytime, anywhere. 

On 15 January 2025, the first phase of "Panda TV" will go live on the new Channel 200. The public can access the channel through a Now TV set-top box or register for a free Now ID to watch on the Now TV mobile app or website. Two cameras at the "Hong Kong Jockey Club Sichuan Treasures" enclosure will offer comprehensive coverage of the daily lives of giant pandas "An An" and "Ke Ke" from 10am to 7pm daily.  

Viewers can also catch all the adorable panda antics through a treasure trove of panda clips exclusively available on the Now TV panda page. Subscribers to 1O1O, csl and Club Sim monthly service plans will have their data usage waived, allowing them to enjoy the panda broadcasts anytime, anywhere in Hong Kong. 

To further engage viewers, augmented reality interactive platform AR Lens mobile app has partnered with Now TV to launch a series of giant panda AR games and experiences. From 20 January to 9 February 2025, the “Panda TV” channel will periodically release five different QR codes. Viewers can use their mobile phone cameras to scan the QR codes and collect AR panda stamps on AR Lens.  

Starting from 27 January 2025, Hong Kong residents can use AR Lens to take photos and check in with adorable virtual AR panda installations at various locations across the city every week, creating joyful memories with giant pandas.  

The second phase of “Panda TV” will be launched in February, expanding coverage to include giant pandas "Le Le", "Ying Ying" and their adorable twin cubs. Viewers will get an intimate glimpse into the lives of this charming panda family of four, along with more innovative AR panda experiences. 

On the other hand, 1O1O and csl are also introducing a giant panda-themed commemorative edition SIM card featuring the image of the giant pandas on the SIM card face. Starting from 15 January 2025, new SIM cards issued to new customers and existing customers who renew or upgrade their monthly service plans will be the giant panda-themed commemorative edition SIM card, subject to availability while stocks last.

MARKETING-INTERACTIVE has reached out to HKT for more information.

Don't miss: HK to welcome 2,500 panda sculptures to spread joy and hope

In fact, Hong Kong has been urged to develop a “panda economy” (大熊貓經濟) to boost tourism, following the birth of the city's first-ever giant panda twins at Ocean Park last August.

Last November, Hong Kong welcomed one of its largest panda exhibitions PANDA GO! FEST HK, organised by the creative brand AllRightsReserved (ARR).  

Featuring 2,500 panda sculptures in eight unique designs, the PANDA GO! FEST HK kicked off with a grand welcoming ceremony on 2 December at one of the Hangars, within the restricted area of Hong Kong International Airport. These pandas were creatively displayed across various locations around Hong Kong, starting in December. 

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