The giant panda is high on the endangered species list; only a few thousand of these unique animals remain, all in Gansu, Sichuan and Shaanxi provinces. The Chinese government is making great efforts to increase their numbers.

From crocodiles to pandas to a stream to picnic by, Beijing Zoo has it all and more.

AP - China's secretive communist government said Tuesday it has approved rules boosting official transparency but added that state secrets have to be safeguarded and social stability preserved.