Just 10 km northeast of Chengdu's bustling city center lies a haven for one of the world's most beloved animals – the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. This sanctuary provides an intimate experience with giant pandas, set in an ecosystem designed to replicate their wild surroundings.

Visiting Experience Highlights

The research base, established in 1987 with just six pandas, now hosts a vibrant population of over 100 individuals. Designed as a 92-acre semi-natural habitat with plant coverage exceeding 96%, the base recreates pandas' natural environment, offering a park-like atmosphere rather than a typical zoo setting.

Visitors can explore a variety of enclosures catering to pandas of different ages, along with a dedicated research and breeding center, nurseries for panda cubs, and a comprehensive giant panda museum.

Witness giant pandas in their spacious outdoor zones, where they play and munch on snacks, and catch tender moments of mothers with cubs at the nursery. For optimal viewing, visiting the base early in the morning is recommended due to panda activity peaks and to avoid the crowds.

Convenient Amenities

A shuttle bus service is available for those who prefer not to walk around the vast bamboo forest terrain of the base. Preparing for your visit by bringing a passport for ticket purchase and a camera with a zoom lens for close-ups is advisable. Consider getting a map at the entrance to navigate the considerable expanse of the base with ease.

Accessibility Insights

When it comes to accessibility, the main paths are paved and flat, facilitating mobility. Nonetheless, the size of the facility suggests that those with mobility limitations should consider the shuttle bus for a comfortable visit. Most on-site restrooms cater to wheelchair accessibility, although some assistance may be needed for complete wheelchair reliance due to occasional steps.

Essential Information

Opening hours for the base are from 7:30 am to 6:00 pm daily. The entrance fee is set at 55 CNY, and there is a 10 CNY charge for those opting for the shuttle service. Allotting 2-3 hours for the visit should suffice for a full experience.

Reaching Your Destination

To reach the Chengdu Panda Base from the city center, a half-hour taxi ride costs around 30 CNY. Public transportation, including buses and the subway, is also available but may require transfers.