The Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding is located at No. 1375 Waibei Panda Avenue in Chenghua District, Chengdu City, Sichuan Province, China. It is situated 10 kilometres from the city centre and over 30 kilometres from Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport. This renowned facility serves as a protection and scientific research breeding base for giant pandas, as well as a public education and tourism centre.
Covering an area of 1000 acres, it is recognized worldwide for its conservation efforts concerning giant pandas, red pandas, and other endangered wild animals unique to China. The mountains are abundant with black and the water is clear like a mirror. The forest is vibrant and filled with harmonious bird songs. It is often referred to as “the natural paradise of national treasures and our paradise.”
1. Giant Panda Breeding
Since rescuing 6 sick and hungry giant pandas in the 1980s, the base has not captured any additional pandas from the wild. Through technological innovation, the population of giant pandas is expected to reach 215 by the end of 2020, making it the largest captive breeding population of giant pandas in the world. The genetic quality, health status, and behavioural well-being of the population are all excellent.
2. Scientific research on giant pandas
In the past 30 years, the base has overcome technical problems such as artificial feeding, captive giant panda management, reproduction, child-rearing, disease prevention, control, and population genetic management. They have achieved 72 scientific research accomplishments, published over 400 papers in renowned international and domestic journals, and obtained 30 national patents. Recognized internationally as the leading demonstration unit for the conservation of the giant panda, the base was honoured with the title “National Advanced Collective of Technical Talents” in September 2014.
3. Giant Panda Conservation Education
The base is currently engaged in educational cooperation with various countries and institutions and has established an extensive network of contacts and cooperation. It has won several accolades, including “Global 500 Best,” “National Youth Science and Technology Education Base,” “National Science Popularization Education Base,” “National Environmental Protection Science Popularization Base,” Sichuan Province and Chengdu City Popular Science Education and Ecological Protection Demonstration Base, and Chengdu Socialist Core for Minors Values practice education demonstration base.
4. Giant Panda Tourism
The base follows a guiding ideology of balancing scientific research and tourism, forming a sustainable development model that combines “production, learning, research, and tourism”. Various age groups of giant pandas flourish here. It was recognized by the World Tourism Organization in 1998 as a legendary destination of the same calibre as the world natural heritage site Jiuzhaigou. In 2006, it received a national AAAA tourist attraction rating. In 2019, it welcomed over 9 million Chinese and foreign tourists.
5. Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding Dujiangyan Breeding and Release Research Center – “Panda Valley”
Covering an area of 2,004 mu, it is located in Majiagou, Yutang Town, Dujiangyan City, near the Dujiangyan Millennium Water Conservancy Project and Qingcheng Mountain, a Taoist holy place. It is 50 kilometres away from Chengdu and about 3 kilometres away from Dujiangyan City. The area features shaded bamboo and trees, gurgling streams, singing birds, and fragrant flowers. It has unique natural climate conditions and more than 700 species of animals and plants. It serves as a natural base for the reintroduction of giant pandas into the wild. Currently, “Panda Valley” includes three transitional training kennels for giant pandas and a semi-wild training ground. Over 10 giant pandas undergo adaptive training and research in the wild throughout the year.
- Address: No. 1375 Panda Avenue, Waibei, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
- Bus guide: Take Metro Line 3 and get off at Panda Avenue Station, then transfer to the scenic spot by train, or take bus No. 87, 198, or 655 and get off at Panda Base Station.
- Self-driving guide: Navigate to the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, go to the Huanhuan or Yingying parking lot and park your car, then walk to the gate of the base. The walking time is about eight minutes. (Charge standard is 2 yuan/time)
- Taxi/Online car-hailing guide: Go to the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding and get off at the southeast gate.
- Scenic spot opening hours: 07:30 am — 18:00 pm every day
Must-see attractions:
Moon and sun delivery rooms are situated in the central area of the giant panda breeding facility. These rooms serve as the birthing space for giant pandas, as well as the living quarters for newborn and young red pandas. Referred to as the giant panda’s kindergarten, this area is highly sought after by visitors throughout the entire facility.
Villa No. 1 and Villa No. 2 are adult panda habitats where you can observe their various daily activities such as playing, eating, and sleeping. The pandas’ behaviour in the villas may vary throughout the day. The “Today’s Guest” display board at Panda Villa provides information about the pandas residing there, allowing visitors to easily identify their favourite pandas.
Red Panda Stadium is home to both red pandas and giant pandas, which, despite being different species, are equally adorable and resilient. As you stroll along the stone road, you might catch a glimpse of playful red pandas.
The Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding spans 1,000 acres and can be explored on foot in approximately 3 hours or by electric sightseeing car in 1-2 hours. Visitors have the option to take a sightseeing car, as there are 8 available for Chinese and foreign tourists.
Kind tips:
- Please refrain from making loud or sharp noises that may disturb wild animals, especially giant pandas, as they naturally prefer quiet environments and are sensitive to noise.
- To ensure a pleasant visit, please respect their living habits and maintain a peaceful atmosphere.
- When taking pictures, avoid using flash, especially when photographing panda cubs, as their eyes are highly sensitive to light and may be harmed.
- Refrain from feeding the animals, as your food is not suitable for them, and do not pick bamboo from the base to feed the pandas.
- The pandas’ daily food is provided and rationed by their caretakers.
International Panda Day
On October 27, 2017, the WWF China Office designated this day as “International Panda Day”. The Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding diligently prepared and launched a popular science education activity called “Learn Panda Language” for the public.
Let’s anticipate the exciting activities of the upcoming “International Panda Day”!
Feed the swans
When you walk to the little panda, you will see Swan Lake diagonally opposite. Buy a pack of fish feed for a few dollars, feed the swans, and come in close contact with them! Throw a little bread down, and a swan will swim gracefully and pick up the food gently. If you are lucky, you can see two swans swimming together, and then compare your hearts with their necks.
Cultural creation
The Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding has nine souvenir shops and one experience shop for special products of the Giant Panda National Park. The wooden house structure and interior decoration adopt a bionic layout, complementing the natural and ecological visiting environment. The layout and design in the souvenir house create a warm shopping environment for tourists. If you are still unsatisfied after visiting, consider taking a “panda” home to forever have the beauty of life and nature with you.
Dining in the park
1. Zhuyun Restaurant
The Chinese restaurant at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding is situated on the southeast of Swan Lake, occupying an area of approximately 900 square meters. It features 7 private rooms on both floors, capable of accommodating over 200 patrons simultaneously. It is the sole restaurant in Chengdu that embraces bamboo culture. The restaurant’s decor, cuisine, and tableware all exude the essence of Chinese giant panda culture.
2. Rose Garden Western Restaurant
The Rose Garden Western Restaurant is situated on the east bank of Swan Lake at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. It spans over 200 square meters and offers 16 open-air round tables, along with over 20 indoor booths. It can comfortably accommodate over 200 diners at once. The restaurant boasts a picturesque setting, with blooming flowers year-round.
3. Panda Time Cafe
The Panda Time Cafe at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding is situated adjacent to the Giant Panda Charm Theater. It spans over 130 square meters indoors and 370 square meters outdoors. The cafe features 12 indoor booths and can accommodate over 50 individuals. Additionally, the table can seat more than 80 people simultaneously. The atmosphere at Panda Time Cafe is cosy indoors and offers delightful outdoor views.
Scenic contact information:
·Official Website: www.panda.org.cn
·Travel hotline: 86-28-83510033
·Address: Panda Base, Outer North, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China No. 1375 Avenue
