TravelGuide

Nestled at No. 1375 Panda Avenue, Chenghua District, Chengdu—just 10 km from the city center (Tianfu Square)—the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding (commonly known as Chengdu Panda Base) stands as a world-leading hub for ex-situ giant panda conservation, scientific research, breeding, and public education . Founded in 1987 by the Chengdu Municipal Government, the base started with only 6 rescued wild giant pandas. Today, covering an area of 3.07 square kilometers of lush, forested slopes and winding streams, it houses one of the largest captive giant panda populations globally (over 240 individuals by 2024), alongside red pandas and other rare Chinese endemic species.The base’s core mission is to advance giant panda conservation through innovative science. Experts here have solved critical challenges in panda reproduction, cub rearing, disease control, and genetic management. It also runs wild training and reintroduction programs, helping to boost wild panda populations in their natural mountain habitats in Sichuan. Beyond research, the base is a powerful educational destination: the Panda Museum and interactive science centers showcase panda biology, cultural significance, and the global efforts to protect these “living fossils”.For visitors, every corner offers heart-warming encounters. You can watch fluffy cubs tumble around in the nursery, adult pandas munch on bamboo shoots lazily, or red pandas scamper up trees. The carefully designed enclosures mimic the pandas’ natural environment, ensuring their comfort while offering excellent viewing opportunities.

Visiting Tips

1. Best Time: Early morning (before 10 AM) when pandas are most active; spring and autumn for mild weather.

2. Etiquette: No flash photography, keep quiet, and stay behind the barriers to avoid stressing the animals.

3. Transport: Convenient bus routes and metro connections to Panda Avenue Station make the base easily accessible from downtown Chengdu.

More than just a tourist spot, the Chengdu Panda Base is a symbol of international collaboration in wildlife conservation, bridging science, education, and a shared love for one of the world’s most beloved animals.