They're cute, they're cuddly, they're everyone's favorite unofficial China mascot, and yes, they are coming to Shanghai Expo 2010! China's Xinhua news recently broke this huge story, which details the upcoming exodus of 10 super-sized, endearingly endangered pandas from Ya'an Bifeng Gorge Breeding Base, Sichuan to Shanghai. 

Officials have decided to parade the adorable animals around Shanghai in not one but two different zoos over the course of the event, no doubt in an effort to sweeten the already saccharine Expo charm offensive Shanghai is unleashing. Will anyone be able to resist their furry appeal?

Though representatives for official Expo mascot Haibao could not be reached for comment, Expo experts have warned of a potential official vs unofficial mascot clash if roles and hierarchies are not precisely determined before Expo opening day.

Korean scientist Mon Kee Dink recalls what happened during the Aichi, Japan Expo when then-Expo mascots Kiccoro and Morizo, both green, amorphous two-limbed hairballs, got into a feud with gray, amorphous two-limbed hairball Totoro, mascot for Studio Ghibli.

"Kiccoro, Morizo and Totoro's battle for mascot supremacy totally destroyed Aichi's Interactive Fun Zone. They had to close it down to rebuild for a month, it was a major national embarrassment! In response, the Japanese government declared a ban on all amorphous two-limbed hairballs without realizing just how huge the money involved in amorphous hairballs really was. The Japanese economy pretty much tanked!" 

In an effort to boost harmony and enjoyment at the Expo, we here at ChinaTravel.net are helping with the educational campaign to ensure a harmonious and enjoyable Expo. When you see the pandas, do not mistake them for the mascots or refer to them as Chinese "symbols,"  "icons" or anything else that might be interpreted as mascot-ish. It could all end black, white and blue, and provoke a national disaster. Approved comments about pandas so far include mentions of "cute" and "savory" (don't ask) pandas. We'll keep you posted.

Just remember: Expo is for the enjoying, so if you're not enjoying yourself, there's something wrong. With you. It's definitely you.