A Must-See for Every Panda Lover
Chengdu, often referred to as the "Home of Giant Pandas," is a city that should be on every traveler’s radar, especially if you’re as captivated by these adorable black-and-white creatures as my kids and I are. We had been dreaming of visiting the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, and when we finally made it in April, it was everything we hoped for—and more. From seeing pandas up close to exploring the beautiful landscapes of this sanctuary, it was a visit that left us with unforgettable memories.
Why Chengdu?
While Chengdu is rapidly modernizing and becoming one of the fastest-growing cities in the world, it is most famous for its conservation efforts focused on one of the world’s most beloved and endangered animals—the giant panda. Known as a major entryway to some of China’s heritage sites like the Dujiangyan Irrigation System and the Leshan Giant Buddha, Chengdu is also the gateway to the native habitat of the giant panda.
Although pandas can only be found in the wild in a few provinces—Sichuan, Shaanxi, and Gansu—the Chengdu Panda Base offers the most accessible and enriching way to experience these incredible creatures up close.
A Day at the Chengdu Panda Base
Located just 10 kilometers from the city center, the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding is a must-visit for anyone traveling through the city, especially families with children. It’s easy to get there, whether by taxi (about 40 RMB for a 25-minute ride) or public transport, and you’re quickly immersed in a lush, green paradise designed to mimic the panda’s natural habitat.
As you enter, you’re greeted by Swan Lake, a peaceful spot filled with koi fish and cranes, setting the tone for the serene yet exciting experience that awaits. Walking through bamboo groves and beautifully landscaped paths, we soon found ourselves in the main enclosures, where the star attractions—the pandas—were lounging, playing, and munching on bamboo.
Getting Up Close with Giant Pandas
The base is home to more than 150 giant pandas, making it the largest giant panda captive breeding and research center in the world. The first thing that strikes you when you see these pandas is their sheer size. Seeing them in person, especially the cubs, is magical. They are not behind bars or thick glass, allowing you to watch them in a more natural environment.
One of the highlights for us was the baby panda house, where we got a glimpse of newborn pandas. Although photos aren’t allowed here because their eyes are still developing, just seeing these tiny pandas through the window was a heart-melting experience. We also loved watching the young pandas climb trees, tumble around, and munch on bamboo. They consume an astonishing 35 to 65 pounds of bamboo a day, which is critical to their survival!
It was also fascinating to visit the panda museum, which offers an insightful look into the history, biology, and conservation efforts surrounding these endangered creatures. There’s even a movie theater on-site that continuously plays documentaries about pandas, further deepening our appreciation for the work being done here.
A Beautiful Sanctuary for Pandas and Visitors Alike
The Chengdu Panda Base is more than just a tourist attraction—it’s a full-scale sanctuary designed to breed, study, and eventually release pandas back into the wild. With health stations, breeding enclosures, and large spaces that replicate their natural living conditions, the center works hard to give these pandas a chance at a better future. There’s also a focus on preparing pandas for life in the wild, which makes this place a critical part of preserving the species.
What also struck me was the natural beauty of the base itself. The park is hilly, covered with native plants, and filled with bamboo groves. Swan Lake was a peaceful retreat, and the opportunity to feed koi fish provided a fun break for the kids. For families, the base offers not just a chance to see pandas but also a tranquil escape into nature.
Chengdu Panda Base built in 1987
Giant Pandas are unique to China but they are an endangered species. Total panda population is not well documented but the researchers estimate that there are less than 2,000 giant pandas left in the world. The local government of Chengdu opened the Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding in 1987 to protect the giant pandas and its native habitat. Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, also named Chengdu Panda Base is one of the popular tourist destinations in China. This Research Base was built in 1987 with 6 unwell and hungry giant pandas protected from the native forest. The base is located just outside Chengdu with only 10km to the city center. Visiting this center is the easiest way to see the pandas.
