Japan's Ueno Zoo is returning the country's last two pandas to China at a time when relationships between the two countries have hit an all time low.

Japan bids farewell to its last pandas, Xiao Xiao and Lei Lei, as they return to China amid strained diplomatic relations. The beloved bears' departure marks the end of an era in Japan, where they were first sent in 1972 as a gift symbolizing improving ties between the two nations.

Giant panda Xiao Xiao returns to the Ya'an base of the China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda in Sichuan province early Wednesday morning. [Photo by Li Chuanyou/For chinadaily.com.cn]