Chengdu Panda Research Base

Our final morning in Chengdu was spent at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. The Panda Research Base is a non-profit organization engaged in the research, breeding, and conservation of giant pandas. The facility is now home to around 200 pandas including both the namesake giant panda as well as the lesser known red panda.

The cool temperatures combined with a morning snack led to fairly active pandas who we observed munching on bamboo, taking a bath, hanging out in trees, and playing with each other.

We also got a chance to see the red pandas, which look quite similar to raccoons.

I was particularly entertained by two baby pandas who managed to fall off their jungle gym. Cute as they were, it wasn't hard to see why these adorably clumsy mammals have landed on the endangered species list.

Travel Information

Located just six miles from downtown Chengdu, your best bet is to grab a taxi to the base for around 30 RMB. Otherwise, hop on bus 60 and get off at the Longqing Road/Shulong Road Station.

The base is open year round from 8:00 am - 6:00 pm though I would recommend visiting during the morning feeding (around 9:00 am) for your best chance to see the pandas in action. They sleep the rest of the day.

Admission to the base is 58 RMB/person.