Aerial photo taken on April 7, 2021 shows the "Selfie Panda" sculpture on display at the Yangtianwo square in Dujiangyan, southwest China's Sichuan province. (PHOTO / XINHUA)

CHENGDU - Panda-mania materialized! A "Selfie Panda" sculpture by Dutch artist Florentijn Hofman debuted recently in the city of Dujiangyan in southwest China's Sichuan province, and may well become the new mecca for selfie and panda lovers alike.

The sculpture is 26.5m by 11m by 12m in dimension, featuring a selfie-taking giant panda lying on its back. Weighing 130 tonnes, the work takes shape with the help of three million lacquer-painted stainless steel rods.

"Selfie Panda" is inspired by a real giant panda that went astray in downtown Dujiangyan in 2005. It soon became a popular photogenic spot following its public debut.

Photo taken on April 7, 2021 shows the "Selfie Panda" sculpture on display at the Yangtianwo square in Dujiangyan, southwest China's Sichuan province. (PHOTO / XINHUA)

Aerial photo taken on April 7, 2021 shows the "Selfie Panda" sculpture on display at the Yangtianwo square in Dujiangyan, southwest China's Sichuan province. (PHOTO / XINHUA)

A tourist poses for a selfie with the "Selfie Panda" sculpture at the Yangtianwo square in Dujiangyan, southwest China's Sichuan province, April 7, 2021. (PHOTO / XINHUA)

Tourists visit a creative market next to the "Selfie Panda" sculpture at the Yangtianwo square in Dujiangyan, southwest China's Sichuan province, April 7, 2021. (PHOTO / XINHUA)

A tourist takes photos of the "Selfie Panda" sculpture at the Yangtianwo square in Dujiangyan, southwest China's Sichuan province, April 7, 2021. (PHOTO / XINHUA)