Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding: A World-Class Panda Conservation Paradise
The Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding is one of China’s most famous wildlife conservation centers and a must-visit destination for panda lovers. Located at No. 1375 Waibei Panda Avenue, Chenghua District, Chengdu, the base lies about 10 kilometers from Chengdu city center and over 30 kilometers from Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport.
This world-renowned facility is dedicated to giant panda protection, scientific research, conservation education, and eco-tourism. Covering nearly 1,000 acres, the base is surrounded by lush bamboo forests, clear streams, and vibrant birdlife, earning it the poetic reputation of “a natural paradise for national treasures.”
Giant Panda Breeding: A Global Conservation Success
The Chengdu Panda Base began its mission in the 1980s, when it rescued six sick and starving giant pandas. Since then, it has never captured pandas from the wild again. Instead, it has focused on scientific breeding and rescue-based conservation.
Through continuous innovation in captive breeding techniques, the base has grown into the largest giant panda breeding center in the world, with the panda population expected to reach over 215 individuals. The pandas here are known for their excellent genetic quality, good health, and natural behaviors, setting global standards for captive wildlife management.
Scientific Research on Giant Pandas
Over the past 30 years, the Chengdu Research Base has overcome major challenges in panda conservation, including:
- Artificial feeding and nutrition
- Reproduction and breeding management
- Panda cub care and early development
- Disease prevention and control
- Population genetic management
The base has achieved 72 major scientific research成果, published over 400 academic papers, and obtained 30 national patents. These contributions have positioned the center as an international model for giant panda conservation.
In recognition of its achievements, the base was awarded the title “National Advanced Collective of Technical Talents” in 2014.
Giant Panda Conservation Education and Global Cooperation
Education is a core mission of the Chengdu Panda Base. The center actively collaborates with international organizations, universities, and research institutions, creating a global network for wildlife conservation education.
Its efforts have earned numerous honors, including:
- Global 500 Best
- National Youth Science and Technology Education Base
- National Environmental Protection Science Popularization Base
- Ecological Protection Demonstration Base of Sichuan and Chengdu
These programs help raise awareness about giant panda protection, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable development.
Panda Tourism: Where Research Meets Responsible Travel
The Chengdu Research Base follows a sustainable model that balances scientific research and tourism, combining “production, learning, research, and sightseeing.” Visitors can observe pandas of all ages in a natural, spacious, and stress-free environment.
In 1998, the World Tourism Organization recognized the base as a legendary destination, comparable to Jiuzhaigou. It received a National AAAA Tourist Attraction rating in 2006. By 2019, the base welcomed over 9 million visitors from around the world.
Panda Valley: Dujiangyan Breeding and Reintroduction Center
The Dujiangyan Breeding and Release Research Center, commonly known as Panda Valley, is an important extension of the Chengdu Panda Base. Located in Majiagou, Yutang Town, Dujiangyan City, it covers 2,004 mu and lies close to Qingcheng Mountain and the Dujiangyan Water Conservancy Project.
This area features dense bamboo forests, flowing streams, and over 700 species of plants and animals, making it ideal for reintroducing giant pandas into the wild. Panda Valley includes:
- Transitional training enclosures
- Semi-wild training grounds
- Year-round adaptive training for more than 10 giant pandas
It plays a crucial role in preparing pandas for life in natural habitats.
Visitor Information and Transportation Guide
Address:
No. 1375 Panda Avenue, Waibei, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
Opening Hours:
Daily from 07:30 am to 18:00 pm
Public Transport
- Take Metro Line 3 to Panda Avenue Station, then transfer to the scenic shuttle
- Bus routes 87, 198, or 655 stop at Panda Base Station
Self-Driving
Navigate to Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, park at Huanhuan or Yingying Parking Lot, and walk about 8 minutes to the entrance
(Parking fee: 2 yuan per time)
Taxi / Ride-Hailing
Get off at the Southeast Gate of the panda base
Must-See Attractions Inside the Panda Base
Moon and Sun Delivery Rooms
Often called the “giant panda kindergarten,” this area is where panda mothers give birth and where newborn and young pandas live. It is one of the most popular spots for visitors.
Panda Villa No. 1 and No. 2
These villas house adult giant pandas, where visitors can observe them eating bamboo, playing, resting, or climbing trees. The “Today’s Guest” board helps identify which pandas live there.
Red Panda Stadium
Home to lively red pandas, this area allows visitors to see these agile and playful animals up close as they move through trees and along stone paths.
Practical Visiting Tips
- Keep quiet and avoid loud noises, as giant pandas are sensitive to sound
- Do not use flash photography, especially near panda cubs
- Never feed the animals or pick bamboo inside the base
- Respect the pandas’ daily routines and living environment
The Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding can be explored on foot in about 3 hours or by electric sightseeing car in 1–2 hours, making it suitable for visitors of all ages and travel styles.
International Panda Day at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding
International Panda Day is a special global celebration dedicated to raising awareness about giant panda conservation. On October 27, 2017, the WWF China Office officially designated this date as International Panda Day. To mark the occasion, the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding launched a popular science education activity titled “Learn Panda Language”, inviting the public to better understand panda behavior and conservation efforts.
Each year, visitors look forward to a variety of engaging activities that combine education, nature, and fun, making International Panda Day one of the most anticipated events at the panda base.
Feed the Swans at Swan Lake
As you stroll toward the Red Panda area, you will notice Swan Lake just across the path. This peaceful lake is home to elegant white swans and is a favorite stop for families and photographers.
Visitors can purchase a small bag of fish feed for just a few yuan and enjoy close interaction with the swans. Toss a little food into the water, and a swan may glide gracefully toward you, gently picking up the treat. If you’re lucky, you might even see two swans swimming side by side, their curved necks forming a perfect heart shape—an unforgettable moment during your visit.
Panda-Themed Cultural Creations and Souvenirs
The Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding features nine souvenir shops and one special experience shop dedicated to products from the Giant Panda National Park. These shops are designed with wooden structures and a bionic layout that blends seamlessly with the surrounding natural environment.
Inside, visitors will find a warm and inviting shopping atmosphere filled with panda-themed gifts, creative cultural products, and eco-friendly souvenirs. Taking a panda souvenir home is a wonderful way to preserve the memory of your visit and carry a piece of nature’s charm with you.
Dining Options Inside the Panda Base
Exploring the panda base can take several hours, and there are multiple dining options available within the park to suit different tastes.
Zhuyun Restaurant
Zhuyun Restaurant is a Chinese restaurant located southeast of Swan Lake, covering around 900 square meters. It features 7 private dining rooms across two floors and can accommodate over 200 guests at once. This is the only restaurant in Chengdu themed entirely around bamboo culture, with décor, tableware, and dishes inspired by giant panda elements and traditional Chinese design.
Rose Garden Western Restaurant
Situated on the east bank of Swan Lake, the Rose Garden Western Restaurant offers a scenic dining experience. With more than 200 square meters of space, it provides 16 outdoor round tables and over 20 indoor booths, accommodating more than 200 diners. Surrounded by flowers that bloom throughout the year, it is an ideal spot for a relaxing meal.
Panda Time Café
The Panda Time Café is located next to the Giant Panda Charm Theater. It includes 130 square meters of indoor space and 370 square meters of outdoor seating, with 12 indoor booths and seating for over 80 people in total. The café offers a cosy indoor atmosphere and pleasant outdoor views, making it perfect for a coffee break between panda sightings.
Scenic Area Contact Information
- Official Website: www.panda.org.cn
- Travel Hotline: +86-28-83510033
- Address: Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding,
No. 1375 Panda Avenue, Outer North, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
International Panda Day at the Chengdu Panda Base combines wildlife conservation, interactive experiences, cultural creativity, and leisure, offering visitors a deeper connection with giant pandas and the natural world.
