Written by Veronica |
Aside from its ancient history, vast landscape, and rich culinary culture, China is probably most famous for being home to the giant pandas. Seeing these adorable creatures is on the bucket list for many traveling to China. This article will help you plan your trip by taking you through the 8 best places to see pandas in China.
There’re in general two types of facilities where you can see them, research and conservation bases or zoos. Most of the conservation facilities are located in Sichuan Province, the home of wild pandas. You can also see them in the zoos of other major Chinese cities.
1. Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding
Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding is the most convenient as well as the one of the best places to see pandas in China if you’re traveling to Chengdu. Chengdu is the capital city of Sichuan Province and the natural home of giant pandas. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in China, and the Chengdu Panda Base is only 15 kilometers (9.3 miles) away from the city center.
Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding is a world-class non-profit research institute that protects endangered wild animals including giant pandas, red pandas, black-necked cranes, and white cranes. The Base is equipped with scientific research buildings, open research laboratories, veterinary hospital, animal houses, swan lake, the giant panda museum, the panda hospital, the panda kitchen and so on.
With the dense bamboo forests and other plants, Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding simulates the wild ecological environment of giant pandas and other animal species. The Base has a green coverage rate of 96%, making it a suitable living environment for the animals as well as a beautiful place to explore on your Chengdu tour. There’s a total of 244 pandas at the base right now (as of January 2025).
There’re a few routes that you can take to explore Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. In general, if you explore the area on foot, it will likely take about 3 hours. You can also choose to take the sightseeing bus which only takes about 1.5 hours. Aside from seeing the rare animals, there’re many educational opportunities to learn about panda conservation efforts and how you can contribute.
Location: No.1375 Xiongmao Avenue the Outside Northern Third Ring Road, Chenghua District, Chengdu, Sichuan Province
Things to Do:
- Get up close to pandas and observe their playful behaviors
- Learn more about giant pandas and conservation efforts
- Encounter other rare animals in the region
Recommended Visit Time: half a day
Suited to: visitors of all ages, including families with children and elders
Recommended Chengdu Panda Tours:
2. Dujiangyan Panda Base
Another one of the best places to see pandas in China is Dujiangyan Panda Base. It is the only scientific research institution in China that focuses on disease prevention and control of giant pandas and field rescue. Being adjacent to Qingcheng Mountain in the north, it has a very suitable climate and tranquil environment for giant pandas. It is home to 63 pandas at the moment (as of October 2024).
Dujiangyan Panda Base is situated in the Sichuan city Dujiangyan, famous for its “Three World Heritages,” the World Cultural Heritage Mount Qingcheng, World Heritage Irrigation Structure Dujiangyan Irrigation System, and the World Natural Heritage Sichuan Giant Panda Sanctuaries. It’s a good idea to explore the rest of the historic city when you travel to Dujiangyan.
Dujiangyan Giant Panda Base Volunteer Program
Dujiangyan Panda Base offers volunteer programs to visitors who would like to gain hands-on experience caring for giant pandas. You can become a panda keeper under the guidance of experienced professionals and join the conservation effort. You will have the opportunity to cut, clean, and carry bamboos. You can learn the formula of specialized steamed bread and make it for the adorable pandas.
Dujiangyan Panda Valley
Dujiangyan Panda Valley is another facility where you can see pandas in Dujiangyan, though it is not to be mistaken with Dujiangyan Panda Base. It doesn’t offer volunteer programs and has different research focuses.
Location: No.22, Dasan Road, Qingchengshan Town, Dujiangyan City, Chengdu City, Sichuan Province
Things to Do:
- Participate in the volunteer program to interact with and care for the pandas
- Explore the historic city of Dujiangyan and marvel at its cultural heritages
Recommended Visit Time: half a day
Suited to: visitors interested in hands-on experiences with pandas and cultural exploration
Recommended Dujiangyan Panda Tours:
3. Wolong Giant Panda Nature Reserve
Wolong Giant Panda Nature Reserve is part of Wolong National Nature Reserve about 45 kilometers (28 miles) away from downtown Dujiangyan. It sits amongst the lush mountains of Sichuan, provides ideal natural habitat for over 50 pandas. It is also home to other rare animals such as golden monkeys and snow leopards.
Wolong Giant Panda Nature Reserve is one of the best places to see pandas in China because there’re a number of things to do here. First, you can go on a guided panda-watching tour to see giant pandas amid bamboo forests. Second, nature lovers have the chance to hike along picturesque trails through the forests.
And lastly, Wolong Giant Panda Nature Reserve also offers volunteer programs where participants can clean the living quarters and prepare meals for the pandas. It is a great China tour destination for panda and nature lovers alike.
Location: Gengda Town, Wolong Nature Reserve, Wenchuan County, Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province
Things to Do:
- Go on a guided panda-watching tour to see pandas in their natural habitat
- Hike through bamboo forests and appreciate the tranquil environment
- Participate in the volunteer program to learn about panda conservation
Recommended Visit Time: 1-2 days
Suited to: nature lovers, hikers, photographers, and those seeking a closer encounter with pandas in a natural setting
Recommended Tour: 2 Days Wolong Panda Base Volunteer Tour
4. Ya’an Bifengxia Panda Base
The world’s first giant panda was found in Ya’an city of Sichuan. Bifengxia Panda Base in Ya’an is about a 2-hour drive outside of Chengdu. It is home to over 60 pandas and also offers volunteer programs of various length. You can take a hike in the Bifengxia Valley and stop by other Ya’an attractions.
Location: Bifeng Town, Xiali Township, Yucheng District, Ya’an City, Sichuan Province
Things to Do:
- Observe adorable pandas in different zones including the breeding zone, baby care zone, and kindergarten zone
- Attend the volunteer program and experience caring for pandas yourself
- Explore the beautiful landscapes and rich history of Ya’an
Recommended Visit Time: half a day
Suited to: visitors interested in hands-on experience and exploring nature
5. Beijing Zoo
If traveling to Sichuan is not part of your plan and you still wish to see some giant pandas, you can easily do so in Beijing, at one of the largest zoos in China. Beijing Zoo is home to over 14,500 animals, including 8 pandas in the Panda Garden. You can see them munching on bamboo and engaging in playful activities. Beijing Zoo is one of the best destinations on a China family tour with kids.
Location: 137 Xizhimenwai Street, Xicheng District, Beijing
Recommended Visit Time: half a day
Recommended Beijing Tour: Beijing Panda and Forbidden City Day Tour
6. Chongqing Zoo
Chongqing Zoo is a large city zoo in Chongqing and another one of the best places to see pandas in China. The zoo has more than 20 pandas. As you walk through the Panda House, you can learn about these animals and the conservation efforts so far. You will also see other animals like the red panda, South China Tiger, White Tiger, and African Elephant.
Location: No. 1, Xijiao 1st Village, Jiulongpo District, Chongqing
Recommended Visit Time: 2-5 hours
Recommended Chongqing Tour: 12 Days Shanghai-Yangtze River-Xian-Beijing Tour
7. Guangzhou Chimelong Safari Park
Guangzhou Chimelong Safari Park is the largest wildlife theme park in China. It has over 500 species and 20,000 animals from all over the world, including white tigers, 14 pandas, koalas from Australia, black rhinoceros from Africa, and Asia elephants from Thailand. Kids over 5 can participate in a 1-hour Little Panda Keeper Program, where they’ll learn about pandas, make a panda cake, and visit the panda house.
Location: No.593 Xiangjiang Road,Panyu District, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province
Things to Do:
- Kids can participate in the Little Panda Keeper Program
- Watch exciting animal exhibitions and shows
Recommended Visit Time: 1-3 days
Suited to: families with kids and those who love theme parks
Recommended Guangzhou Tour: 4 Days Family-Friendly Guangzhou Chimelong Safari Park Tour
8. Shanghai Wild Animal Park
Shanghai also has one of the best places to see pandas in China. Shanghai Wild Animal Park is home to 9 pandas. You can take a tour vehicle through the park and watch entertaining animal shows and performances.
Location: No. 178 Nanliu Road, Xuanqiao Town, Pudong New Area, Shanghai
Recommended Visit Time: half a day
