Giant Panda Breeding Research Base
Meet the world's most beloved animals at China's leading conservation centre
Intro
The Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding is the world's most important giant panda conservation facility and one of the genuinely unmissable wildlife experiences in Asia. Home to over 100 giant pandas and 30 red pandas, the 100-hectare base is designed to mimic the animals' natural habitat with bamboo groves, streams, and forested enclosures. The base has been central to bringing the giant panda back from the brink of extinction — the global wild population has grown from around 1,000 in the 1980s to over 1,800 today.
Best Time to Visit
Any day, arriving at 7:30am opening. October-January for baby panda season.
Highlights
- The newborn panda nursery is the most popular area — from October to January, baby pandas the size of butter sticks can sometimes be seen. The main enclosures in the early morning are where you will find adults actively eating bamboo, playing, and climbing. The red panda enclosures are often overlooked but these smaller relatives are extraordinarily photogenic.
Getting There
Metro Line 3 to Panda Avenue station, then a 10-minute walk or short taxi. From central Chengdu by taxi approximately ¥40-50, 30 minutes. The base opens at 7:30am.
Tickets & Entry
¥55 adult. Book online at cdpanda.com. No separate charges within the base.
Practical Tips
Arrive at opening time (7:30am) — pandas are most active in the cool morning hours and eat their bamboo breakfast between 8-10am. By 10am they retreat to shade and sleep for most of the day. Book tickets online in advance (¥55). The base is large — allow 2-3 hours. Wear comfortable shoes.
More in Chengdu
FAQ
Quick Facts
| Duration | 2-3 hours |
| Best time | Any day, arriving at 7:30am opening. October-January for baby panda season. |