A Travel Guide to Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding
Chengdu Panda Base Guide 2025 - Giant Panda Breeding & Research Center
Your complete guide to visiting the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding - home to China's beloved national treasure
1 Welcome to the Chengdu Panda Base
The Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding is a must-visit destination for wildlife lovers and one of China's most popular attractions. Here, you can get up-close with adorable giant pandas, red pandas, and other rare species in a carefully designed habitat that mimics their natural environment.
Established in 1987 with just 6 rescued giant pandas, the base has grown into a world-renowned conservation and research facility that has successfully bred over 200 pandas. It plays a crucial role in panda conservation, research, and public education about these beloved creatures.
Quick Panda Base Facts
- Best Time to Visit: Morning hours (8-10 AM) when pandas are most active
- Language: Mandarin Chinese, with English signs and some English-speaking staff
- Currency: Chinese Yuan (CNY) - approximately $1 = ¥7.2
- Getting Around: Walking paths, electric shuttle buses available
- Must-See: Newborn pandas, juvenile pandas, red pandas
2 Ticket Information & Opening Hours
Ticket Prices
- Adult Ticket: ¥55 ($7.6) per person
- Student Ticket: ¥27 ($3.8) - for undergraduate students (excluding adult education)
- Children: Free for children aged 6 and under or those under 1.3 meters in height
- Seniors: Free for seniors aged 60 and above (ID card required)
- Military: Free for active-duty military personnel (valid for themselves only)
Opening Hours
- March 1 - October 31: 07:30 - 18:00 (last entry at 17:00)
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November 1 - February 28:
- Morning tickets: 08:00 - 12:00
- Afternoon tickets: 12:00 - 17:30 (last entry at 16:30)
Booking: All tickets are available online. You can book up to 7 days in advance through the official WeChat account "成都熊猫基地电子票" or reliable platforms like Ctrip and Meituan.
3 Transportation to the Panda Base
4 Must-See Areas at the Panda Base
Sun Moon Maternity Rooms (太阳产房和月亮产房)
This is where you can see newborn pandas and watch mother pandas taking care of their cubs. The maternity rooms are carefully climate-controlled to provide the ideal environment for panda mothers and their delicate newborns.
If you're visiting during panda breeding season (typically August-December), you might be lucky enough to see tiny pink newborn pandas that weigh only about 100 grams - about 1/900th of their mother's weight!
Juvenile Panda Villas (幼年熊猫别墅)
Here, playful young pandas climb trees, roll around, and interact with each other. Don't miss their cute antics! Pandas at this age (1-2 years old) are particularly active and entertaining to watch as they develop their climbing and social skills.
This area often features pandas that have become social media stars, so you might recognize some familiar faces from viral panda videos!
Red Panda Activity Areas (小熊猫活动场)
Besides giant pandas, red pandas are also a highlight. Watch them scurry around, forage for food, and show off their fluffy tails. Though they share the name "panda," red pandas are actually a completely different species with their own unique behaviors and characteristics.
These adorable creatures, sometimes called "fire foxes," are just as captivating as their larger black-and-white counterparts and have their own dedicated areas within the base.
Giant Panda Villa No. 2 (大熊猫二号别墅)
Home to adult giant pandas, this area allows you to observe these magnificent creatures in spacious enclosures that mimic their natural habitat. Watch them munch on bamboo, climb trees, or simply relax in their surroundings.
This is one of the best spots for photography, as the pandas here are often active and visible from multiple viewing angles.
Panda Kitchen (熊猫厨房)
Learn about panda diets and see how their specially prepared meals are made. Pandas eat a surprising variety of foods beyond bamboo, including specially formulated panda cakes, fruits, and vegetables that provide essential nutrients.
This behind-the-scenes look at panda nutrition helps visitors understand the careful planning that goes into keeping these animals healthy in captivity.
5 Recommended Tour Routes
6 WakaChina Services at the Panda Base
Essential Panda Base Travel Tips
- Best Time to Visit: Arrive early in the morning or on weekdays to avoid crowds. Pandas are most active in the morning, especially during feeding time (around 8:30-10:00 AM).
- Photography: Bring a good camera or smartphone with a zoom function. Avoid using flash as it may startle the pandas.
- Comfort: Wear comfortable shoes as there is a lot of walking. The base also has electric shuttle buses for ¥10-15 ($1.4-2.1) per ride if you prefer a quicker way to get around.
- Weather Preparation: Check the weather forecast and bring appropriate clothing. The base is mostly outdoors, so rain gear might be necessary on wet days.
- Respect the Animals: Keep noise levels down, don't try to feed the pandas, and follow all posted rules to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for both visitors and animals.
- Food and Drink: There are restaurants and snack bars within the base, but you can also bring your own water and snacks.
7 Plan Your Panda Adventure
Visiting the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that brings you face-to-face with one of the world's most beloved and endangered species. From adorable newborn pandas to playful juveniles and majestic adults, there's something to delight visitors of all ages.
With WakaChina's professional services, you can make the most of your panda encounter with expert guidance, convenient transportation, and insider knowledge that enhances your experience.
Ready to Meet the Pandas?
Book our private tour service with English-speaking guides and transportation. Experience the Panda Base with comfort and convenience.
Start Your Panda Adventure
