Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding （成都熊猫基地）Travel Guide

Location and Overview

The Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding is located in Chenghua District, Chengdu City, Sichuan Province. It is a world-renowned institution dedicated to the breeding, research, and conservation of giant pandas. The base is set in a natural environment with lush bamboo groves, clear brooks, and gentle slopes, providing a suitable habitat for the pandas1.

Getting There

By Metro: You can take Metro Line 3 and get off at Panda Avenue Station. After exiting from the station, you can transfer to a scenic shuttle bus or a public bus to reach the base1.
By Bus: Several bus routes, such as No. 87, No. 198, and No. 655, have stops near the base1.
By Car: If you are driving by yourself, you can use a navigation app to find the way. However, be aware of the traffic conditions and parking availability.

Opening Hours and Ticket Information

Opening Hours: From March 1st to October 31st, it is open from 07:30 to 18:00; from November 1st to February 28th, it is open from 08:00 to 17:30. Note that from November 1, 2024, to February 28, 2025, the admission time for the morning tickets is from 8:00 to 12:00, and for the afternoon tickets is from 12:00 to 16:30, and the park closes at 17:302.
Ticket Prices: The adult ticket is 55 yuan per person, and the half-price ticket is 27 yuan per person. Eligible groups for half-price tickets include children aged 6 to 18 years old (excluding adult education students), full-time college students and below (including students from Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan), and senior citizens aged 60 to 65 years old on holidays. Free admission is available for children aged 6 years and below or those with a height of less than 1.3 meters, senior citizens aged 60 years and above, retired cadres, old Red Army soldiers, the disabled, disabled military personnel, retired military personnel, fire rescue personnel, tour guides with a group, active-duty military personnel, and military family members1.

Attractions Inside the Base

Giant Panda Enclosures: The base has various enclosures for giant pandas of different ages and genders. You can see the cute pandas eating bamboo, playing, or sleeping lazily. The adult pandas are usually in larger enclosures with plenty of space to move around, while the baby pandas are in the nursery areas such as the Sun and Moon Nurseries, which are very popular among visitors1.
Panda Museum: Near the entrance, there is a Panda Museum where you can learn about the history, biology, and conservation status of giant pandas. The museum also has a cinema that shows documentaries about pandas1.
Other Animals: Apart from giant pandas, the base is also home to some other rare animals such as red pandas, black-necked cranes, peacocks, and herons1.
Panda Tower: It is a landmark building in the base, offering a panoramic view of the entire area. You can climb up the tower to get a better look at the pandas and the beautiful scenery of the base.

Tour Tips

Best Time to Visit: Pandas are more active in the morning, especially during the feeding time around 9:00 to 11:00. It is recommended to visit the base as early as possible to avoid the crowds and have a better chance to see the pandas' lively behaviors. Also, avoid visiting on hot days as pandas are prone to staying in cool places and may not be as active1.
Behavior Rules: Do not use flash when taking pictures of the pandas, as it may harm their eyes. Do not feed the pandas with your own food, as their diet is strictly controlled by the staff. Follow the instructions of the staff and respect the animals and the environment.
Food and Beverage: There are some food stalls and restaurants inside the base, but the choices may be limited and the prices may be relatively high. It is advisable to bring some snacks and water with you.
Souvenirs: There are many souvenir shops in the base where you can buy various panda-themed souvenirs such as plush toys, postcards, and keychains. You can also send a postcard with a panda stamp at the Panda Post Office1.