Tips for Visiting Chengdu Giant Panda Base
The Chengdu Panda Base, officially known as the Chengdu Giant Panda Breeding Research Base, is located approximately 10 km northeast of the city center. Originally the base had only six giant pandas, but it is now home to more than 100. Below are some helpful tips to enjoy your visit to this popular tourist attraction.
Which Panda Base to Visit?
In Chengdu there are three main panda bases:
1.Chengdu Giant Panda Breeding Research Base: It is the closest to the city center and the most visited. However, it does not currently offer volunteer activities with pandas.
2.Dujiangyan Panda Base: Located about 1.5 hours from Chengdu, this is the only base that allows volunteer activities.
3.Bifengxia Giant Panda Base: Another option, although less accessible.
Panda Activities Schedule
- 9:00 to 10:00: Breakfast time.
- 12:00 to 13:00: Lunch time. This is a good time to see the pandas enjoying their bamboo meal.
- 15:00 to 16:00: Activity time. Ideal for taking photos of pandas in motion.
The Best Time to Visit
Between September and June, when the weather is most pleasant and pandas are most active outdoors.
Arrived Early
To maximize your experience, it is advisable to arrive early. Pandas are most active in the morning, especially around 9:00 a.m. when they feed. Arriving early will also allow you to avoid the crowds that usually arrive about 30 minutes before the pandas' breakfast time.
Take photos
To photograph the pandas, it is advisable to bring a camera with a good zoom, as direct contact with the pandas is not allowed. Flash lights on cameras and smartphones are strictly forbidden for strong flash can cause severe damage to pandas’ eyes.
The base is divided into areas for different ages of pandas, so it's helpful to get a map or take a photo of the map at the entrance to get your bearings. If you want to get a variety of panda photos, you will need to move around the different areas of the base.
Note: The activity of taking photos with the panda cubs has been cancelled. Check with your travel advisor for more up-to-date information.
Transportation within the Base
The base is large and walkable, but you can also take a shuttle bus if you prefer not to walk. Please note that there may be lines for the bus during peak hours.
Swan Lake
At the base there is a beautiful swan lake with various species. If you visit between April and May, you can also enjoy the presence of butterflies.
How to Get to the Panda Base from Chengdu
There are three main options to get to the base from Chengdu:
Tourist Bus: A convenient option that operates daily.
Public Bus: You can take a bus from downtown to the zoo stop, and then transfer to bus 87 or 198A to the Panda Base stop.
Taxi: A fast and direct option. From the center of Chengdu, the cost is about 50 RMB, and from the northern railway station, about 30 RMB. From Shuangliu International Airport, the cost is about 100 RMB.
Private Vehicle: Travel with ChinaTravelVip to enjoy a hassle-free journey.
