In a heartwarming event, the Smithsonian's National Zoo in Washington DC recently hosted a grand farewell celebration for the cherished giant pandas Xiao Qi Ji, Mei Xiang and Tian Tian. The bear family will return to China on Dec 7 after the expiration of their lease. Giant panda fans from across the United States turned out Saturday despite the cold, early autumn morning. The panda lovers crowded into the giant panda enclosure, queuing up all the way outside as they waited for a farewell glimpse.