Full coverage: 2017 Spring Festival

By CCTV.com editor Li Xiang

Today is Preliminary Eve, the beginning of a seven-day countdown to Chinese New Year, and 23 baby giant pandas born in 2016 have joined the celebrations in Chengdu, southwest China's Sichuan province. They appeared on a small stage in Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding to take a group photo to delight their fans all over the country.

Baby pandas appear in Preliminary Eve group photo

The panda cubs were brought together by the base's staff, who have dedicated themselves to the healthy growth of the beloved national treasures. 

Baby pandas appear in Preliminary Eve group photo

The oldest cub in the group was born on May 29, while the youngest was born on August 19. They each weighed less than 200 grams when they were born; each of them now weighs above 8 kilograms. Several of them have already become online stars as their pictures have gone viral on social media.

Baby pandas appear in Preliminary Eve group photo