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Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding Facts
Located ca. 10 kilometers northeast of Tianfu Square in downtown Chengdu, the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding covers a massive area of 3.07 square kilometers. Established in 1987, the base was designed to mimic the natural habitat of giant pandas in order to protect and develop panda breeding research. Today, not only is it home to around 237 giant pandas of various ages and the largest captive panda population in the world, it has also become a top-rated tourist attraction where visitors can observe pandas up close.
Chinese: 成都大熊猫繁育研究基地 Location: No.1375 Panda Road, Northern Suburb of Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China Entrance Fee: 55 CNY/person
Opening Hours: April - October: 7:30am - 6:00pm, November - March: 8:00am - 5:00pm
Recommended Visiting Time: 0.5-1 Day
Number of Giant Pandas: 237 giant pandas of various ages
Highlights: Giant Panda, Panda Cubs, Red Pandas, Other Animals, Giant Panda Museum, Panda Tower
1 Day Chengdu Panda Tour with Leisure Time in Renmin Park & Ancient Streets1 Day Chengdu Panda & Sanxingdui Tour: Trace the Lost Ancient Shu Civilization1 Day Chengdu Panda & Leshan Giant Buddha Tour: Giant Panda & Giant Budhha Encounter1 Day Chengdu Lifestyle Tour: Pandas, Teahouse, Food & Sichuan Opera
What to See in Chengdu Panda Base
Giant Panda
At the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, make sure you have a delightful time with the adorable giant pandas scattered throughout the vast enclosures of Panda Mountain. They pay no attention to the people around them as they roll down slides, bathe in tubs, and even hang upside down from trees. Their mischievous nature brings joy to everyone. However, most of the time, they simply lie on their backs with legs dangling, carefree and relaxed. During feeding time, the black-and-white furballs eagerly munch on crunchy bamboo shoots, filling their round bellies.
Within the Chengdu Research Base, you can find around 18 different enclosures housing giant pandas aged two years and above. They are spread across three distinct areas: Moon Valley Area, Sun Hills Area, and Classic Treasure Lake Area. The Classic Treasure Lake Area has the highest concentration of pandas and the largest population. The Adventure Valley is suitable for observing pandas aged 12 and above. You can choose to take a sightseeing bus or walk between different areas.
Panda Cubs
At the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, one of the must-see highlights is the adorable pink baby pandas. The Sunshine Delivery House of Giant Panda and Moonlight Delivery House of Giant Panda are the homes of newborn giant pandas from July to September each year. Visitors can observe these cute little creatures through glass windows while they reside inside their conservation boxes. Additionally, last year's panda cubs can also be found in these two venues. These energetic cubs love nibbling on bamboo, playing in water, and rolling down the hills. Their mischievous and adorable appearance never fails to leave a lasting impression on visitors.
Red Pandas
Red pandas are the most adorable neighbors of the giant pandas. Visitors must also check out these irresistibly cute creatures during a visit to Chengdu Panda Base. In contrast to the black-and-white giant pandas, red pandas have thick, reddish-brown fur and long, striped tails. Their compact bodies and rounded heads give them an especially cuddly appearance. Red pandas are very active and agile, effortlessly climbing trees and shuttling through grass.
To observe the red pandas at Chengdu Panda Base, head over to Red Panda Villa No.1 and No.2. Here you can watch them nimbly scampering up trees and bushes. Unlike the sleepy giant pandas, these little pandas will be alert and energetic. Get your cameras ready to capture photos of their fluffy tails bobbing through tree branches. Seeing the rare red pandas up close is an experience not to be missed when visiting the panda base.
Other Animals
Keep an eye out for these beautiful rare birds and peacocks as you explore different areas of Chengdu Panda Base. To see black swans and white swans, head over to Swan Lake, where these elegant birds glide gracefully across the water. You can also spot peacocks casually roaming around the grounds of the panda base. The male peacocks especially are a spectacular sight, fanning their vivid blue and green tail feathers. Additionally, the lush Chengdu Panda Breeding Base is home to numerous small forest birds, including great tits, thrushes, pheasants, and buntings, making it a renowned bird-watching paradise.
Giant Panda Museum
If you want to gain a deeper understanding of pandas, you can visit the Chengdu Panda Base's Panda Museum, located near the South Gate within the base. This five-story museum offers a wealth of exhibition content. Utilizing modern 3D technology, the museum showcases the origin of pandas, their natural habitats, breeding methods, and displays panda specimens, allowing you to delve deeper into knowledge about this rare animal. Additionally, the museum features two other exhibition areas—the Butterfly Museum, which showcases over ten thousand butterfly and insect specimens, and the Vertebrate Museum, which displays various vertebrate specimens.
Panda Tower
Shaped like a "bamboo shoot", the 6-story Bamboo Tower is a distinctive building located smack dab in the central area of Chengdu Panda Base. With its ace location and jaw-dropping panoramic views of the reserve, this spot has gradually become an iconic new landmark of the panda base. Visitors can mosey on up to the top observation deck of the tower for a bird's eye view of the panda breeding facility in all its glory, winding trails and distant mountains included. From this bird's-eye perch, you can even spot pandas roaming through the enclosures.
3 Recommended Routes to Tour Chengdu Panda Base
South to West Route (5.5 hours)
South Gate (45) - Giant Panda Museum (46) - Adult Giant Panda Ebclosure (53) - Sub-Adult Giant Panda Ebclosure (54) - Sunshine Delivery House of Giant Panda (55) - Moonlight Panda Delivery House of Giant Panda (62) - Spring Sun Giant Panda Pavilion (31) - Rising Sun Giant Panda Pavilion (28) - Cloud Sun Giant Panda Pavilion (30) - Reflection Sun Giant Panda Pavilion (29) - Panda Commerical Street (03) - River Moon Giant Panda Pavilion (09) - Bright Moon Giant Panda Pavilion (08) - Full Moon Giant Panda Pavilion (07) - Autumn Moon Giant Panda Pavilion (06) - Mountain Moon Giant Panda Pavilion (04) - West Gate (01)
This is the most recommended route to explore Chengdu Panda Base. You will first visit the Treasure Lake area, where pandas are most concentrated, with minimal walking required. Then you will tour the more spread out enclosures in the Sun Hills Area and Moon Valley Area. This allows you to best appreciate the highlights of Chengdu Panda Base, while fully considering your physical strength and time.
West to South Route (4.5 hours)
West Gate (01) - Mountain Moon Giant Panda Pavilion (04) - Cloud Moon Giant Panda Pavilion (05) - Bright Moon Giant Panda Pavilion (08) - River Moon Giant Panda Pavilion (09) - Embracing Moon Giant Panda Pavilion (10) - Bamboo Tower (36) - No.1 House for Giant Pandas (61) - Red Panda Delivery House (59) - No.2 Red Panda Enclosure (58) - Sunshine Delivery House of Giant Panda (55) - Giant Panda Cub Enclosure (52) - Adult Giant Panda Ebclosure (53) - No.14 Giant Panda Ebclosure (51) - Giant Panda Museum (46) - Consulting Service (44)
As you follow this renowned photography route through the Panda Base, from the picturesque Moon Valley Area to the panoramic Bamboo Tower, you'll capture exceptional moments of giant pandas and adorable red pandas, creating cherished memories in your photography collection.
Treasure Lake Area Route (Essential Route 2.5 hours)
Consulting Service (44) - Sub-Adult Giant Panda Ebclosure (54) - Giant Panda Cub Enclosure (52) - Sunshine Delivery House of Giant Panda (55) - Moonlight Panda Delivery House of Giant Panda (62) - No.2 House for Giant Pandas (60) - Red Panda Delivery House (59) - No.2 Red Panda Enclosure (58) - No.14 Giant Panda Ebclosure (51) - Giant Panda Museum (46) - Consulting Service (44)
This is the classic route for visiting Chengdu Panda Base, offering the opportunity to observe giant pandas of various ages, from cubs to adults. It's a relatively short duration, and if you have additional time, you can continue exploring the new area of the base.
Useful Sightseeing Bus Guide to Chengdu Panda Breeding Research Base
Operating Hours: 7:30 – 18:00
Ticket Price: 30 CNY/person
Stations: A total of 10 stations from South Gate to West Gate, including South Gate Station, Sunshine Delivery House for Giant Pandas Station, Moonlight Delivery House for Giant Pandas Station, No.1 House for Giant Pandas Station, Bamboo Tower Station, Sun Hill Station, Star Delivery House for Giant Pandas Station, Panda Pedestrain Street Station, Moon Valley Station, West Gate Station
How to Book: Advance purchase via WeChat official account / Onsite purchase
1. The sightseeing bus at Chengdu Panda Base runs throughout the base but does not directly reach every panda enclosure. It stops only at designated stations. You can get off at a station and walk to nearby enclosures for visits.
2. Within the base, you can take the sightseeing bus unlimited times. You can visit enclosures and then take the bus again from a station to the next one.
3. In peak seasons, especially summer, there may be queues for the bus. It is recommended to purchase tickets as soon as you enter the base. Tickets may be unavailable if purchasing mid-way.
4. If you have purchased tickets but did not take the bus or get your ticket checked, you can get a refund.
How to Book a Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding Tickets
You can easily get yourself some tickets for the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding at a price of 55 yuan. You've got two options to snag those tickets: either hop onto the official WeChat account "成都大熊猫繁育研究基地" and make your purchase there, or simply grab them on the spot.
Now, depending on when you plan to visit, you can choose between the morning ticket (valid from 7:30 AM to 12:00 PM) or the afternoon ticket (valid from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM). No matter which method you choose to purchase your tickets, you'll have no trouble exploring the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding.
How to get to Chengdu Panda Base
From Chengdu Centre to Panda Base
There are several transportation options to get from Chengdu city center to the Panda Base. You can take the subway, bus, direct shuttle bus or taxi to get there.
Subway: Taking the subway is a convenient and quick way to travel. You can take Line 3 and get off at Junqu Da Yiyuan (West Gate) or Panda Avenue (South Gate) Station. It takes about 30 minutes.
Bus: There are a few bus routes that go directly to the Panda Base, such as Bus 17, 198, 198A, 198B, 198C, 198D which stop at Panda Base Station. Bus 198E reaches the North Gate of the base.
Direct Shuttle Bus: Shuttle buses to the Panda Base are available at Chunxi Road, Kuanzhaixiangzi and Wuhou Temple. The ride takes around 1 hour and costs 10-20 CNY.
Taxi/Didi: Taking a taxi or Didi from Chengdu city center to the Panda Base takes 40 minutes to 1 hour, and costs 60-100 CNY.
From Chengdu Airport to Panda Base
If you are coming from Chengdu Airport, you can either take a taxi or the subway. A taxi takes around 1 hour and costs 100-150 CNY. If taking the subway, take Line 10 to Taipingyuan Station, transfer to Line 3 towards Panda Base Station. Subway fare is around 10 CNY and the total trip takes 1.5 hours.
Best Time to Visit Chengdu Panda Base
The Chengdu Panda Base is bustling every day because it is an ideal time to visit these adorable animals throughout the year. Giant pandas have thick fur, which makes them tolerant of cold weather but sensitive to heat. Therefore, during the summer, pandas spend more time indoors and are less active. However, the best time to observe panda cubs is from July to September during the summer months when they are born. It's the perfect opportunity to see these cute panda babies.
During other seasons, especially in spring and autumn, pandas prefer outdoor activities. During this time, you can observe them playing and exhibiting interesting behaviors throughout the scenic area.
Regardless of the season, the best time to visit the pandas is from 7:30 to 10:00 in the morning. This is their feeding time and when they are most active. You can fully appreciate their adorable behaviors and observe their appetite.
1 Day Chengdu Panda Tour with Leisure Time in Renmin Park & Ancient Streets1 Day Chengdu Panda & Leshan Giant Buddha Tour: Giant Panda & Giant Budhha Encounter1 Day Dujiangyan Panda Volunteer Tour with a Visit to Kung Fu Panda Village2 Day Dujiangyan Panda Volunteer Tour & Mount Qingcheng Kung Fu Lesson
Plan A Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding Tour
One Day Chengdu Panda Base Tour
For a one day tour of the Chengdu Panda Base, I'd recommend spending half a day at the base to see the adorable pandas. Then head back into central Chengdu to explore the city sights. Stroll through People's Park and immerse yourself in local life, wander through the historical Wide and Narrow Alleys dating back 300 years for a glimpse into old Chengdu, and taste Chengdu flavors at Jinli Food Street. This allows you to experience the pandas along with a taste of Chengdu's laidback lifestyle secrets in just one day.
Alternatively, you could combine your Panda Base visit with other famous sites around Chengdu, like the ancient Sanxingdui Museum or Leshan Giant Buddha, the largest sitting Buddha statue in the world.
2 Days Chengdu Panda Base Tour
With two days in Chengdu, you could extend your trip to Leshan Giant Buddha or another top highlight of Chengdu - the famous Dujiangyan Irrigation System and sacred Taoist mountain, Qingcheng Shan.
Over 2 Days Chengdu Panda Base Tours
Dreaming of deeply exploring Chengdu and surrounding highlights after the Panda Base? Then plan for 2 days or more. Visit Buddhist holy sites like Mount Emei, the stunning Jiuzhai Valley National Park, the Four Sisters Mountains of western Sichuan, or laidback Kangding.
1 Day Chengdu Panda Tour with Leisure Time in Renmin Park & Ancient Streets1 Day Chengdu Food Tour with Ultimate Cooking Class & Panda Visit2 Day Dujiangyan Panda Volunteer Tour & Mount Qingcheng Kung Fu Lesson2 Days Wolong Panda Volunteer Tour - From Chengdu City to Wild Panda Habitat4 Days Ultimate Panda Tour for Panda Fans (Chengdu - Wolong - Dujiangyan)
Helpful Tipps for traveling to Chengdu Panda Base
1. Hire an English-speaking guide at the Panda Base (around 100 RMB). If you book our Chengdu tour package, our experienced English-speaking guides have worked at the Base for many years. They are passionate about pandas and can provide context and stories to bring your visit to life.
2. Don't scream or make loud noises, as pandas are quite sensitive and can get startled easily.
3. Don't use flash photography when taking pictures. The bright lights can disturb the pandas.
4. Don't attempt to feed the pandas. Their diet is strictly controlled by keepers.
5. Don't try to climb over fences and approach the pandas, even though they look cute and cuddly. They can attack if you encroach on their space.
Explore Chengdu & Pandas with Local Based Asia Odyssey Travel
Headquartered in China with a branch office in Chengdu, Asia Odyssey Travel is dedicated to providing the best service and ensuring an authentic and unforgettable experience for those looking to explore Chengdu. Our local team offers a range of carefully designed tours, including classic Chengdu tours, Chengdu Food Tours, Chengdu Day Trips, Best Panda Tours, Panda Volunteer tours, Mount Siguniang Tours, Leshan Giant Buddha Tours, Mount Emei Tours, and Jiuzhaigou Tours to meet your needs and desires. Whether you prefer flexible private tours or cost-effective that don't compromise on quality, Asia Odyssey Travel has got you covered to ensure a pleasant holiday during your Chengdu tour.
If you want to extend your Chengdu tour into a longer vacation, Asia Odyssey Travel also offers a range of inspiring ideas through our China tour packages from Chengdu. Our professional travel consultants are always ready to help you customize your Chengdu tour at the most favorable local prices. Contact us now to start planning your dream Chengdu trip!
When you're planning your ideal trip to Chengdu, I hope the following links will be helpful to you:
How to Plan A Chengdu Tour: Useful Chengdu Planning Guide
Top 15 Things to Do in Chengdu - Chengdu Attractions & Places to Visit
Chengdu Itineraries: How to Spend 1 Day, 2 Days, 3 Days, 4 Days in Chengdu
Best Time to Visit Chengdu: Seasonal, Monthly Weather & Climate Guide
Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding (Facts, Attractions & Route)
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