Which expansion introduced the Pandaren race?

Mists of Pandaria introduced the Pandaren as a playable race. Blizzard released the fourth World of Warcraft expansion on September 25, 2012, raising the level cap from 85 to 90 and opening the previously hidden continent of Pandaria.

Pandaren had existed in Warcraft lore before becoming a playable race. Blizzard artist Samwise Didier originally created the panda-inspired concept as an April Fools-style idea, and the race later appeared in Warcraft III: The Frozen Throne. Mists of Pandaria turned that popular concept into a major part of the MMORPG’s story and character-creation system.

Pandaren were unusual because they began as faction-neutral characters. During the Wandering Isle starting experience, a Pandaren player chose to join either the Alliance or the Horde. The expansion also introduced the Monk class, whose themes of martial arts and disciplined movement matched Pandaren culture. The race itself is therefore distinct from the continent: both became central to Mists of Pandaria, but the playable race was the particularly notable addition.