In Chengdu, the gateway to China’s giant panda conservation efforts, a variety of sanctuaries beckon visitors eager to encounter these cherished animals. From the bustling Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding to the serene Dujiangyan Panda Base and the scenic expanses of Wolong and Bifengxia, each location offers a unique glimpse into the world of these beloved creatures amidst stunning natural surroundings.
Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding (成都大熊猫繁育研究基地)
Address: Panda Avenue, Chenghua District, Chengdu, Sichuan Province
Ticket Price: 55 RMB
Advantages: Located conveniently close to the city center, accessible via Metro Line 3 and direct shuttle buses from Chunxi Road. This base hosts the largest number of pandas, allowing visitors to see pandas of various ages, including celebrities like Hua Hua and Ye Zi.
Disadvantages: Extremely crowded, often leading to short viewing times but long queues.
The Chengdu Research Base is not just a tourist attraction but also a significant center for panda conservation and research, providing insights into the pandas’ habitats and behaviors.
Dujiangyan Panda Base (Dujiangyan Zhonghua Giant Panda Base – 熊猫乐园)
Address: Stone Bridge Community, Qingchengshan Town, Dujiangyan City, Chengdu
Ticket Price: 55 RMB
Advantages: This base offers a quieter experience amidst a natural environment. Visitors can get closer to the pandas, enhancing the overall experience. For those with extra budget, there’s an opportunity to volunteer (with advance booking and additional fee), engaging in activities like cleaning enclosures and preparing panda food, which is popular among families wanting an educational experience for children.
Disadvantages: If not interested in volunteering, the viewing experience might not be as optimal due to more stone walls than glass walls, and younger children may need to be held to see the pandas.
Dujiangyan is also famous for its historic irrigation system and scenic surroundings, making it a cultural and natural gem.
Panda Valley (熊猫谷)
Address: Huan Shan Tourist Road, Yutang Town, Dujiangyan City, Chengdu
Ticket Price: 55 RMB
Advantages: Known for its serene environment with fewer crowds, Panda Valley offers a simpler route for viewing pandas. It includes a section for red pandas and is conveniently located near the Dujiangyan Scenic Area, allowing visitors to explore two attractions in one day.
Disadvantages: The number of pandas is relatively limited, approximately around 20+, and rainy days may impact the experience negatively.
Panda Valley provides a tranquil setting amidst natural landscapes, ideal for a peaceful panda viewing experience away from the bustling city.
Wolong Shenshuping Panda Base (卧龙中华大熊猫神树坪基地)
Address: Gengda Town, Wolong Nature Reserve, Wenchuan County
Ticket Price: 90 RMB
Advantages: Situated within the Wolong Nature Reserve, a habitat for wild giant pandas, this base offers expansive views and a chance to see pandas in a more natural setting. The area is known for its stunning mountain vistas, and visiting in January during snowfall can provide enchanting scenes of pandas playing in the snow.
× Disadvantages: It’s located approximately 110 kilometers from Chengdu, requiring a longer journey, and the mountain weather can be unpredictable.
Wolong Shenshuping Panda Base is a prime location for those seeking a glimpse of pandas in their natural habitat, contributing to conservation efforts directly through tourism.
Bifengxia Panda Base (碧峰峡熊猫基地)
Address: Bifeng Town, Xiali Township, Yucheng District, Ya’an
Ticket Price: 100 RMB
Advantages: Nestled in a high forest cover area with streams and waterfalls, Bifengxia offers a unique opportunity to enjoy both pandas and the natural beauty of Bifengxia Gorge. It’s home to elegant pandas like Princess Xiang Xiang and also features a nearby wildlife feeding zoo where visitors can feed animals like lions and tigers.
Disadvantages: It’s located about 155 kilometers from Chengdu, making it a relatively distant option for day trips.
Bifengxia Panda Base combines panda viewing with a scenic retreat, providing a diverse experience for nature enthusiasts and panda lovers alike.
Each of these panda bases in Chengdu offers a distinct experience, whether you seek proximity to pandas, natural settings, volunteer opportunities, or scenic beauty. Visitors can choose based on their preferences for a memorable encounter with China’s national treasure, the giant panda.
