Chengdu Giant Panda Breeding Research Base
» Chengdu, Si Chuan

成都大熊猫繁育研究基地

Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding

Giant pandas, lesser pandas, black-necked cranes, white storks as well as over 20 species of rare animals are fed and bred there throughout the year. Verdant bamboo, bright flowers, fresh air, a natural hill scene and a beautiful artificial view are merged ingeniously at the base

Something about the base

Established in 1987 and opened to the public in 1995, the base aims to increase the population of giant pandas and eventually release some of the animals back into the wild. It is located 10 kilometers (6 miles) away from downtown Chengdu City, the capital of Sichuan Province. It started with 6 giant pandas that were rescued from the wild. By 2007, it has had 110 panda births, and the captive panda population has grown to 62.

  • Open grounds for pandas to roam freely.
  • Nursery where babies are cared for.
  • Museum covering pandas' environment and conservation efforts as well as separate butterfly and vertebrate museums.
  • Other endangered species such as the red panda and the black-necked crane are bred there.

The base is a huge, beautifully landscaped park. In fact it took us several days to learn our way around. Bamboo is growing everywhere around the base, but none of it is fed to the pandas. The pandas' bamboo all comes from the mountains. Special misting sheds built all around the grounds keep bamboo fresh in Chengdu's heat.

Something about Giant Pandas

Pandas look like big cuddly bears, but they are actually shy reclusive bamboo eaters who would like to be left alone.

The Loner - Giant Pandas in the Wild

Pandas are loners. Although they appear to have been carnivorous at some point in their evolution, they adapted to eating only plants - and only bamboo - but retain a solitary nature unlike other herbivores. They keep a small territory and don't wander too far. They also don't have rigid schedules, eating, sleeping and playing whenever and wherever the mood strikes them.

The Loner Hunts for a Mate

In the spring, for a mere three months, older pandas of at least 7 years search each other out for the mating season. After mating, pandas retreat to their homes.

Thirsty Pandas

Pandas love water and make their homes near a water source. Pandas sometimes over-drink and act drunk making it even more beloved by the Chinese people as legends surround why the panda does this.

Playful Pandas

Pandas are playful and not the least bit aggressive. Mountain dwellers have reported them mischievously getting into their homes and playing with kitchen pots and pans and then discarding them in the woods later on. They've also been known to befriend domestic animals such as a sheep or pig and sleep and eat together with them.

Shy Miss Panda

Chinese people nickname the Panda "Miss Panda" since they often exhibit shy, even coy, behavior such as covering its face with a paw or ducking its head when confronted by a stranger.

Not So Shy Mrs. Panda

Notably, mother pandas protect their young as you'd expect so just like any other bear, don't come between a mama panda and her baby.

The Giant Panda Museum

The necessary facilities for giant pandas include a fodder room, sleeping quarters and a medical station. Additionally there is a Giant Panda Museum which shows almost 300 rare, fine pictures and scientific, full and accurate charts about Giant Panda, exhibits literatures and monograph on Giant Panda's at all times and in different places of the world

The museum also provides interesting educational information about a variety of species native to China. Eighty five percent of the wild panda population resides in Sichuan. Wild giant pandas can be found in the Chengdu governed areas of Chongzhou, Dujiangyan, Dayi, Pengzhou, and Qionglai.

When to visit

Opening Hours: 8:00a.m. - 6:00p.m.

Something to suggest

Go early during feeding hours (8:00a.m. - 10:00a.m.) for the best chance to see the pandas in action - they sleep the rest of the day.

Getting there

By taxi

Taxi is your best bet and there is a taxi stand outside the entrance for you to go to your next destination.

By bus

Public buses do run there but you'll have to change several times.

Attractions around » Chengdu, Si Chuan

Natural Scene

Natural Scene

Historical Site

Historical Site

Cultural Site

Cultural Site

Shopping & Leisure

Shopping & Leisure

Nature Reserve & Scenic Area

Nature Reserve & Scenic Area

  Weather

  1. What about climate in Chengdu?
  2. What's the best season for traveling in Chengdu?
  3. Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area and Huanglong Scenic Area lie in Aba, what about the climate here? What's the best season here?

  Food

  1. What are the characteristics of Chengdu snakes? Could you introduce some unique dishes?
  2. What eating-taboos need we pay attention to in the Tibetan region - Aba?

  Shopping

  1. What souvenirs can we buy for friends and relatives in Chengdu?

  Travel

  1. What are entertainments in Chengdu?
  2. I know Jiuzhaigou scenic areas lie in Aba County. Could you tell me where the Aba is located?
  3. Can I do the self-serve traveling in Aba?
  4. What are the items to be aware of when traveling in Jiuzhaigou?
  5. Can we enjoy some typical performances in Jiuzhaigou?

    6.   Customs

    1. What are the minority residents in Sichuan? What taboos need we pay attention to in Sichuan?

      Other Hints

    1. What need we prepare if we visit the plateau region?
    2. What's the city code of Chengdu?

    • What about climate in Chengdu?

      The climate of Chengdu is mild and humid with distinct four seasons and plenty of rainfall. It is a city with the early spring, hot summer, cool autumn and warm winter.

      The annual average temperature is 16 degree Celsius. January is the coldest season when the average temperature is approximately 5 degrees Celsius. Snow is rare but there are a few periods of frost each winter. Summer is hot and humid. July is the hottest season when temperatures can be almost 35 degree Celsius.


    • What's the best season for traveling in Chengdu?

      The best time to visit is between March and June or between September and November. In the hottest seasons of July and August, you can summer at the nearby Mt. Qingchengshan or Xiling Snow Mountain. When snow in winter, you can enjoy the nice snow scenery at Xiling Snow Mountain and Longchi Forest Park.


    • Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area and Huanglong Scenic Area lie in Aba, what about the climate here? What's the best season here?

      Aba has a continental plateau climate. So visiting Aba, including Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area and Huanglong Scenic Area, spring or autumn clothing is necessary in summer for the temperature varies greatly during a day.

      The spring of Aba is from June to July. And the winter is from December to March and April of the next year. Some people say that paradise is distributed everywhere in Aba. The fact is different sceneries of Aba show their best in different seasons.

      The best time to Huanglong is from April to November, to Jiuzhaigou is from September to October. During the high tourist seasons such as International Labor Day (May 1st) and National Day (October 1st), there are a lot of visitors here. So the prices of the hotel, food and transportation in this period are very high. You'd better avoid the high tourist seasons.


    • What are the characteristics of Chengdu snakes? Could you introduce some unique dishes?

      Chengdu snacks enjoy a high reputation both at home and abroad with their unique colors, aromas, shapes and tastes. It covers the essence of Sichuan cuisine.

      You can taste some famous dishes such as the Long Wonton Soup, Mapo Doufu, Hot pepper, and so on. There are many foods with the unequal characteristics in Chengdu. Although you can buy some from Beijing, such as beef jerky and dehydrated bean curd, the varieties and taste are not more than original place.

      You can buy the typical Sichuan seasoning in the local market. In a word, you will come back with fruitful results.


    • What eating-taboos need we pay attention to in the Tibetan region - Aba?

      The Tibetan food and Sichuan cuisine are popular in Aba. But there are some Muslim foods. So you can have your meals in Aba County or some bigger towns. However, you need to take along some food with you.


    • What souvenirs can we buy for friends and relatives in Chengdu?

      There are a few good local specialties which are worth having a look at even if you don't want to make a purchase!

      Shu Embroidery is an interesting example of exquisite workmanship and detail. And it is one of the four best and most famous brocades in China along with Nanjing Brocade, Suzhou Brocade and Guangxi Brocade.

      Silk Tapestry is also one of your best choices. The tapestry is smooth and sleek and to touch it feels soft and springy and this makes a lovely souvenir.

      Equally impressive are the beautiful Silverware pieces and Qingcheng Silk Tapestries.

      All kinds of Bamboo craftwork and lacquer ware are also worthy to buy some for your friends and relatives as the decent gifts.


    • What are entertainments in Chengdu?

      The main form of entertainment in Chengdu is Chinese traditional opera C Sichuan opera. It is a great place to see some authentic Chinese art on stage such as facial makeup, fire-spitting, the long flowing silk inner sleeves, spirals-lifting.

      When you are in Chengdu, you will see teahouses everywhere on the streets. Teahouses sprawl over Chengdu sidewalks, public parks, main scenic spots, in back-alley sections and suburbs. You can enjoy your pastimes and stay in theses teahouses all day!


    • I know Jiuzhaigou scenic areas lie in Aba County. Could you tell me where the Aba located is?

      Aba is situated in northwestern Sichuan Province. Aba County is well connected to many provincial towns and cities such as Garz, Liangshan and Yaan City. It is bounded on the famous Tibet Autonomous Region. It is a special region. We need to follow the customs and habits of the local people.


    • Can I do the self-serve traveling in Aba?

      Aba is surely one of incredibly amazing places in China people want to visit. It is a place with a lot of splendid scenic spots and with the unique culture. Its beauty bears no comparison with other places from home and abroad. There are so many snow mountains in the large area of Aba.

      You may meet some troubles when you do the self-serve traveling in the remote and undeveloped area. So transportation, hotel, food here are all not convenient. It's recommended to well plan this trip before you rock this place.

      If you have time, give yourself at least couple days to explore this place with the help of some professional person or tour guides.


    • What are the items to be aware of when traveling in Jiuzhaigou?

      There are some hidden washrooms and dustbins in the main scenic spots of Jiuzhaigou. You need to collaborate with the tour guide and to protect the environment during the trip.

      Do not feed the fish in Jiuzhaigou. Do not pick the wild fruit and some fungus to avoid being food poisoned. Follow the tour guide to avoid some accidents. Do not stay overnight in Jiuzhaogou and live in the hotel outside of Jiuzhaigou after one day's trip.


    • Can we enjoy some typical performances in Jiuzhaigou?

      Yes, your first choice is to enjoy the performance of Tibetan servant-girl. It is the best time to display the local customs for travelers all over the world.

      At the same time, we can eat the typical snacks and take part in the singing and dancing party with local minority peoples around a campfire.


    • What are the minority residents in Sichuan? What taboos need we pay attention to in Sichuan?

      Sichuan is one of the multi-ethnic provinces in the country. In addition to the Han people, there live another 52 ethnic groups, including the Tibetan, Qiang, Miao, Tujia, Naxi, Manchu, Dai, Zhuang, Bai minority peoples.

      Most of the minority residents live in the northwestern part of Sichuan. There have established three autonomous prefectures: Ngawa Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture, Garze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture and Liangshan Yi Autonomous Prefecture.The famous scenic resorts such as Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area and Huanglong Scenic Area are located in Ngawa Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture.

      This is a multiethnic reign; you need to follow the customs and habits of the local people, in order not to trouble yourselves. It is more suitable to gain their permission if you want to have a photo taken with the local people.


    • What need we prepare if we visit the plateau region?

      The Plateau is an area with high altitude, thin oxygen and intensive sunshine. The temperature here varies greatly during a day. So you need to take along with some clothes such as jacket, sweater, etc.

      At the same time, you need to take the sunglasses, sun hat, suntan lotion, lip balm, cold tablets, and stomach tablets.

      In high Plateau, you can't do the labor work and you need to avoid doing some intense exercise like walking quickly, especially running. Drink less and eat more vegetable and fruit to avoid altitude sickness. So it is better for you with a pre-existing heart and lung problems to consult the doctors before taking Plateau tours.

      And it is necessary for you to take some drugs for routine (Medication to help your headache, diarrhea, stomach-ache, cold and altitude sickness).

      Most Plateau tours are not highly demanding physically. However, the travelers need to be in good conditions and able to walk up and down moderate hills on a daily basis.

      If you feel out of breath or your chest feels tight, you need to transfer to the lower altitude place to have rest as soon as possible. And it is better for the old and infirm to take along with a small oxygen cylinder.


    • What's the city code of Chengdu?

      Chengdu's City Code: 028


As one of the important centers in China for the captive conservation of giant pandas, the Chengdu Giant Panda Breeding Research Base insists on the goal - be a world-class research facility, conservation education center, and international educational tourism destination.

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