The National Zoo on Wednesday announced a nationwide contest to choose the name of its giant panda cub.

The China Wildlife Conservation Association and zoo officials selected five names to choose from, said Matt O'Lear, a spokesman for Friends of the National Zoo.

One voter will be chosen at random to receive a trip for two to Washington and what zoo officials call a "private visit" with the giant panda family, among other prizes.

The male cub, born July 9, is the first giant panda born at the National Zoo to survive more than a few weeks. The mother, Mei Xiang, and the father, Tian Tian, are on a 10-year loan from China. The cub will be sent to China when it is 2.

Voting on the zoo's Web site runs through Sept. 30. The winning name will be announced in October.

The choices:

* Hua Sheng (hwah-'SHUNG), which means "China Washington" and "magnificent."

* Sheng Hua ('SHUNG-hwah), which means "Washington China" and "magnificent."

* Tai Shan (tie-'SHON), which means "peaceful mountain."

* Long Shan (lohng-'SHON), which means "dragon mountain."

* Qiang Qiang (chee-'ONG chee-'ONG), which means "strong, powerful."

(China Daily/Agencies August 25, 2005)