china panda visit

Where to see pandas in China as it plans for a Giant Panda National Park

Jun 24, 2019 • 5 min read

A panda in Chengdu © kiszon pascal / Getty Images

Panda lovers – rejoice! Fans of the world's most adorable vulnerable bear species have a few new reasons to celebrate the animal; about 27,134 km² worth. Stretching across China's Sichuan , Gansu , and Shaanxi provinces, plans for the newly proposed 'Giant Panda National Park' (大熊猫国家公园) are expected to be formalized as soon as the end of 2019.

The story of the giant panda in China

Bringing together 30 or more groups of pandas spread across these three regions, unified management of the vast protected area should mean a more consistent conservation policy throughout and better outcomes for panda populations as their numbers continue to rise. Long on the decline as a result of habitat fragmentation and poaching, wild panda populations are on an upward trend from an estimated low of 1,596 individuals in 2004 to 1,864 ten years later, with current populations estimated around 2,060 including cubs.

Until the 2008 Wenchuan earthquake that devastated much of Sichuan province, the Wolong National Nature Reserve served as the centre of panda research and tourism in China. At over 200,000 square kilometres, the reserve still acts as an anchor of China's panda breeding and research programs, but only reopened to the public in 2016 in the form of the newly-built Shenshupeng Panda Center in the village of Gengda. With limited public awareness of the new centre and poor transport connections to major tourist destinations, however, it's an uncommon stop for independent travellers in Sichuan. Similarly, though open to the public since 2013, the Dujiangyan Panda Base (which focuses primarily on disease research and serves as a quarantine point for pandas returning from abroad) sees comparatively few international tourists despite a location less than 80km from capital city Chengdu.

Where to see giant pandas in China

Most visitors to Sichuan instead head to two more-accessible options for their panda fix in the province. Just on the outskirts of Chengdu, the Giant Panda Breeding Research Base   is by far the easiest place to see the animals. Visitors who are willing to pay the exorbitant fees can even cuddle up to a baby panda for a quick photo – and all proceeds from the touristic side of the centre contribute to conservation and breeding programs at this non-profit. It's an easy half-day trip and, with the iconic status the animals have attained in China, a popular visit for local and foreign tourists alike.

Further afield but surrounded by the landscapes that form typical panda habitats, the Bifengxia Panda Base   near the city of Ya'An was established in 2003 but expanded significantly after 2008 when animals from the damaged Wolong Reserve were moved here. Now home to around 20 pandas (with a special section just for the kiddos, unsurprisingly popular amongst visitors), this has become a popular alternate to the Chengdu Base for travellers with more time in Sichuan; particularly as it's possible to visit as a long day-trip from Chengdu. In the midst of prime forest and at the end of a 7.5km river canyon, visitors to Bifengxia come as much for the pandas as for the opportunity to explore the scenic landscapes of the area.

The Giant Panda National Park

In many of the areas proposed for inclusion in the Giant Panda National Park, these landscapes are in fact a key draw. For the pandas, smarter land management means less habitat fragmentation and a wider range to roam in search of feeding and mating opportunities – in recent years two of the greatest challenges the animals have faced in the wild. For travellers the implications of the new park are less clear, but given the many existing national parks and scenic areas that lie within the proposed boundaries of the park system visitors might reasonably expect that ecotourism activities will play a role in contributing to the ecological and economic sustainability of the initiative. While it remains exceedingly unlikely to spot pandas in the wild, exploring the landscapes that make up the newly-proposed national park can offer an insight into both the animals' habits and the natural beauty of the country they call home.

Panda's in Jiuzhaigou National Park

Among the highlights of Sichuan and perhaps all of China, Jiuzhaigou National Park's   many colourful lakes and thundering waterfalls also sit in prime panda habitat. Though the park was   heavily damaged in a 2017 earthquake, it reopened in limited form in 2018 to managed groups of visitors. Entries are now limited to 2,000 per day – down from a peak of 20,000 during China's busy Golden Week holidays – but even in peak periods the park has offered alternate ecotourism opportunities like wild hikes in the parallel Zharu Valley; a sharp but beautiful contrast to the more-managed experience of the typical visitor to Jiuzhaigou.

Other places to spot giant pandas

On the edge of the Himalayas west of Chengdu, Four Sisters Mountain National Park   presents a wilder face of the Sichuan mountainscape. Three mountain valleys, progressively rugged as they approach the eponymous peaks that dominate the skyline, each offering a different angle of the mountains and experience in the valleys. The wooden plankways of the Shuangqiao Valley meander gently down through alpine meadows and larch forests, while the Haizi Valley trail climbs steeply up an exposed from the already-dizzying 3200m valley floor to hilltop panoramas of the Four Sisters and on to placid lakes and yak-grazing territory. In between, the heavily-forested trail through the Changping Valley eventually runs over the mountains and down away from the Tibetan Plateau, eventually leading to the edges of the Chengdu Plain.

Though not prime panda habitat, Shaanxi's Huashan  in many ways typifies the outsider's image of a dreamlike Chinese landscape. One of five sacred Taoist mountains in the country, Huashan's jagged rocky peaks and walking trails cut directly into the rock of of the mountain slopes could almost be an ancient scroll painting come to life. With luck – and proper management of natural resources – future landscape artists may even need to include a few more pandas in those iconic paintings.

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Complete Guide to Chengdu Panda Base: Things to Know Before You Go

Disclosure: Some links are affiliate links – which means, at no extra cost to you, I earn a small commission if you make a purchase through a link.

Home to over 170 giant pandas, the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding (Chengdu Panda Base) is one of the top tourist attraction in Chengdu. This is where all the actions happen: research, breeding, conservation, and teaching the public.

Fun fact : most pandas you see in zoos around the world are bred here.  

In this guide, I will be sharing everything you need to know about the Chengdu Panda Base so you can make the most out of your experience.

Duration:  Recommend at least half a day.

Table of Contents

Opening Hours & Tickets 

The base is open 7:30am–6pm throughout the year. 

Ticket sales: 7:30am-5:00pm 

• Full price: RMB 55/person 
• Half price: RMB 27/person 

Order your entrance ticket online through Klook to skip the line!  Sign up to get $5 off your ticket!  

With over 3.5 million annual visitors to the base, both domestically and internationally, there’s going to be a LOT of people visiting daily. The base is swarmed during the weekends and holidays. 

If there’s one day to wake up early during a vacation, let it be this day. 7:30-9:30am is the best time to visit — fewer crowds, more active pandas. It’s a win-win situation. 

Arrive any time after this, the pandas are mostly sleeping (still cute but… all you get are butts) or lazily chewing bamboo. 

What can I see? 

• Giant pandas: Over 170+ giant pandas! Each panda has a sign outside its enclosure introducing its name, birthday, family and personality. Isn’t that cute? The sign is in 4 different languages (Chinese, English, Japanese, and Korean) which means you won’t be missing out on the fun!  

• Baby pandas: Born around July to September. Check out these precious babies at the Sunshine Nursery House and the Moonlight Nursery House. Inside the building, you will walk in a non-stopping line. Everyone gets a few seconds to be close. Take all the pictures you want, but remember to turn off your flashes. 
• Red pandas: Also native to China. Despite its name, red pandas are not related to pandas. They are more raccoon-like and have a beautiful reddish-brown coat of fur. Red pandas have a huge enclosure space inside the base, so it’s quite difficult to spot them. Don’t give up, keep walking, and you will soon see why they are worth your efforts in searching.  
• Black swans, peacocks 

Note: As with all animals, keep quiet as they can be stressed out by loud noises. Don’t be those tourists that shout to the pandas to look in their directions. The eyes of baby pandas are especially sensitive to the lights, so remember to turn off your flashes before taking their adorable photos.   

How to Get To the Panda Base

The panda base is further away from the city center compared to the rest of the major attractions, so keep that in mind when setting your alarm clock. 

So how do you get to the giant panda research base?

Take the metro line 3 and get off at the Panda Avenue stop — 熊猫大道站. Come out Exit A and ride either bus 198A or Panda Express line 3 to the panda base. 

For those with WeChat and a Chinese phone number, you can go inside the yellow panda shop right outside the Panda Avenue station for the shuttle bus. There, you can purchase both the round-trip shuttle tickets and the entrance ticket for the panda base.  

By Tourist Bus

Kuai Zhai Alley <—> Panda base

There are tourist buses departing every hour between these two attraction spots every day from 8:30am to 2:30pm. Return route 9:30am to 5:30pm. 

The easiest method, but also the most expensive. It cost about 50RBM from downtown Chengdu or about 100RMB from the Shuangliu International Airport. 

Inside the Chengdu Panda Base 

Fun fact : The conservation base is about 247 acres. It’s only a bit smaller than the Bronx Zoo, the largest zoo in the US.  

Before you start, you need a map. 

Since buildings are all spread out and hidden, use the map so you don’t miss a section. Imagine coming all this way just to pass by the building with baby pandas!

You can either download the digital map on their official site  here   or get a physical copy at the tourist information center.  

Tourist Information Office

What’s here? Everything you need to start. 

There’s the visitor reception desk surrounded by stacks of physical maps. Storage lockers, bathrooms, and a rest area with a giant panda documentary. This place is also perfectly AC — great for hot summer days. 

Unfortunately, because it’s on top of a staircase, this is the one building many people miss on their way in. 

To get to the tourist information center, turn left after you pass the ticketing point and walk up the stairs. 

If you want a more in-depth visit, hire a tour guide. The base has 11 tour guides that can speak a variety of languages.   

Sightseeing Shuttle Bus

The base offers a hop on hop off shuttle service so you can hitch a ride between each area (it’s quite a walk). Tickets are very cheap at 10RMB per person. If you have problems walking long distances, visiting with elderly/children, or simply don’t want to walk, be sure to buy a ticket near the entrance of the park. 

I  highly recommend  this after walking the entire park. By foot, it takes around 3 hours to walk. Trust me, it’s very tiring. 

Now, if you are like me and decides “Hey! I can walk the entire base by foot”, then high five! When visiting in the morning, enjoy the tranquil and lush scenery as you walk from point to point. By the time you’re done, however, your feet probably want to kill you.

Hint: Comfort them by visiting one of the many foot massage places throughout the city.  

Panda Base Shops

Are you the type to never leave a place without first buying a souvenir? 

Good news! Souvenir shops are abundant throughout the base. Get yourself a panda hat, a couple of panda keychains and magnetics, puffy 3D panda stickers, commemorative souvenir medals, or anything you can find really. The prices are similar so it doesn’t matter which shop you buy from. 

For panda postcards, head to the Panda Post Office.

Panda Base Eats

If you ever get hungry while touring the base (I know I did), there’s a few places you can eat at: the Panda Café, the Bamboo Restaurant, and the Rose Garden Restaurant. Their locations are all nicely labeled on the map.

For street snacks, head to the Swan Lake area. They sell delicious cheap sausages!

Share this post if you find this guide useful! Or comment below if you want to share your experiences!

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Chengdu panda visit in china | everything you need to know.

The Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding is situated in the Sichuan Province of China, in Chengdu. Giant pandas are found in only three provinces: Sichuan, Shaanxi, and Gansu, making a Chengdu panda visit a must for foreign tourists and Chinese tourists alike. Here is the ultimate guide of how to get there, costs, and what to expect.

Disclosure: Untold Wanderlust contains affiliate links. If you click on these links and make a purchase, we will earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. You can find our full disclosure policy and privacy policy here.

Getting to Chengdu Panda Center

According to the official Chengdu Panda Base website , the Chengdu Panda Center can easily be reached by bus. Although, the bus can take from 1.5 hours – 2.5 hours. This would be great for those on a very tight budget! However, taxis are relatively cheap and by far the better option to make the most out of your visit. We flagged a taxi from Chunxi Road for just 34 Yuan ($4.90). For such a cheap price, we didn’t think it was worth the hassle of getting the bus. Plus, we didn’t want to miss the feeding time for the pandas. TIP – make sure your taxi driver starts the meter. If the driver refuses to use it, move on and find another one. The meter will be much cheaper than agreeing on a price beforehand.

Chengdu Panda Base entrance fee

The cost to enter the Chengdu Panda Base is 58 Yuan ($8.35) per adult. Considering you can spend the entire day at the centre and it’s one of the top 10 things to do in China , the price is an absolute bargain. As you pass through the entrance, there is a tourist information office. Here you can collect a map of the park. There is also an optional cart, that will take you to the top of the park for 10 Yuan ($1.44).

Best time to visit the Chengdu Panda Base

We recommend arriving at the panda centre as early as 7:30 am when feeding time for the pandas begins. Early in the morning, the pandas are at their most active. You will get to see them chomping down their bamboo, rolling around, chilling in the bath, or even rocking on a horse. Afternoon the pandas start to get a little lazy and may even go indoors to the comfort of the air-conditioned rooms to get away from the heat.

Types of pandas on your Chengdu panda visit

The Chengdu Panda Base is home to many pandas of all ages and sizes. Each panda has its name and a placard that tells you information about him/ her. We even had the opportunity to see some tiny baby pandas that were less than 2 months old. They were so young, they were still in incubators.

Did you know that there are red pandas too? Nope…neither did we! These little red cuties roam free and if you’re lucky enough you may even see one strut past your legs. If you’re extremely lucky you may even get to snap a selfie with one, so make sure to have one of these awesome selfie sticks handy. However, remember not to touch them or harm them in any way.

Where to stay in Chengdu

Feeling luxurious: Felton Gloria Grand Hotel – Elegantly decorated rooms with plentiful facilities. There is also an indoor swimming pool for guests to enjoy.

Budget private room: Travelling with Hotel – Cozy place to stay with a great social vibe. The hotel offers free games and table tennis.

Dorm life: Chengdu Flipflop Hostel Poshpacker – Fantastic location! The hostel boasts a cosy lounge area with games and books for guests. They also offer tour services.

For more prices and deals on properties in Chengdu, CLICK HERE.

All in all, the Chengdu Panda Center is a must-visit and a great way to get up close to see the adorable pandas. This has to be one of the highlights of our trip through China. If only we had the chance to hold the cute baby pandas, the trip would have been even better! However, panda holding has currently been suspended at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. Now you have seen the pandas, it’s time to go on a day trip to Leshan to see the Giant Leshan Buddha.

Essential resources for travelling in China

Travel Insurance – No matter where you’re travelling to, it’s a good idea to make sure you’re covered for any accidents or losses. We spent days and weeks searching for insurance, but most insurers would not allow us to take out a policy as we were already abroad. Our personal choice is Safteywing . You can opt for automatic monthly payments, just like a subscription. More importantly, it is available in 180 countries and can be purchased whilst already travelling. There is no cap on the duration of travel.

Visa – Before you travel to any country, make sure to check if you need a visa. iVisa is a fantastic website that is super easy and quick to use. Just type in where you are from. and where you are going. to check if you need a visa. If you do, you can quickly make an application online.

Accommodation – Booking .com is our go-to when looking to pre-book accommodation online. Booking.com tend to almost always have the best rates and a FREE cancellation policy for most properties.

Tours & Activities – If you want to book tours and activities online, make sure to check out Get Your Guide . Get Your Guide takes the stress out of booking activities abroad. You will also find a range of benefits, such as skip-the-line passes, lunch included in your tours, and so much more.

Travel tips ebook -Before you head off on your adventure, make sure to download our free ebook. It has a whopping 109 budget travel tips to help you make your hard-earned cash go further. Click here to download your FREE ebook.

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5 Best Places to Visit Giant Pandas in China

The adorably cute and delightful black-and-white creatures are indeed a political symbol of China and the most iconic images. Their cute habits have successfully made them internet sensations with the help of videos of their hilarious tricks and pranks. 

Having existed on Earth for 8 million years, native to the south-central region of China and proudly called the 'national treasures', pandas once wandered a vast area of China as well as small pockets of neighboring Burma (Myanmar) and also in the very north of Vietnam.

After many years of deforestation of bamboo and loss of their very own habitat caused by farming and urban advancement and growth, pandas have been forced out of their own natural lowland habitat. 

The small number of pandas that exist in the wild today are now concentrated in six mountain ranges in central-western and southwestern China, mainly in Sichuan Province, and available in Shaanxi and Gansu provinces covered with small bamboo forests.

If you want to visit these adorable fluffy animals who are one of the most precious animals in the world, then the best place to see these giant pandas is unquestionably in Chengdu , which is known to be the hometown of Giant Pandas. 

But there are other places where you can pay a visit to these giant pandas if you cannot visit Chengdu due to unforeseen circumstances. 

Below listed are the best places to visit these giant pandas. 

Chengdu Panda Base

Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, which in simple words is also known as Chengdu Panda Base, located in the northeast of Chengdu suburb around 16 kilometers away, is the closest pandas based in Chengdu with approximately a 30 minutes' drive. 

Currently, Chengdu Panda Base is an abundant open park full of nature with the largest amount of pandas that are based in China and is also equipped for the purposes of giant panda breeding, with a baby panda house, several enclosures for adult pandas and cubs, health stations, a giant panda museum, and a laboratory

Thousands of bamboo plants are reaped there to feed these giant pandas to help them grow and breed. Therefore, it is a must-visit destination for all tourist attractions when they come to visit Chengdu, undoubtedly giving you the experience of a lifetime!

This base's objective is to train these pandas according to the wild living environment and train these pandas to survive and adapt according to the wild living. 

These rare and endangered species are then released for the continuation and preservation to stop them from being extinct. 

Dujiangyan Panda Base

China Conservation and Research Centre for these cute and cuddly Giant Panda Dujiangyan Panda Base is a new and innovative panda center, which was actually established in 2014. 

Because it is much quieter and less travelers visit here , it makes it all the more special for the volunteers to spend more time and provides them with greater opportunities to get close to these pandas. 

In contrast to the Chengdu Panda Base, this panda base is more natural, surrounded by verdant bamboo forest, Green Mountain, pleasant and fresh air, providing these Pandas a promising scenic environment.

Presently there are around 40 giant pandas and 5 red pandas that live here. You can easily take a volunteer program and spend a full day to make your panda dream come true. 

Ocean Park is a large ocean theme park and one of numerous large amusement parks for the purposes of enjoyment in Hong Kong. You can easily explore and see many kinds of marine fishes.

Ocean Park is home to four giant pandas named An An, Jia Jia, Le Le and Ying Ying. Le Le and Ying Ying are gifts from China's central government to celebrate the event of the tenth anniversary of Hong Kong's return to their motherland. 

Bifengxia Giant Panda Base

Situated in Ya'an city, approximately a two-and-a-half-hour drive from downtown Chengdu, the Bifengxia Giant Panda Base is home to over 30 of these black-and-white coated adorable fluffy animals. 

Many of them were saved from the Wolong National Natural Reserve, which underwent a lot of destruction after an earthquake that occurred in 2008, which was only four years after its opening. 

Pandas are trained here to learn basic survival skills, hoping that they may someday be returned to the wild and survive on their own. The panda center's grounds include diverse ground and vegetation along with valleys and waterfalls that resemble and are important to create a panda's natural environment.

20 areas have been allocated within the grounds of the base for baby pandas where certain activities are held. It is also a breeding zone, and many bamboo forests and implanted to off sufficient amount of food to these Pandas. A research Centre is also situated for the purpose of providing details on conservation efforts.

Shaanxi Rare Wildlife Rescue and Breeding Centre

Also known as the Louguantai Wild Animal Breeding and Protection Centre, this main research facility was originated in 1987 and had been vigorously working ever since. It has also nursed back to health over 300 animals and has bred no less than 400, which comprises of these cute and cuddly giant and red pandas as well as the red-crested ibis and the golden monkeys. 

The 20 giant pandas that it has bred are the star attraction that generates happiness, with numerous panda cubs having been bred over the last few years and a male and female set of twins born back in 2009. 

The Shaanxi Rare Wildlife Rescue and Breeding Centre is a great option to visit for those visiting and in hopes of exploring the treasures of China without having the time to make it as far as Chengdu.

These Pandas apart from eating, sleep most of the time. So it is not always likely that you will possibly see them as they live in enclosures away from prying eyes which have an indoor concrete section and outdoor grassy area. 

Although the situation is not so capacious compared to other panda bases, the ultimate and main objective is to one day release these Pandas back into the wild when they learn how to survive independently. 

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​Best Places to See Giant Pandas in China

Unmistakable and un“bear”ably cute, the giant panda is China’s most iconic non-human resident and a national symbol. Beloved by people all over the world, seeing a giant panda in China is near the top of many visitors’ lists. While intensive conservation efforts have lifted the giant panda from “endangered” to “vulnerable,” seeing this naturally shy bear in the wild is still a rarity. Fortunately, there are several zoos, parks, and breeding centers in China where you can see one of these big furballs up close. Below are our top four recommended spots to visit if panda seeking is on your itinerary while in China.

Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding

Chengdu is the capital of Sichuan province in the southwest of China and is commonly considered the panda capital of the world. It is famously home to the Chengdu Giant Panda Breeding Research Base , one of the most popular destinations for panda lovers. As its name suggests, this research base focuses on giant panda breeding, part of the broader conservation effort that has been responsible for the increase in China’s panda population in recent years. Located in the northern suburbs of the city, the center is easily accessible and is home to dozens of giant pandas, including a baby panda house and a large panda museum. The center’s goal is to mimic the panda’s natural environment with the hopes of one day releasing its wards into the wild. For that reason, visiting the Chengdu Research Base, and any panda sanctuary in the Chengdu area, is a great option if you want to see pandas in what’s close to their natural habitat. Please note that the Chengdu Research Base does not allow visitors to hold or take pictures with its pandas.

Bifengxia Panda Base

This panda sanctuary is part of the Wolong Nature Reserve, a protected area that covers over 200,000 hectares of land about 2 hours, or 140 km, west of Chengdu. After the main Wolong Panda Breeding Center suffered severe damage as a result of the 2008 Sichuan earthquake, many of its residents and operations were transferred to Bifengxia Panda Base, which now has a population of over 50 pandas. Bifengxia is the largest and most popular outpost of the Wolong Nature Reserve but less crowded than the Chengdu Research Base in the city itself. Here, visitors can watch staff feed and care for cubs in the panda nursery, all within the idyllic setting of a waterfall-filled valley. Although visitors are not able to hold baby pandas at Bifengxia, the center still provides unique views of the animals in a beautiful locale.

Dujiangyan Panda Base

This relatively new panda base, which opened in 2014, is about 70km from Chengdu, or 1.5 hours by car. The Dujiangyan center is unique for its interactive Panda Keeper Program, which allows visitors to volunteer as a panda caretaker for a day . Volunteers assist staff in activities such as cleaning, feeding, and waking the pandas from their naps. This base is a good option for those who want to get up close to pandas.

While this center allows for closer encounters with pandas, keep in mind that the keeper program only accepts 20 volunteers per day and getting your picture taken with a baby panda requires a hefty donation.

If your travels in China won’t be taking you to Sichuan, don’t despair! You can still see some giant pandas if your trip is limited to Beijing or Shanghai . Both cities’ zoos have sizable panda populations and impressive facilities. Be prepared for crowds, however, as the panda house is the most popular exhibition in both zoos.

Other Considerations

There are a couple other things to keep in mind if your goal is to see some pandas while in China. First, it’s important to note that pandas are usually most active in the morning around feeding time and can be quite lazy the rest of the day. If you want to catch them in the act of snacking or playing, be sure to plan your panda visit for the morning or around planned mealtimes.

If you’re crazy about baby pandas and want to see some cubs on your “pandadventure,” it’d be best to visit one of the above locales sometime in the late summer. Most panda cubs are born between July and September. ■

Contact one of our travel specialists today to start planning your own epic panda encounter!

Images: Wikipedia, Wikimedia Commons

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A mom and cub at Wolong Reserve, China

3 Places to See China's Giant Pandas

Visit these cute, cuddly pandas while supporting conservation efforts.

Travelers trek to China to see some of the world’s wonders: the Great Wall , the terra-cotta warriors, and the iconic giant panda . Habitat destruction from industrialization and natural disasters has rendered this species endangered, with less than 2,000 left in the wild.

Still, there is hope for these furry friends. A feature in National Geographic’ s August 2016 issue documents ongoing efforts by scientists at the Wolong Nature Reserve as they breed and release this legendary animal back into its natural environment. Managed by the China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda , the Wolong Nature Reserve encompasses several outposts where tourists can visit and support these two-toned creatures and the teams devoted to saving them.

Dujiangyan Panda Base

The Dujiangyan Panda Base is an hour and a half outside Sichuan’s capital of Chengdu, making it a prime spot for panda encounters since it’s easily accessible to tourists. This center boasts an interactive experience not offered at any other branches of the Wolong Nature Reserve’s network: the Panda Keeper Program, also known as the best babysitting gig in the world. Travelers can assist caretakers in their day-to-day work, which involves waking the pandas up, cleaning the enclosures, and preparing a feast of bamboo for meals and snacks of steamed buns and apples. During your visit, make sure to peer into the base’s panda playground, particularly in the morning when China’s animal ambassadors are at their most active.

Gengda Giant Panda Center

Gengda is the newest facility within the Wolong Nature Reserve, replacing a former research center devastated by the 2008 earthquake. The operations at Gengda, currently in the process of opening up to the public, include education, research, captive breeding, and teaching the giant pandas how to reintegrate into their natural habitat.

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Bifengxia Giant Panda Base

If Sichuan Province is considered Panda Nation, then the Bifengxia Giant Panda Base (or BFX) is its soul. BFX is located about 90 miles outside of Chengdu, set inside a valley laced with waterfalls. The largest outpost of the Wolong Nature Reserve, BFX became home to several giant pandas needing refuge after the Wolong panda breeding center was destroyed by the 2008 Sichuan earthquake. The sanctuary also houses a panda kindergarten, where visitors can observe caretakers as they tend, feed, and weigh the not-so-giant panda cubs, which are usually born sometime between July and September. Two young pandas test out their tree-climbing skills at the Gengda Giant Panda Center in Chengdu, China.

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• Guide To Visiting Pandas In...

Guide to Visiting Pandas in Chengdu

When someone says Chengdu there are generally two things which come to mind: pandas , which are native to Sichuan, and the fiery centerpiece of Sichuan cuisine called hotpot. If you’re visiting Chengdu these are what most would consider to be the quintessential experiences. The panda has grown to become more than an attraction. We find out why.

In recent years China has leveraged the Giant panda as a diplomatic and cultural tool. Described as Panda Diplomacy , the animal is as much a diplomatic tool as it is a tourist attraction. In essence, China gives or does not give pandas based on diplomatic conditions with foreign countries. As the Giant panda is only found in the wild in Sichuan (which is why the panda has grown to become a symbol for Chengdu itself) this gives China a cuddly bargaining chip that is very much in demand.

Where go to?

When you’re in Chengdu and want to pay the pandas a visit, you have several different options.

The most common destination for visitors to Chengdu is without question the Giant Panda Breeding Center. Home to fifty pandas, the breeding center is located on the outskirts of Chengdu, about 40 minutes drive by car. There are buses which go to the breeding center daily from bus stations, but most tourists will be better off with a taxi or calling an Uber. Taking a taxi to the breeding center from the center of Chengdu costs around $20 USD.

Inside the breeding center you’ll find an entire complex which will explain everything about pandas – not just the giant panda but others like the red panda which are also native to Sichuan. The base itself aims to create an approximation of the panda’s wild living environment. Once the pandas are adjusted to living there the plan is to release them into the actual wild for the continuation and preservation of the endangered species.

Expect to spend about a half a day at the breeding center. And (this part is important) make sure you arrive as early as possible in the morning. Famously lazy (it is the Chengdu way), giant pandas spend most of the day sleeping or otherwise inactive. The exception to this shiftless way of life is when the pandas are fed, early in the morning. During this time, they climb trees, splash in water, and sometimes put on a show for visitors. Countless tourists have come to the breeding center in the afternoon, seen a bunch of pandas sleeping, and left disappointed. Don’t be one of those, wake up early and go in the morning. Admission fee is 58 RMB and the hours are 7:30AM till 6pm. You can book tickets by calling: +86-028-83510119

If you have a camera, you will want to bring one with a zoom lens. Some of the panda enclosures are quite large. There are some amazing photos to be had at the breeding center if you have the right combination of timing, weather, preparation, and cooperation from the pandas themselves.

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China, Sichuan Sheng, Chengdu Shi, Chenghua Qu, 外北熊猫大道1375号 邮政编码: 610081

There are two other notable places to visit to see pandas in the vicinity of Chengdu.

Wolong Panda Center

The first is the Wolong Panda Center, further away from Chengdu, nestled further into the native woodlands of the giant panda. Although this facility is larger than the research center, it suffered considerable damage in the 2008 Wenchuan earthquake. That, along with the panda center being about two hours from Chengdu by car have done considerable damage to its tourist traffic. If you want to get a photograph taken with a panda, this may be the only place. The scenery in this region of Sichuan is beautiful and markedly different from the urban setting of the breeding center, If you visit the panda center, you will likely want to take at least one full day at the facility. Buses go to the Wolong center daily from Chengdu’s major bus stations and you can easily arrange a tour group trip from any major hotel in the city. Private drivers are available too, although that can be a little bit more difficult to arrange if you don’t speak Chinese.

303 Provincial Rd, Wenchuan Xian, Aba Zangzuqiangzuzizhizhou, Sichuan Sheng, China

Dujiangyan Panda Base

The third and final option for checking out pandas is the Dujiangyan Panda Base . Dujiangyan is a UNESCO heritage site famous for having a 2,000 year old irrigation system, which has been in operation since the 3rd century B.C. If you visit the panda base, it’s recommended you take at least two days to check out the surrounding sights, including Mount Qingcheng, one of the birth places of Taoism and one of Sichuan’s four “Holy Mountains”. The Dujiangyan Panda Base was only constructed in 2014, being by far the newest facility of the three. Being 90 minutes away from the city, this is a great place to spend quality time with pandas as there aren’t as many tourists here. They accept volunteers, too. The cost of admission is 60 RMB.

Cuddling with Pandas

Over the years, much has been made of the unique the opportunity to have a photo taken holding a small panda cub at the research center in Chengdu. Way back in the day (prior to 2010) this came at a low cost: just a few hundred RMB, equivalent to around $40. But that was before Chengdu’s profile rose amidst China’s “Go West” campaign to develop Western China as a destination. Since then, the price has skyrocketed to the equivalent of $500 U.S. dollars and at times been entirely unavailable. Keep in mind, this fee is to hold a panda cub for about 3 minutes while photos are taken. As of 2017, tourists at the panda research base were told that they could not have their photo taken with the panda cubs due to the potential of contagious illness spreading to the young, fragile pandas (these things are big earners in China, and are loaned out to foreign countries at $1 million U.S. dollars per year).

Unfortunately, for now, you will be unlikely to be cuddling with pandas at the Chengdu research base. This could change at any time as it has in the past. Although in general it appears that China has grown increasingly protective of it’s cuddly earners, so this rule may stand.

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4 Out of the Ordinary Ways to Visit Pandas in China

The giant panda is China’s unofficial mascot and Sichuan, a province located almost directly in the middle of the country, has long been where these cherished animals have made their home. A number of breeding centers, reserves, and research facilities have been established in Sichuan to help protect the giant panda from extinction. These reserves offer the modern traveler plenty of extraordinary ways to visit pandas in their natural habitat.

Here are some of our favorite ‘out of the ordinary’ ways to visit pandas in China:

RELATED READING: Spice Up Your Life with Sichuan Travel

Visit Pandas in China – Chengdu Panda Research Center

The Chengdu Panda Breeding and Research Center is located within the city of Chengdu (the provincial capital) so it’s an easy reach for anyone who doesn’t have much time to spare. This center is focused on being educational and the keepers share a wealth of information with the visitors. You’ll learn about the vast quantity of bamboo a panda needs to consume each day and can even sample the biscuits that keepers designed specially to ensure the pandas get enough nutrients.

A truly special treat (even better than trying the tasty biscuits) is that you may have a chance to see baby pandas here. Depending on the time of year, a number of cuddly babies will be being hand-reared by the keepers. In the Chengdu Breeding Center, you can be just a few meters away from some of the cutest baby animals on earth. If seeing baby pandas is high on your to-do list, ask your knowledgeable WildChina trip designer to suggest the best time of year to visit.

RELATED READING: What to Do in Chengdu

Visit Pandas in China – Dujiangyan Panda Reserve

The Dujiangyan Panda Reserve is located 1.5 hours outside of Chengdu in the Qingcheng Mountains. The first panda sighting in Dujiangyan was in 1953 and since then, several wild pandas have been spotted in the area. The center was established with a primary goal of increasing the wild panda population – thus the grounds are designed to fit their natural habitat. In Dujiangyan, the keepers are training the pandas to survive and thrive in the wild.

In Dujiangyan you’ll adventure through the bamboo-covered hills to seek out pandas and you can even volunteer for the day as a panda keeper. You’ll get to feed the pandas and clean out their enclosures. WildChina will also arrange for you to have lunch with the keepers, who’ll be happy to answer all your questions. This a great choice for families wanting to learn about this magnificent animal.

RELATED READING:  Best Places to See Pandas in Chengdu

Visit Pandas in China – Laohegou Land Trust Reserve

Laohegou, a 325-acre Land Trust Reserve in Western Sichuan, provides an important migration route for giant pandas. The reserve is not open to the general public but WildChina can arrange special access that allows you one of the most truly unique ways to learn about giant pandas.

Here, you’ll track pandas with a conversationist and although it is extremely rare to actually see the pandas out in the wild, you will learn about the important work being done to protect them. Laohegou is also home to a large variety of other animals, including golden snub-nosed monkeys, Asian golden cats, musk deer and black bears.

RELATED READING: How to Choose between Xi’an and Chengdu

Visit Pandas in China – Tangjiahe Nature Reserve

Tangjiahe Nature Reserve is located in the Sichuan basin and was established in 1978 to protect a diverse array of wildlife. Over 70 endangered​ species find a protected refuge in the reserve.

WildChina can arrange an expert-led trek through the park where, again, you’ll learn how to track pandas. Along with the giant panda, this reserve is also home to golden snub-nosed monkeys and rare takin (a kind of ox). The local expert will explain how the reserve has taken huge steps to protect the giant panda and discuss the numerous scientific studies that take place in the park.​

Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan province, is about a 3-hour plane ride from either Beijing or Shanghai and from there, you’ll drive west to the nature reserves. Reaching Tangjiahe or Laohegou will take up most of a day but it’s definitely worth the journey. From tracking them in the wild to getting up-close-and-personal at a research center, we can plan a panda-focused trip for you based on your own taste. Likewise, we know children and teens love these precious animals, so we can also arrange a family-friendly journey that everyone will enjoy.

More interesting reads

We’re on hand to help you get the information you need about travel in China, whenever you need it. We’re not robots; we’re real people, travel designers here to help you.

As COVID-19 restrictions and regulations change, we want to make sure that you can travel in a safe and responsible way. Let us know your China travel questions and, within one business day, we’ll personally get in touch via email, phone call, or WeChat (whichever method you’d prefer) to help you answer it.

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Panda Tours | Top 10 China Panda Tour Packages 2024

Why China Panda Tours?

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4 Best Panda Tour Packages - Panda Volunteer Tours 2024

Welcome to China , the hometown of the giant panda. We have carefully selected four of the best panda tour packages for you. These panda tours not only allow you to observe China's iconic giant pandas but also provide an opportunity to experience the leisure time of Chengdu 's people, join a Panda Keeper's daily work, practice Qingcheng Kung Fu like the Kung Fu Panda Po, admire the largest and tallest stone-carved statue of buddha - Leshan Giant Buddha (a World Cultural Heritage Site), capture the stunning landscapes of Jiuzhaigou and Huanglong Valley (World Natural Heritage Sites), and more. Each of these panda tour packages provides a unique exploration of the panda's hometown, its culture, and its beloved national treasure - the giant panda. Whether you're a panda fan, a nature lover, or a cultural explorer, these panda tours promise unforgettable memories and remarkable panda journeys . Contact us for your panda tour , designed to offer classic, immersive, and highly recommended experiences.

2 Day Dujiangyan Panda Volunteer Tour & Mount Qingcheng Kung Fu Lesson

2 Days Chengdu Leisure Tour with Leshan Giant Buddha

4 Days Ultimate Panda Tour for Panda Fans (Chengdu - Wolong - Dujiangyan)

5 Days Jiuzhaigou Valley & Panda Tour from Chengdu by Flight

9 panda tours to chengdu, dujiangyan, wolong panda base.

The giant panda is an iconic symbol of China and one of the most adorable creatures in the world. Southwest China's Sichuan province is the homeland of giant pandas , with 1,387 pandas accounting for 74.4% of the total number of wild pandas in the country. Chengdu City, the capital of Sichuan , is known as the Panda City , and it is the only large metropolis in the world where both captive and wild pandas can be found. Also, the Chengdu section of the Giant Panda National Park is home to 73 wild giant pandas. Therefore, when mentioning panda tours, it is highly recommended to take a Chengdu Panda Tour , Dujiangyan Panda Tour , or Wolong Panda Tour . Here are the Top 9 Panda Tours for you to visit Chengdu , Dujiangyan, and Wolong in Sichuan. Join us to make your dream of a panda tour come true.

2024 >>

Chengdu , the capital of Sichuan province, has two international airports and usually served as a popular gateway to China after Beijing and Shanghai . Take our Chengdu Panda Tours to enjoy a leisure time like a panda or a Chengduer.

Dujiangyan, 2 hours's drive from Chengdu, is well-known for its World Heritage Sites of Mount Qingcheng - Dujiangyan Irrigation System. Take our Dujiangyan Panda Volunteer Tours to experience panda volunteering and a Qingcheng Kung Fu lesson.

Wolong, located in the Wolong Nature Reserve and belonging to the Giant Panda National Park, is a 3-hour drive from Chengdu. Take our Wolong Panda Volunteer Tours to experience being a panda keeper while also going on a hike in the panda habitat.

1 Day Chengdu Panda Tour with Leisure Time in Renmin Park & Ancient Streets

2 Days Classic Chengdu Tour: Meet Old & Modern Chengdu

3 Days Classic Chengdu Giant Panda and Leshan Giant Buddha Tour

1 Day Dujiangyan Panda Volunteer Tour with a Visit to Kung Fu Panda Village

2 Days Chengdu Tour with Dujiangyan & Mount Qingcheng World Heritage Site

2 Days Wolong Panda Volunteer Tour - From Chengdu City to Wild Panda Habitat

6 Days Western Sichuan Tour (Siguniang - Danba - Tagong - Xinduqiao - Kangding)

4 china panda tours - best panda tour packages for you.

The panda is China's national treasure. Welcome to the panda hometown to discover more about these cute animals and the real China . Here are four of the most popular China Panda Tours for you to visit top destinations such as Beijing , Shanghai , Xian , Tibet , Chengdu , Guilin , Yangshuo, and Zhangjiajie . Besides pandas, China is a vast country with diverse landscapes, splendid cultures, stunning scenery, a time-honored history, and adorable and precious animals. Contact us now to plan your China Panda Tour .

17 Days China Highlights Tour with Holy Tibet Discovery & Chengdu Pandas

10 Days China Family Classic Tour with Panda Kingdom

12 Days Iconic China Tour with Chengdu Pandas & Guilin Li River

8 Days Miraculous Nature Tour: Guilin & Zhangjiajie with Chengdu Pandas

Reasons to take panda tours with aot chengdu.

What to Expect Panda Tours with Asia Odyssey Travel

1.1st Panda Base - Chengdu Panda Base, Chengdu Panda Tour

2.Be a Panda Keeper - Dujiangyan Panda Base, Panda Volunteer Tour

3.Visit Panda Habitat - Wolong Panda Base, Panda Volunteer

4.Hiking - Giant Panda National Park, Explore Wild Panda Habitat

Giant Panda and Its Neighbors Photo Collection

*Amazing Panda Photo Gallery with 200+ Pictures*

1. What are the Top 10 Fun Facts about Pandas? +

1). Pandas are good at climbing trees.

2). Pandas are good swimmers.

3). Pandas are bears that do not hibernate.

4). Pandas are carnivores but mainly eat bamboo (99% of their diet).

5). Pandas occasionally eat eggs, fish, and even small mammals.

6). Pandas spend 10-16 hours a day eating bamboo.

7). Pandas poo 40 times daily (100 droppings per day; about 20kg poo).

8). Adult pandas can weigh up to 125 kg, while newborn pandas weigh around 200g.

9). Pandas have a sixth finger, called a "Pseudo-thumbs" (helpful like a hand).

10). The name "panda" originally referred to the red panda until the discovery of the giant panda.

2. Why do people like pandas? Why do the Chinese love pandas? +

Pandas are adored for their cuteness . They have a unique appearance that is round and fluffy, making them stand out from other animals. But why do we love pandas? Perhaps it is because of the way they eat, which resembles the way humans sit on the floor. Or maybe it's because of their distinctive eyes, with eye patches that make their eyes look bigger, which people find attractive because it reminds them of children.

For the Chinese, giant pandas have long been a symbol of peace and friendship, which aligns perfectly with Chinese values and worldviews. Additionally, the black and white color of the panda is consistent with the cultural beliefs of China , specifically the connection to the Taiji Yin and Yang.

Pandas are very interesting to watch due to their unique black and white coat, bamboo diet, and "funny" behavior like rolling down hills, sleeping for over 10 hours a day, and "panda kung fu" wrestling. Their playful cub personas also attract much attention.

3. Why are pandas endangered? What is the biggest threat to pandas? +

Giant pandas are one of the most beloved animals in the world. They are bears native to central China and are easily recognizable by their large, distinctive black patches around their eyes, over their ears, and across their rotund body. Giant pandas are endangered primarily due to habitat loss, poaching, and low reproductive rates.

Habitat loss due to human activities is the main reason why giant pandas are endangered. Deforestation, urbanization, and infrastructure development have greatly reduced their natural habitat in China . As their mountain forest habitats were cleared for farming and development, panda populations became isolated and vulnerable. They have a very specialized bamboo diet, so the loss of habitat also meant the loss of their food source.

Pandas are difficult to mate because female pandas only ovulate once a year. Not only that but the window that a male panda has to inseminate the female while she has an egg ready to go is only about 36 to 40 hours.

The adult giant panda has very few natural enemies. One of the known enemies of the giant panda is the snow leopard, which may seize a baby panda that has wandered away from its mother, or a pack of wild dogs may also capture a wandering cub. However, humans are the greatest threat to pandas in China due to habitat destruction and poaching.

4. Where can I see giant pandas? How many giant pandas are left in the wild? +

Most giant pandas live in a few mountain ranges in central China . The best way to see pandas is at conservation and breeding centers in China, such as the Chengdu panda Base, Dujiangyan Panda Valley, Dujiangyan Panda Base, Wolong Panda Base, Bifengxia Panda Base, and Shaanxi Foping Panda Base . You can view various pandas, including newborn cubs, in indoor-outdoor enclosures and nurseries.

Zoos around the world also have some pandas, but their populations are limited. Countries like the US, Canada, Belgium, France, Thailand, and others have pandas in zoos. For example, giant pandas can be seen at zoos in the US, such as the San Diego Zoo, Zoo Atlanta, and the Smithsonian's National Zoo in Washington, DC.

It is possible to see giant pandas in the wild , particularly in Giant Panda National Park, although it can be challenging as they are rare and elusive animals. There are approximately 1,864 giant pandas left in the wild, mostly in the mountainous regions of Sichuan, Shaanxi, and Gansu in China . However, their numbers are slowly increasing from around 1,000 wild pandas in the 1980s due to conservation efforts.

Furthermore, research shows that 85% of wild giant pandas reside in Sichuan province , China. The Chengdu section of the Giant Panda National Park, which is the habitat of giant pandas in the wild, is home to 73 wild giant pandas, according to the fourth national giant panda survey.

5. What do giant pandas eat? How many hours a day do pandas eat? +

As you may know, pandas love to eat bamboo. However, pandas only eat about 42 bamboo species, including arrow bamboo and wood bamboo. Each species has a life cycle and will flower and die off every 20 to 40 years, depending on the species. Pandas need to have other species available to eat or be able to migrate to a different area when the bamboo dies off.

As 99% of a panda's diet is bamboo, they prefer bamboo shoots, stems, and leaves, especially shoots. Pandas are picky and clever, as they eat different types and parts of bamboo according to the season. In spring and summer, when bamboo shoots are plentiful, pandas like eating different kinds of shoots; in autumn, pandas eat more bamboo leaves; in winter, pandas prefer bamboo stems, which include more nutrients.

Although bamboo is the giant panda's favorite food, they also eat fruit (such as apples) and vegetables (such as carrots, pumpkins, and fungus). Pandas can eat small animals on occasion, such as fish, bamboo rats, or musk deer fawns.Pandas are carnivores, however, they are primarily recognized as vegetarian now.

Besides, pandas drink fresh water from rivers and streams once or twice a day. Because bamboo shoots are more than 60 percent water, pandas can get water while eating bamboo shoots.

By the way, baby pandas drink their mother's milk until they are six months old and then start eating bamboo. Pandas have very little breast milk, so captive panda cubs are fed milk made from a mixture of milk, powdered milk, and various vitamins.

With very little nutritional value in bamboo, pandas must eat 23–40 kg of bamboo every day (26 to 38% of their body weight) to meet their energy needs. To obtain this much food, a panda must spend 10 to 16 hours a day foraging and eating. The rest of their time is spent mostly sleeping and resting.

6. Why do pandas look so lazy? Do pandas get tired easily? +

Pands often appear lazy due to their slow movements and tendency to sleep for long periods of time. However, this is actually a natural behavior for pandas. Pandas are herbivores in the body of carnivores, and with a diet of 99% bamboo, they have developed adaptations for dealing with their low-calorie food, including taking it easy.

That is why pandas look so lazy – it allows them to save energy, and the lazy lifestyle allows pandas to survive on their low-quality diet. The daily energy expenditure values for giant pandas are substantially lower than those for koalas, for example, and more akin to those of three-toed sloths. Pandas have a low metabolic rate, which means that they require less energy than other animals of their size. Besides, pandas conserve their energy by moving slowly and sleeping for up to 14 hours a day.

While pandas may look lazy, they are actually strong and agile animals. They are excellent climbers and can run at speeds of up to 20 miles per hour when necessary. Pandas also have a high endurance level and can swim for long distances.

Pandas don't necessarily get tired easily, but they have evolved to conserve their energy by moving slowly and sleeping for long periods of time. This behavior is a natural adaptation to their unique diet and lifestyle.

7. Can I hold a panda cub or feed a panda? Can I volunteer with pandas? +

In general, pandas are not aggressive animals. However, mother pandas can become defensive when protecting their cubs, especially during the first few months after birth. Male pandas also spar with each other during mating season. Although pandas are often assumed to be docile, they have been known to attack humans, presumably out of irritation rather than aggression.

Direct contact with pandas is not allowed since 2018. Holding panda cubs would interfere with their care, bonding with handlers, and increase the risk of disease transmission. Additionally, feeding and interacting with pandas is left to panda keepers for the safety of both the pandas and visitors.

However, it is possible to participate in a panda volunteer tour at certain conservation centers in China . Opportunities are limited, and you can contact a tour operator to book the service ahead of time.

8. Are giant pandas a type of bear? How long do giant pandas live? +

Yes, giant pandas are a type of bear unique in China and are classified as a member of the family Ursidae.

The average lifespan of a giant panda in the wild is about 15-20 years. However, with proper care in captivity, they can live into their 30s. The oldest panda in captivity was Jia Jia, who lived to 38 years old.

9. When is the best time to visit pandas in China? +

The best time of year to visit pandas in China is during the spring and fall , when the weather is mild and the bamboo is in bloom. Spring (March-May) has pleasant temperatures, and pandas are more active during this time. In the fall, you can see baby pandas that were born in the summer.

Moreover, the best time to see the Giant Pandas is during their meal times or play times. Pandas love cool weather, so early morning before 9 o'clock is a suitable time to watch them when they are more active. For instance, you can observe their playtime from 10:30 am to 11:00 am and their lunchtime from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm.

10. How long is a typical panda tour? How much does a panda tour cost? +

A panda tour can range from a half-day excursion to a multi-day trip, depending on the itinerary and activities included.

The cost of a panda tour varies depending on the length of the tour, the activities included, and the level of luxury . Prices can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars.

Typically, panda tours include visits to conservation centers (panda bases) to see and learn about the pandas. Other activities may include a panda volunteer program , a panda habitat hike, sightseeing at world heritage sites, museum visits, kid-friendly cultural activities such as Kung Fu lessons and traditional tea ceremonies, Sichuan Opera performances, Chinese meals, and tour guides.

Panda tour prices vary but average around $100-$300 per person for a full-day visit , depending on the itinerary, accommodation, and time of year.

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Visiting the Giant Pandas in Chengdu, China: Everything You Need to Know

Learn the ins and outs of visiting the giant pandas near Chengdu, China.

If you’re headed to Chengdu, chances are good seeing the giant pandas of China are on your itinerary. If they’re not, add them now! The Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding is one of the best things to do in Chengdu and is a must-visit for those in the area.

In fact, the giant pandas are one of the best reasons to go to Chengdu, in my humble opinion, but maybe I’m just a panda lover. How can you not be? Anyway, let’s get started by taking a look at Chengdu and then dive into how to get to the Panda Research Center from Chengdu and learn what to expect while you’re there.

Disclosure:  Some of the links below may be affiliate links. At no additional cost to you, I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase.

Table of Contents

About Chengdu, China

Chengdu, located in southwestern China, is a historic city with a modern twist. It’s known for its laid-back atmosphere and the Sichuan province’s distinct culture. With a population of millions, Chengdu offers a blend of tradition and urban development, making it a fascinating destination to explore.

Its most famous for Sichuan cuisine, teahouses, and historic landmarks as well as being the base for some of the most famous sites of China, like the Leshan Buddha and the Giant Panda Sanctuary .

What to See in the Chengdu Region

While we’ll be focused on the giant pandas near Chengdu, there are a few other key places to visit while you’re in the area. Add these to your China itinerary!

• Jinli Ancient Street: A historic street with traditional architecture, shops, and local snacks. It’s a great place to soak in the local atmosphere.
• Wuhou Shrine: A historical memorial that honors Zhuge Liang, a famous military strategist from the Three Kingdoms period.
• Du Fu Thatched Cottage: A park preserving the former residence of the Tang dynasty poet Du Fu. It offers a glimpse into ancient Chinese literary life.
• Sichuan Opera Face-Changing Show: Witness a unique performance where artists change their colorful masks quickly to create a mesmerizing show.
• Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding: See adorable giant pandas in a semi-wild environment, dedicated to the preservation and study of these beloved animals.
• Leshan Giant Buddha: A massive stone Buddha statue carved into a cliff, near Chengdu. It’s an impressive example of ancient engineering. Learn all about taking a day trip to Leshan Buddha.
• Mount Qingcheng: A sacred Taoist mountain with beautiful scenery, temples, and hiking trails. It’s a place of both natural beauty and cultural significance.
• Emei Mountain: Another significant mountain in the area, known for its Buddhist monasteries, hiking trails, and panoramic views.
• Sanxingdui Museum: Explore an archaeological site that provides insights into an ancient civilization that existed in the region over 3,000 years ago.
• Jiuzhaigou Valley: A bit further away, but known for its stunning natural beauty, including colorful lakes, waterfalls, and snow-capped peaks.

10 Reasons to Visit the Giant Pandas near Chengdu

The Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding aligns the efforts to conserve a species that holds both cultural and ecological significance. It also offers a unique and meaningful experience for several reasons. Let’s dive into those.

1. See Giant Pandas Up Close

The research base is one of the best places to see giant pandas in a semi-natural environment. You’ll have the opportunity to observe these adorable creatures eating, playing, and going about their daily activities.

2. Support Panda Conservation

The research base is dedicated to the conservation and breeding of giant pandas, a species that is endangered. Your visit contributes to the ongoing efforts to protect and increase the panda population.

3. Learn about Pandas

The research base provides educational information about pandas, their behavior, habitat, and the challenges they face in the wild. It’s a chance to learn more about these fascinating animals and the conservation work being done.

4. Witness Breeding Programs

The base has successful breeding programs that have resulted in the birth of panda cubs. Depending on the timing of your visit, you might have the chance to see baby pandas, a truly heartwarming sight.

5. Enjoy Beautiful Surroundings

The research base is situated amidst lush greenery and scenic landscapes. It offers a serene environment where you can relax, enjoy nature, and take in the picturesque setting away from the bustling cities in China.

6. Photography Opportunities

Giant pandas are photogenic creatures, and the research base provides numerous photo opportunities. Take your time to capture moments that you can cherish and share with friends and family.

7. Cultural Experience

The Giant Panda Research Base also showcases traditional Sichuan architecture and design elements, providing a cultural context to your visit.

8. Escape the City

It’s a great opportunity to step away from the city of Chengdu and spend time in a more peaceful and natural setting. This is particularly important if you’re spending a lot of time in China as it can be overwhelming with all the city life.

9. Support Research

The base conducts scientific research on pandas, their behavior, and their needs. By visiting, you indirectly contribute to these research efforts.

10. Family-Friendly Adventure from Chengdu

The panda sanctuary near Chengdu is an attraction that appeals to people of all ages. It’s an ideal destination for families, friends, and solo travelers alike.

How to Get to the Giant Panda Research Base from Chengdu

There are a few transportation options for getting from the city of Chengdu to the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. Here are the best ways to reach the sanctuary.

Take Public Transit from Chengdu to the Giant Pandas

This was the route I took as I was on a tight budget when I traveled. It will take between an hour and an hour and a half to get to the Giant Pandas on public transit, so if you want to get there early – factor that into your timing.

To visit the giant pandas from Chengdu, head to the bus station. Then take Bus 1 going North to the end of the line at Zhaoju Temple Bus Station. Inside the bus station find Bus 87, which for me was sitting waiting, and take it to the Panda Base stop.

If you look foreign, chances are good the driver will tell you when you’re there. Each bus costs ¥2, so it costs a total of ¥4 – under a dollar! Just board the bus and put the exact fare in the metal box by the driver.

Book a Tour to the Giant Pandas

If you aren’t keen on navigating the public transit around Chengdu, don’t worry, there’s another option. -take a tour to the giant pandas in Chengdu! Here are some of your best bets.

• Private Half-Day Chengdu Panda Breeding Center Tour with Optional Volunteer: Meet your English-speaking guide in your hotel lobby and set off for the Chengdu Panda Breeding Center. Spend your morning in the company of China’s most endearing creatures, exploring the baby and adult panda areas during a 3-hour guided tour. Check availability now.
• Private Day Trip to Chengdu Panda Breeding Center and Leshan Buddha: Get picked up by your private tour guide and leverage private transit and railway with your guide to get to two of the. most amazing sites in the Chengdu area – Leshan Buddha and the Giant Panda Research Center. Check availability now.

Alternately, some hotels and hostels offer transportation or a tour if you’ve failed to book anything in advance.

The Giant Panda Research Base

Established in 1987 with a mission to safeguard rescued wild pandas, the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding has evolved into a cherished Chinese national asset.

Encompassing 165 acres (67 hectares) of open-air sanctuary, this destination has gained widespread popularity in southern China. Its emphasis on breeding, conservation, and reintroducing pandas to their natural habitats has solidified its reputation as a beacon of dedicated conservation efforts.

Arrive at the Chengdu Giant Panda Research Center

Upon arrival at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding , purchase a ticket at the ticket office out front and make your way through the park following the “This way to the pandas” signs. Yes, it’s really that easy. The park opens at 7:30am and the earlier you get there the less crowded it is as you beat the giant tour groups.

Pro Tip: Go see the pandas when you get there and then come back to the museum by the entrance/exit afterwards. This will let you visit the pandas before it gets crowded and also, the air conditioning in the museum will feel good.

I was fortunate in that it was really empty when I arrived, the pandas were active, and it was overcast. There are many areas in the park to see adult giant pandas, sub-adult giant pandas, giant panda cubs, and the nursery for baby giant pandas (Is baby giant pandas an oxymoron?).

As a bonus, there’s also red panda enclosures and a red panda nursery. And of course, don’t forget the giant panda museum and the research center. I must say, I was in awe as I walked around the park. I mean, I was really geeking out over the pandas.

Start at the Panda Cubs

In the morning I was walking on an empty path and saw four panda cubs eating and playing. It was pretty much magical to watch their clumsy gestures as they rolled around. I might have taken a video…

Visit the Red Pandas

Thinking it couldn’t get any better than that, I was wrong. The red panda nursery as it is labeled is not a nursery in the sense that I think (that or I missed that part). It’s a habitat where the red pandas wander freely through the enclosures, along the sidewalks with you, and into the trees overhead. I stepped foot in and saw a little guy scurrying away down the path ahead of me.

The fences actually have giant holes built into them so the red pandas can wander freely! As I walked further, two red pandas came along and walked within a few inches of me, no worries, it’s on video too. (Told you I geeked out!)

I was astounded at how freely they let the red pandas wander and honestly how much they trust people to not harass them. It creates an awesome experience. Also, they’re pretty darn cute!

Admire the Giant Pandas

The giant pandas sadly are out of reach from people, but have excellent viewing as there’s a fence with a ditch on the other side and then the pandas.  Sometimes the pandas even wander into the ditches making them quite close to you.

The only part of the park that irked me is they have quiet signs everywhere and people were literally screaming. In other words, human error, nothing to do with the park. The park is awesome.

It is breeding these adorable giant pandas hopefully away from the endangered level. Other than taking in all the cute I could handle for one day, I also learned a few things, like I could be friends with the pandas as we both eat 16 hours per day.

Anyway, if you are ever near Chengdu, visiting the giant pandas is a must. They’re worth it. And if I can’t convince you, maybe they can:

When to Visit the Giant Panda Sanctuary

The best time to visit the Giant Panda Research Base in Chengdu is during the cooler months of spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). During these times, the weather is more pleasant, and the pandas are generally more active and playful.

Additionally, this is when temperatures are moderate, making it comfortable to explore the park without the extreme heat or cold of summer and winter.

To avoid the crowds, try not to visit during peak tourist seasons and holidays. If possible, you’ll also want to visit during weekdays or earlier in the day. Larger crowds and tourist groups tend to arrive later in the day.

If you’re interested in seeing baby pandas , the months of August and September are the best time to go see the giant pandas. This is typically when newborn pandas are more visible to the public.

The founder of The Cure for Curiosity, Julia is a North Carolina based, travel addict who has followed her curiosity to 95+ countries. Whether it’s crawling through the Pyramids of Egypt, climbing to Mount Everest Base Camp in Nepal, or diving the Blue Hole in Belize, she's always on the go, and she wants to help you travel more and travel better by sharing what she's learned along the way, from travel tips  and packing lists to destination specific details.

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Watch CBS News

The National Zoo in Washington, D.C., returned its beloved pandas to China. Here's why.

By Caitlin O'Kane

Updated on: November 9, 2023 / 11:21 AM EST / CBS News

It's the end of an era for the Smithsonian National Zoo's beloved giant pandas . The three pandas left the zoo in Washington. D.C. for China on Wednesday, Nov. 8, and after a long flight, landed in Chengdu on Thursday, Nov. 9, the National Zoo said on X.

Giant pandas have been a major attraction there since 1972, when U.S. zoos made an agreement with China Wildlife and Conservation Association. 

Two of the pandas, Mei Xiang and Tian Tian, came to the zoo in 2000 as part of the agreement. The pair were meant to stay for just 10 years for a research and breeding program, but the agreement with China was extended several times.

On Aug. 21, 2020, the pair gave birth to a male cub named Xiao Qi Ji. That same year,  the zoo announced it signed another three-year extension to keep all three pandas until the end of 2023. 

The Smithsonian laid out the plans for the panda family's return ahead of their departure on Wednesday. They explained forklifts would be used to move each of them into FedEx trucks. The trucks then transported them to Dulles International Airport, but said they were not visible in their crates as they were moved onto the "FedEx Panda Express" – a Boeing 777F aircraft with a custom decal. 

The zoo shared photos of those crates on Thursday, thanking FedEX. "Mei Xiang, Tian Tian and Xiao Qi Ji have landed in Chengdu! After a safe flight, they are on the way to their new home. Our team will stay for a few days as the pandas get settled. Thank you to  @FedEx  for transporting our Very Important Pandas in style," the zoo wrote in the post on X. 

Mei Xiang, Tian Tian and Xiao Qi Ji have landed in Chengdu! After a safe flight, they are on the way to their new home. Our team will stay for a few days as the pandas get settled. Thank you to @FedEx for transporting our Very Important Pandas in style! 🐼 🐼 🐼 🛬 #PandaStory pic.twitter.com/ATOzp1U8Ev — National Zoo (@NationalZoo) November 9, 2023

The National Zoo received its first pandas from China — Hsing-Hsing and Ling-Ling — in 1972 in an effort to save the species by breeding them. The zoo has had panda couples ever since. 

Mei Xiang has given birth to seven cubs while at the zoo. Three of her cubs died before adulthood and three have been returned to China; part of the agreement is that they must be returned by age 4. Xiao Qi Ji will remain with his parents at the zoo until they all return to China together. 

With these three pandas returning to their homeland, only four giant pandas will be left in the U.S. — all of them at the  Atlanta Zoo , which is home to Lun Lun and Yang Yang and their offspring, Ya Lun and Xi Lun. 

Per China's agreement with the Atlanta Zoo, the younger cubs will be returned at the end of 2024, and it is expected their parents will return as well. The loan agreement, which was put in place in the mid-1990s, expires in 2024 and the zoo says there has been no discussion to extend it.

The Memphis Zoo and the San Diego Zoo were the only others in the U.S. to have housed giant pandas. 

San Diego got its first two pandas for a 100-day visit in 1987. The zoo eventually signed a 12-year agreement and received two pandas, named Bai Yun and Shi Shi, in 1996. 

The agreement was extended several times and six pandas were born at the zoo. All of them were returned to China by the end of the agreement, which concluded in 2019.

The Memphis Zoo's 20-year loan agreement with China ended this year and they returned their panda, Ya Yam in April,  the Associated Press  reported.

The research team at the Memphis Zoo developed an artificial insemination process that allowed one of their male pandas, Le Le, to help pandas across the world conceive babies, the zoo said. Le Le's sperm was frozen and used to inseminate female pandas at other locations, which helped boost the species' population. 

Le Le, however, died in February 2023 ahead of the pair's return to China. 

Only about 1,864 pandas remain in the wild, mostly in China's Sichuan Province. Breeding programs have been successful and the once-endangered species was upgraded to "vulnerable" by the International Union for Conservation of Nature in 2017, according to the World Wildlife Fund.  

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Caitlin O'Kane is a New York City journalist who works on the CBS News social media team as a senior manager of content and production. She writes about a variety of topics and produces "The Uplift," CBS News' streaming show that focuses on good news.

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Panda Ridge

At Panda Ridge,  San Diego Zoo  guests will have the opportunity to step inside these remarkable forests and discover new perspectives on how these iconic and beloved bears live their lives.

Enter the World of China’s Giant Pandas

When you think of giant pandas in their native habitats, do you imagine them spending their days lounging in leafy glades surrounded by vast, flat expanses of fast-growing bamboo stalks? If so, you’re not alone. But think again.

The bears’ native bamboo forests in China are dynamic, colorful, and incredibly diverse landscapes in mountainous areas that compel active exploration. They are among the most scenic—and vulnerable—places on the planet. At Panda Ridge,  San Diego Zoo  guests will have the opportunity to step inside these remarkable forests and discover new perspectives on how these iconic and beloved bears live their lives.

Panda Ridge offers expansive new experiences for both giant pandas and guests, with areas for learning and discovery about these bears, their vibrant ecosystems, and ongoing conservation efforts to secure their future.

To welcome the next generation of  giant pandas , we’ve created a unique, new-generation environment. Panda Ridge is inspired by the breathtaking verdant landscapes and natural beauty of areas in and around giant pandas’ native habitats in Sichuan, Gansu, and Shaanxi provinces. Located in the heart of the Zoo’s Asian Passage, this special place offers an expanded, enhanced, and immersive naturalistic habitat for Xin Bao, a nearly four-year-old female, and Yun Chuan, an almost five-year-old male, to explore. 

Reflecting the rocky and mountainous forests of China, Panda Ridge’s dynamic, colorful, and incredibly diverse landscapes compel active exploration.

The multidimensional habitats are four times larger than the previous space, and there is much to discover: rocky and mountainous areas, large full trees for climbing, a diverse array of plants, and hillsides that allow pandas to navigate and explore vertically, just as they do in China. Panda Ridge will offer expansive new experiences for giant pandas and guests alike, with new areas for learning and discovery about these bears, their vibrant ecosystems, and ongoing conservation efforts to secure their future. Here, you’ll experience the bears exploring and climbing among tall grasses, tree lines, and shrubs, much like how conservationists and scientists encounter giant pandas in China.

The pair’s arrival is the latest chapter in  our long-running collaborative partnership with China Wildlife Conservation Association . Working closely together for the last 30 years, we have transformed conservation—and the future—for this once endangered species. Our work in the coming years will address vital issues of panda health and well-being, help prepare giant pandas for future translocations to their native habitats, develop new and emerging technologies for conservation strategies, and share insights to help conserve giant pandas and their fragile ecosystems.

When guests enter Panda Ridge, they will experience pandas exploring and climbing among tall grasses, tree lines, and shrubs, much like how conservationists and scientists encounter these iconic bears in China.

Securing the future for wildlife begins with people, and with understanding. When you step into the compelling new Panda Ridge experience, you’ll have unparalleled opportunities to enter the world of giant pandas and create lifelong connections with them. Here you’ll discover more about their vulnerable habitats and the challenges they currently face, finding inspiration to help save and protect them. Giant pandas are a keystone species, inherently connected to the health of their native ecosystems—and both need to be protected.

While experiencing Panda Ridge, visitors will become immersed in the mountain forests that are home to giant pandas, while discovering more about the lives of these remarkable “bamboo bears.”

Pandas are unusual in a number of ways, including that they eat only one food. As you traverse the space, you’ll also discover more about their bamboo diet. All the  bamboo  they rely on is sustainably grown in our accredited botanical collections at the  San Diego Zoo  and the  San Diego Zoo Safari Park . Of the 135 varieties grown here, select species make up the pandas’ daily diet and others are offered to provide variety. Informative signage spotlights some of these species, including the varieties most preferred by giant pandas. In addition, a new, advanced cinematic camera system has been configured for Panda Cam, which will provide unparalleled viewing opportunities for fans around the world to connect with and be inspired by these magnificent and beloved bears.

Key elements of the Panda Ridge habitats are inspired by the breathtaking verdant landscapes and natural beauty of areas in and around China’s Sichuan, Gansu, and Shaanxi provinces.

We are honored to share this extraordinary opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of giant pandas and the importance of protecting them. Panda Ridge offers an immersive experience while sharing the species conservation story, incorporating iconic features from native ecosystems, and offering an unforgettable experience that transports guests of all ages across the globe while creating moments and memories that will last a lifetime. Each visit is one spark of hope that can ignite a better future where pandas thrive. We can’t wait to see you soon at the San Diego Zoo.

For the latest information on how and when to  visit giant pandas at the San Diego Zoo , check out our  Giant Panda FAQs . Zoo guests can secure a complimentary  Giant Panda Timed Ticket  or make reservations for a premium  Early Morning with Pandas Walking Tour .

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Giant pandas go on display at San Diego Zoo: Gov. Newsom says 'It’s panda-mania'

A pair of giant pandas that arrived in San Diego from China a little more than a month ago have finally debuted and are now on display for the public at San Diego Zoo .

Yun Chuan (yoon chu-an) and Xin Bao (sing bao), who are the first pandas to enter the United States in 21 years, as per San Diego Zoo, and their new home Panda Ridge, was unveiled to the public in a grand ceremony Thursday that also had California Governor Gavin Newsom in attendance.

"There's nothing I enjoy more than watching the press report on pandas, the Penn Domain. That's right, Bob, it's panda-mania here in San Diego," Newsom said addressing the crowd.

He added the arrival of the giant pandas "was something much deeper, much richer than just the two beautiful pandas we celebrate."

"It is about understanding," Newsom said. "It's about celebrating our common humanity. It is about celebrating the things that bind us together."

San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria said he was very glad to have the pandas here.

"To Yun Chuan and Xin Bao our newest furriest cutest San Diego. We are so glad to have them here. I cannot wait for San Diego to see these two magnificent creatures," Gloria said.

A mural specially designed for this occasion by world-renowned artist, activist and OBEY clothing founder Shepard Fairey was also unveiled and put on display during the event.

Since their arrival in late June, Yun Chuan and Xin Bao have been acclimating to their home in the newly reimagined Panda Ridge, an "innovative space is four times larger than the San Diego Zoo’s previous panda habitat." The new enclosure is inspired by "famous geological formations in China, emulating mountains, canyons, and cliffs," and the pandas' native habitats in China's Sichuan, Gansu and Shaanxi provinces San Diego Zoo said, adding that it features "new shade trees for climbing, a diverse array of plants, and rolling hillsides that allow Yun Chuan and Xin Bao to navigate and explore vertically."

Get to know Xin Bao and Yun Chuan

Xin Bao (pronounced sin bao) is a 4-year-old female, and the zoo describes her as active, alert and witty, adding that she is superb climber. Xin Bao's name means “new treasure of prosperity and abundance,” according to the San Diego Zoo.

The zoo said guests may be able to spot Xin Bao pretty easily due to her large, round face and big ears that give her a unique look.

Yun Chuan (pronounced yoon chu-ahn), who is almost five years old, has familial ties to the San Diego Zoo. His maternal grandmother, Bai Yun, as well as his grandfather, Gao Gao, both stayed at the San Diego Zoo in the early 2000s. His mother, Zhen Zhen, was born at the zoo in 2007.

Yun Chuan name means "cloud" and "big river," alluding to the place in China he's from − Sichuan, according to the San Diego Zoo. Altogether, his name means “big river of cloud,” a reminder of the “flowing clouds that often shroud the forests where giant pandas live in the mountains of southwestern China,” the zoo said.

He can be easily identified by his long, pointy nose, the zoo said.

How to see pandas at San Diego Zoo

San Diego is offering three ways for  guests to experience giant pandas :

• Giant Panda Timed Tickets : Visitors can get a complimentary timed ticket when they arrive at the zoo by scanning the ticket QR code located on signs posted throughout the zoo. The QR code will direct them to a page where they can select an available time and head to the Panda Ridge at the designated time.
• Standby Line : The other option is to join the standby line outside the panda enclosure any time from 9:30 a.m. until giant pandas are off habitat or the zoo closes, whichever occurs earlier, the zoo says.
• Early Morning with Pandas Walking Tour : The zoo is also offering special tours with the pandas during which visitors will get exclusive viewings of the pandas. However, this 60-minute tour requires reservations and is not included with admission. It has an additional cost. Reservations for the tour can be made in advance either online or by calling the zoo at (619) 718-3000.

How many pandas are coming to US zoos?

Yun Chuan and Xin Bao are not the only giant pandas who will be coming to the U.S.

In May, the Smithsonian National Zoo said it will get  one male and one female panda  from China sometime before the end of 2024. The 2-year-old male, Bao Li, is the grandson of Tian Tian and Mei Xiang, the two pandas who left the National Zoo to return to China in November. The female, Qing Bao, is also 2 years old.

San Francisco zoogoers also celebrated in April, when the city's zoo said it will get  two more pandas from China  sometime in 2025.

Contributing: Claire Thornton, Saleen Martin, USA TODAY

Saman Shafiq is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at [email protected] and follow her on X and Instagram @saman_shafiq7.

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Video: Giant pandas arrive at San Diego Zoo, the first in 21 years

The pandas are a symbol of friendship between the u.s. and china.

By Chase Martin

The San Diego Zoo has welcomed two new giant pandas, marking the first time the species has arrived in the United States in 21 years, zoo officials announced .

The pandas, Yun Chuan and Xin Bao, were sent by China as a gesture of goodwill, continuing a decadeslong partnership between the U.S. and the China Wildlife Conservation Association aimed at panda conservation.

The partnership has been instrumental in improving the species’ status from endangered to vulnerable, according to the San Diego Zoo .

The pandas’ arrival follows a discussion between Chinese President Xi Jinping and President Joe Biden in November, where the possibility of sending new pandas to the U.S. was explored.

As previously reported by Deseret News , the move comes after China began reclaiming pandas previously loaned to Western countries as diplomatic relations soured.

Jinping described the pandas as “envoys of friendship between the Chinese and American peoples.”

Yun Chuan and Xin Bao were introduced to the public after completing a quarantine period to acclimate to their new surroundings.

“It’s a very exciting time for the zoo,” Megan Owen, head of conservation science at the San Diego Zoo, told CBS News . “No other species embodies that conservation mission as much as giant pandas.”

Per CBS News, Yun Chuan has a unique connection to the San Diego Zoo. His mother was born there in 2007, and his grandmother was one of the zoo’s first pandas, residing there for over 20 years.

Yun Chuan is identifiable by his slightly pointed nose, while Xin Bao has a round face and large, fluffy ears, according to the zoo’s website .

The arrival of these two pandas marks the first of more to come.

The National Zoo in Washington, D.C., has announced that two more pandas, Bao Li and Qing Bao, will arrive by the end of 2024.

Sichuan Travel Guide - How to Plan a Trip to Sichuan

Sichuan Province has abundant tourism resources, ranging from adorable pandas to breathtaking natural scenery, from hydraulic engineering systems dating back to ancient times and common residences in old towns to the former dwellings of celebrities, from Daoist to Buddhist temples, from rock carvings and murals to modern art museums, and from prehistoric ruins to modern constructions. This province has everything you can think of to discover.

Where Sichuan Is Located

Sichuan (abbrev: Chuan or Shu): it is in southwest China ranking the fifth largest province in the nation. The entire province has a 1,075 kilometers' length from west to east and a 921 kilometers' width from north to south, which embraces an area of 484,100 square kilometers.

Geographically, the province is part of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau in the west and basin in the east. The Yangtze River runs through the basin and thus is upstream to the areas of eastern China. It is bordered by Qinghai, Gansu, Shaanxi, Guizhou, Yunnan, Chongqing municipality and the Tibet Autonomous Region.

With an approximate population of 87million, the land is mainly occupied by the Han majority, the Yi minority, the Tibetan minority, the Hui Minority and the Qiang minority.

Most Popular Tourist Destinations

Sichuan has 18 cities and three autonomous prefectures. Here, we have listed the most popular tourist destinations for you:

• Chengdu : As Sichuan's capital city, it's one of the most popular tourist cities in China and is home to giant pandas and the famous Chengdu hot pot.
• Leshan: This historic cultural city is famous for its giant Buddha statue and Mount Emei.
• Jiuzhaigou and Huanglong : These are fairylands with waterfalls, alpine lakes, tranquil grasslands, snowy mountain views, and Tibetan villages.
• Kangding : Located in western Sichuan, this is a county-level city belonging to Ganzi Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture. It's filled with Tibetan culture and tranquil plateau scenery.
• Daocheng : This region offers alpine views under a blue sky, flowing rivers and lakes, broad pastures, and snowcapped mountains.

Must-Sees in Sichuan

Sichuan is a large province and each city has many attractions. Here, we have handpicked the must-see attractions in Sichuan:

• Wolong Panda Center : In the homeland of pandas, there are multiple activities for people to take part in, especially for those who prefer to see pandas in their natural habitat.
• Jinli Ancient Street : This is an old street filled with the glamour of Sichuan's folk customs and is one of the oldest shopping streets. It is a stage for life in Chengdu.
• Jinsha Site Museum : This is one of the most important archaeological sites in China.
• The Leshan Giant Buddha : It is the tallest and largest Buddha carved in a cliff in China.
• Jiuzhai Valley National Park: This World Heritage Site is renowned for its stunning natural scenery of colorful lakes.
• Mount Emei : It is one of the most well-known summer destinations and acts as a natural "oxygen bar".
• Mount Siguniang : This a good place for climbers and hikers. It is well-known for its various sceneries, especially the precious plants and animals.

Best Times to Visit Sichuan

Sichuan is a big province — it's about the size of Spain or California. Three major geographical regions lead to different weather conditions.

Eastern Sichuan's lowlands have a relatively pleasant climate for touring all year round. The best times to visit the area are spring and autumn. Most cities in Sichuan are located in this area, such as Chengdu and Leshan.

Western Sichuan's high plateau has a long winter and a cold summer but with lots of sunshine. The best time to visit this area is in summer. The representative areas are Kangding, Ganzi , and Daocheng.

Southern Sichuan's mountains have a changeable climate, which depends on the altitude.

Check out our article about Sichuan Weather .

The Colorful Sichuan Culture

Apart from cute pandas and beautiful natural scenery, Sichuan's colorful culture is also a big attraction.

Spicy Food Culture

Sichuan's spicy cuisine, one of the eight famous cuisines in China, is renowned worldwide for being hot and numbing. Sichuan lies in a mountainous region with a humid climate.

Cooking food with peppercorns, chilies, ginger, peppery herbs, and broad bean chili paste gets rid of the cold inside people's bodies.

According to historical records, the cuisine originated in the ancient nations of Ba and Shu. Sichuan comes from "Four Lus" — Lu is the ancient administrative unit of Song Dynasty, and Sichuan is composed of four lus.

So the Cuisine has four styles and divided by location: Chengdu, Chongqing, the Yangtze and the Jialing River. So the flavor includes Chongqing, Chengdu, Leshan, Neijiang, Zigong and other local-style dishes' characteristics.

The most famous Sichuan dishes include hot pot, gong bao chicken (kung pao chicken), twice-cooked pork, stewed bean curd with minced pork in pepper sauce, and sautéed shredded pork in a spicy chili sauce.

It doesn't matter if you cannot eat spicy food. Your guide will help arrange meals for you according to your dietary habits.

Sichuan Opera — "Face-Changing"

In a Sichuan opera performance, as the plot changes and the inner world of the characters change, the facial makeup changes accordingly. Multiple (layered) masks worn by the actors can be changed at lightning speed.

A photographer once tried to capture the secret behind this by turning up the shutter speed on his camera to maximum but had to admit that the actor's face changes happened so quickly that even his camera was unable to follow the action.

Mahjong Culture

Playing mahjong is the major form of entertainment for Sichuan people. When you visit Sichuan, you will see people playing mahjong everywhere — in the street, in the park…

In mahjong, there are 144 small rectangular tiles, which are usually made of bamboo, bone, or plastic with different patterns on them.

Four players have 34 unknown tiles. They take new tiles and discard useless tiles one by one in turn. People who organize the right arrangement first win the game.

If you are interested in playing mahjong, your local guide can teach you how to play it and you can play with the locals during your tour.

• Our One-Day Chengdu Beyond the Pandas Tour to let you experience the charm of Chengdu's unique and long-standing culture.

Convenient Transportation

Sichuan has a developed transportation network centering on Chengdu. It is reachable by air, bullet train, and road.

More than 30 cities from five continents have international flights to Chengdu, such as Vancouver, San Francisco, Los Angeles, New York, London, Melbourne, and Sydney.

Major cities in China have flights and trains to Chengdu, such as Beijing, Shanghai, Xi'an, Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Hangzhou, Zhangjiajie, and Guilin. Flights and bullet trains make provincial transportation very convenient.

Diverse Geography

Sichuan Province has a region of high mountains in the southwest, a high plateau in the northwest, and a lowland region in the eastern part of the province, spanning the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau, the Hengduan Mountains, the Yunnan–Guizhou Plateau, the Qinba Mountains, and the Sichuan Basin.

Mountains, plateaus, and hills account for about 97.46% of the province's land area. The highest point is Mount Gongga in the west, which has an altitude of 7,556 meters.

The eastern lowlands are more arid than the higher regions. But it is cloudier. Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan Province lies in the lowlands, and some people say that it is even cloudier than London.

The navigable Yangtze River runs through the basin and flows into eastern China. At the boundary of the mountainous and lowland region about 50 kilometers from Chengdu, the Dujiangyan Irrigation Project was constructed more than 2,200 years ago to supply water to the drier lowlands around Chengdu.

In the southwest is the Minshan Mountain range that is an eastern extension of the Himalayas. The mountains are very tall, and many are over 5,000 meters (about 16,400 feet) high so they have a range of ecological zones, glaciers and snowcapped peaks.

There are nature reserves preserving many endangered plant and animals. The scenery is breath-taking. In particular, Huanglong Reserve and Jiuzhaigou Reserve are famous for streams, high peaks, forests, hot springs and beautiful travertine colored pools.

Many people who have travelled widely say that they are the most beautiful places they have ever been in. Check out a trip to Western Sichuan .

A Bronze-age civilization existed in the area near Chengdu about 3000 BC until about 1000 BC. This civilization has been named the Shu. It was only discovered in 1987. Before this, it was thought that the Shang civilization was China's only Bronze-age civilization.

Two archaeological sites have been uncovered so far. The Sanxingdui site was discovered about 45 kilometers northwest of Chengdu in 1987. The Jinsha site was only discovered in 2001 in Chengdu's western suburb.

The artifacts found at these sites, especially the unusually large bronze objects found in the remains of a Shu city at the Sanxingdui archaeological site astounded archaeologists.

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Explore Sichuan with us: discover its ancient history, experience its colorful culture, and appreciate the beautiful scenery. The best thing to look forward to is watching the adorable pandas. All of our tours can be customized.

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Beijing Rickshaw - Best Way to Explore Beijing Hutongs

Rickshaws have become the most popular transportation to take an essential Beijing tour in recent years and also the best way to explore Hutongs, the representative of old Beijing. Touring through the old Beijing districts at a slow pace in a rickshaw, visitors can look around to admire the surrounding old Beijing architecture while listening to the rickshaw riders grippingly narrating graceful and luxurious celebrities' lives, the ups and downs of the history of this once capital city of six dynasties, and local Beijingers' stories.

History of Beijing Rickshaw

The rickshaw history is entwined with the history of Hutongs in Beijing. Historically, rickshaws have become the main public transportation in Beijing due to the unique Beijing architectural layout and structure, especially Hutongs, a type of narrow and either straight or winding alleys, formed by lines of Siheyuan (四合院), quadrangle courtyards in Chinese which were initially constructed in the Yuan Dynasty (1271 AD – 1368 AD) .

Later in the Ming Dynasty (early 15th century) , the Forbidden City was established as the city center. Citizens of higher social status and aristocrats lived closer to the center with a large number of Siheyuan being built and more hutongs came into being as the passage of two courtyards. Not until 1898 in the late Qing Dynasty Beijing rickshaws were widely used. Because of, most of the time, narrow and winding hutongs, locals preferred rickshaws for a more convenient everyday trip.

4 Days Classic Beijing Tour Package (Leisure Paced)

Why Take Beijing Rickshaws to Explore Hutongs

Catch a glimpse of the century-old beijing culture.

Rickshaws keep the memories of generations of old Beijingers and every tile and brick has a long history of at least over hundreds of years. Rickshaws provide visitors with valuable insight into Beijing's history and local Beijingers’ normal life. The rickshaws move with the riders pedaling forward and shutting among Hutongs varying in size and style. You can leisurely appreciate historical sites of previous dynasties , such as Prince Gong’s Mansion, which is one of the most exquisite and best-preserved imperial mansions in Beijing, the Former Residence of Guo Moruo (郭沫若故居), the great and famous Chinese author, poet, historian, etc.

Efficient and Energy-saving Way to Explore Hutong Highlights with a Beijing Rickshaw

Taking rickshaws in Beijing is a special means of traveling unseen now in most other international cities. If you have limited time, it's highly suggested that you choose a rickshaw. Well-trained rickshaw riders will make good use of your time and take you directly to highlights of Beijing Hutongs , giving most of your time for your deep exploration of these magnificent mansions, classical Beijingers' quadrangle courtyards as well as wonderful stories of legendary figures, and also to take awesome pictures. Moreover, rather than taking a walk or riding a bicycle, you can restore more strength and energy by picking a rickshaw. Besides, compared with adopting cars as your mode of transport, it will be more relaxing if you take a slow-paced rickshaw, which will offer you a chance to wholeheartedly dive into an authentic Beijing world.

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The beijing rickshaw stops and routes to visit hutongs.

With the expansion of the city and the need for modernization, Hutongs are demolished, and rickshaws can only be seen in a few scenic spots. Now for visitors to Beijing, Shichahai (什刹海) , which is located at No 49, Dianmen West Street, in Shichahai, Xicheng District, Beijing (北京西城地安门西大街49号), is the best resort for a fascinating rickshaw experience. Officially qualified rickshaws normally run from 7:00 am to 17:00. You'd better take one before 16:30 , for every rickshaw trip lasts for about 30 minutes. Notably, for better keeping public order, the Beijing Hutongs rickshaws make fixed stops with planned available routes. There are two routes now.

Former Residence of Guo Moruo (郭沫若故居) →Qianhaibeiyan (前海北沿) →Houhainanyan (后海南沿) →Xiaoxiangfeng Hutong (小翔凤胡同) From the North Gate to the South →Daxiangfeng Hutong (大翔凤胡同) to the West →Liuyin Street (柳荫街) → Former Residence of Guo Moruo (郭沫若故居)

Former Residence of Guo Moruo (郭沫若故居) →Qianhaibeiyan (前海北沿) →Yinding Bridge (银锭桥) → Houhaibeiyan (后海北沿) →Yeya Island (野鸭岛) and turn back →Xiaoxiangfeng Hutong (小翔凤胡同) From the North Gate to the South →Daxiangfeng Hutong (大翔凤胡同) to the West →Liuyin Street (柳荫街) → Former Residence of Guo Moruo (郭沫若故居)

The routes will generally pass by Prince Gong’s Mansion (恭王府), one of the most exquisite and best-preserved imperial mansions in Beijing which were originally constructed for Heshen, an official known for his corrupt affairs, and then renamed after Prince Gong, an influential statesman in the late Qing Dynasty and many old Beijing Siheyuan which was believed to be inhabited by many celebrities such as great poets, author and historian Guo Moruo (郭沫若), the author of Dream of the Red Chamber Cao Xueqin (曹雪芹), the famous female writer Ding Ling (丁玲), etc.

Beijing Hutong Rickshaw Fare /Rickshaw Rent

Taking a rickshaw is the best choice to visit the highlights in Beijing Hutongs. In the Hutong district, there are many rickshaws officially facilitated , and unlicensed ones as well. The official rickshaw riders are easily recognized, for they normally wear uniforms and hang their identification sign around their neck with supervision numbers in front of the rickshaws . Normally, the rickshaws charge on a per-person basis. If no more than two adults take a child below 1.2 m, the child can be free. The rickshaw fare is generally from CNY 100 to CNY 200. It may vary as well depending on the weather and the official regulations.

Travel with China Discovery

Beijing Hutongs connected with countless quadrangle courtyards and historical sites are like a delicate chessboard. The Rickshaws travel around on different routes passing by different landscapes and attractions. If you are concerned about missing out on fascinating sight spots and are confused about which route to choose, you can contact us China Discovery. We'll arrange aworyy-free tour for you and plan a tailor-made Beijing trip on the basis of your preference.

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Warm tips with a beijing hutong rickshaw tour.

1. The official running time of Beijing Hutong Rickshaw is from 7:00 - 17:00. You're suggested to take a rickshaw before 16:30 , for the rickshaw riders will get off work at 17:00 and every trip takes 30 minutes, and some sight spots will close, too. For example, the admission time of Prince Gong's Mansion is 16:10 and it closes at 17:00.

2. Hutong areas are mostly narrow laneways. When getting off the rickshaw to make a personal visit, you need to watch out for other rickshaws passing by to avoid being bruised.

3. Hutong rickshaws are popular among travelers, and if you're afraid of failing to find one free rickshaw, you'd better make a rickshaw reservation .

4. There are many famous hutongs in Beijing, such as Shichahai, Nanluoguxiang, Guijie, etc., and you don’t have to visit all of them. Simply choose your most liked Hutong areas to visit according to your interests and time.

5. Try to learn Beijing hutongs' history and culture ahead of time and then you'll have a better understanding during your trip.

The Most Visited Beijing Hutongs Nearby

Many hutongs, some several hundred years old, are well preserved in the vicinity of Shichahai. Besides the rickshaw tour, you can pay a visit to the most visited hutongs nearby as well.

Nanluoguxiang (南锣鼓巷)

Nanluoguxiang is one of the oldest hutongs in Beijing with a history of over 740 years. It is also the traditional residential area of checkerboard type with the most-preserved hutong and courtyard in the Yuan dynasty (A.D. 1271 - 1368), the largest scale, the highest level, and the most resources in China, and the richest old Beijing flavor. Near the city center, it was a rich land hundreds of years ago, with countless imperial mansions and grand courtyards left along this alley.

Yandaixie Street (烟袋斜街)

Yandaixie Street , or Yandai Byway (烟袋斜街), is the oldest slanting street in Beijing with a total length of 232m. It got the name because many stores sold long-stemmed Chinese pipes and hookahs, and other smoking sets prevailed along this street from the late Qing dynasty to the 1930s. Furthermore, since Yandaixie Street is a top famous cultural street in northern Beijing with abundant simple old Beijing buildings and a full atmosphere of cultural and artistic breath, tourists can see the remains of many cultural celebrities and find antiques, paintings, and calligraphic works, and ancient constructions, etc. there.

Bell Tower & Drum Tower Hutongs Area

Hutongs in this Bell Tower (钟楼) and the Drum Tower (鼓楼) area extend in all directions with famous Beijing time-honored brands and antique culture surrounding them. It is like a magic experience to roam in these deep and quiet hutongs, admiring the old pines and overhanging eaves of the hundreds-year-old dwellings, and hearing the ear-pleasing chime and drumbeat at a fixed time.

If you're interested in the old Beijing atmosphere in Beijing Hutong, you're highly suggested to take a look at Top 10 Most Visited Beijing Hutongs .

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How to Plan a Beijing Tour with Beijing Hutong Rickshaw

The most popular hutongs that you can leisurely take a rickshaw to explore the Beijngers' original way of life and their traditional culture is mainly located in the south and north of Forbidden City , the center of Beijing city, with a distance of about 30 minutes' drive. It's very convenient to transfer from hutongs to other shining attractions in Beijing, such as Tian'anmen Square , Forbidden City , Great Wall , Temple of Heaven , Summer Palace . Furthermore, you should not miss the Great Wall – the must-go spot in Beijing.

☛ 4 Days Classic Beijing Tour Package

☛ 4 Days Beijing Essence Tour with Simatai Great Wall Night Sightseeing

☛ 5 Days Experience the Authentic Life of Beijing

Beijing is the most popular transportation hub in China with many convenient train stations and two international airports. Visitors can find it extremely easy to travel from Beijing to any other top destinations, such as Xian , Shanghai, Yangtze River, Guilin , Chengdu , Tibet , etc. We China Discovery have designed many excellent China tour packages from Beijing . If you can spare more free time, you’re highly recommended to explore more aspects of China and keep an unforgettable memory.

☛ 8 Days Best of China Tour (Beijing & Xian)

☛ 10 Days China Family Tour with Panda Reserve Visit (Beijing, Xian, Chengdu &Shanghai)

☛ 12 Days Wonders of China Tour (Beijing, Xian, Guilin, Zhangjiajie & Shanghai)

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Top 3 Beijing tours chosen by most customers to explore Beijing in the best way. Check the detailed itinerary, or tailor your own trip now with us.

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