Chief Executive John Lee said on Monday that he hopes two pandas given to Hong Kong as a present will arrive by National Day.

Lee was in Sichuan to discuss the arrangements with mainland officials.

Visiting a panda research centre in Dujiangyan with his wife, the CE saw a number of the animals.

"Many of them are super attractive. Male or female, some are strong, some are elegant. It appears they enjoy what they eat. I'm especially happy when I'm here at the centre," Lee told reporters.

"I believe when the two giant pandas arrive in Hong Kong, members of the public will be as I am now... they'll feel excited and they'll find the pandas amiable. People will also want to get close to them."

The chief executive said officials were still discussing the details regarding sending the pandas to Hong Kong.