Chengdu, Sichuan Province
Chengdu Giant Panda Base
成都大熊猫繁育研究基地
Home to adorable giant pandas
About This Attraction
1.Highlights: Villas, Nurseries, and Red Pandas
The base is divided into several key areas designed to balance tourism with animal welfare:
- 2.Panda Villas: These enclosures house adult pandas. They are best visited in the morning when the pandas are most active—climbing trees, playing, and famously "rolling" (which earned them the nickname "Gun Gun" in Chinese).
- 3.The Moon and Sun Delivery Rooms (Nurseries): This is often the highlight of a trip. Through glass windows, visitors can see the incubators and, depending on the season, newborn pink cubs or fluffy toddlers piling on top of one another. It offers a rare glimpse into the delicate process of rearing these animals.
- 4.Red Panda Area: Often overshadowed by their larger cousins, the Red Pandas (which are actually the original owners of the name "panda") roam freely in designated areas. Visitors can watch these fiery-colored creatures leaping between trees with their bushy tails.
- 5.Swan Lake and Museum: For a change of pace, the Swan Lake offers a serene environment with black swans, while the museum provides educational exhibits on the 7-million-year evolutionary history of the panda.
Frequently Asked Questions - Chengdu Giant Panda Base Travel Guide
What is the best time of day to arrive?
A: You should arrive as early as possible, ideally by 7:30 AM or 8:00 AM. Pandas are most active during their morning feeding. By late morning and afternoon, they usually sleep.
Can I hold a baby panda?
A: Generally, close contact with pandas (like holding them) is strictly regulated to prevent disease and ensure animal safety. While volunteer programs involving cleaning and feeding have existed in the past, they require advance booking and fees, and availability changes frequently.
Is there a lot of walking?
A: Yes, the base is large (106 hectares). It is recommended to wear comfortable shoes. There are electric shuttle buses available inside the park to help navigate between the villas and nurseries.
Can I see newborn pandas year-round?
A: Not always. The best chance to see very young cubs in the nursery is usually in late summer or autumn, following the spring mating season.
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