Panda Fandom - Nation, Capitalism, and Biopower

This book provides the first exploration of panda fandom, a term denoting the community built upon the deep and intimate emotional connections between fans and giant pandas. The book uncovers the dynamic relationship between China, the West, and the giant panda, rooted in over two centuries of cross-cultural encounters.

List of contents

Introduction
Chapter 1. Giant panda: The Chinese history
Chapter 2. Making an animal attraction
Chapter 3. A cost-saving panda is cute
Chapter 4. Becoming pandas: trade, diplomacy, and surplus
Chapter 5: Panda fandom: Confession, celebrities, and primitivity
Chapter 6. Panda fan sketch: Method and field reflection
Chapter 7. Love panda, love my nation: “Only China has pandas”
Chapter 8. The cute existence: “A fourth kind of feeling”
Chapter 9. Biopowered: “I feel like they love us”
Conclusion. From panda fandom to crustacean fandom

About the author

Yulei Guo is a research associate specializing in giant panda tourism at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding in China. With a Ph.D. in Tourism Studies from Otago University, New Zealand, and a master’s degree in Service Management from Lund University, Sweden, she brings a global perspective to her work. Yulei also completed a visiting fellowship with the Biodiverse Anthropocene program at Oulu University, Finland, in 2024. Her research looks into animal-human interactions and the vibrant world of panda fandom, offering fresh, interdisciplinary insights into this fascinating field.

Summary

This book provides the first exploration of panda fandom, a term denoting the community built upon the deep and intimate emotional connections between fans and giant pandas. The book uncovers the dynamic relationship between China, the West, and the giant panda, rooted in over two centuries of cross-cultural encounters.

Product details

• Authors: Yulei Guo
• Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd.
• Languages: English
• Product format: Paperback / Softback
• Released: 11.02.2025
• EAN: 9781032841045
• ISBN: 978-1-0-3284104-5
• No. of pages: 264
• Subjects: Natural sciences, medicine, IT, technology > Natural sciences (general); Non-fiction book > Politics, society, business > Politics; China, Sociology, Social & cultural anthropology, ethnography, Ethics & moral philosophy, Sports & outdoor recreation, Conservation of the environment, Ethics and moral philosophy, Social and cultural anthropology, Botany & plant sciences, Development Studies, Tourism industry, Botany and plant sciences, Retail and wholesale industries, Sports and Active outdoor recreation