The pandas left Ya'an, Sichuan, at around 8:20am in an enclosed truck. They would first be transported to Sichuan's provincial capital of Chengdu, about 120 km from Ya'an, and then be flown to Taiwan.

Before their departure, the pandas had their breakfast–carrot and steamed corn buns.

A brief ceremony was held at the Bifeng Gorge Base in Ya'an before the pair's departure.

Zhang Hemin, director of the giant panda protection center, said at the ceremony he hoped the pair would bring happiness to Taiwan compatriots.

The 4-year-old pandas, Tuan Tuan and Yuan Yuan, have been living at a breeding base in Ya'an, Sichuan Province, since the May 12 strong earthquake which damaged their former home in Wolong.

Qu Chunmao, the pair's keeper in Ya'an, spoke in tears, "I wish them a happy life in Taiwan."

A Taiwan keeper, who would accompany the pair to the island, said the pandas were in good condition.

"They had a good breakfast to sustain them on the long journey," she said.