6 Giant Panda Bases in Sichuan: Which One Should You Visit?
The Sichuan Basin is a geological wonder, surrounded by the towering snow mountains of the Himalayas to the west. Legends say this fertile plain was once a vast inland sea. Today, it is the last stronghold of a living fossil: the Giant Panda.
While pandas used to roam across China, they are now primarily found in the high-altitude forests of Sichuan and the Qinling Mountains. Currently, there are six major panda bases in Sichuan, managed by two distinct organizations.
I. Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding (Panda.org.cn)
Originally an offshoot of the Chengdu Zoo, this organization has grown into a world-renowned conservation hub. It manages two main sites:
1. Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding (Main Base)
- Location: 1375 Panda Avenue, Chenghua District, Chengdu.
- Logistics: Highly accessible via Metro (Line 3), public buses, and tourist shuttles.
- Highlight: Home to the global celebrity panda “He Hua” (Panda Blossom). The base is massive (over 3 sq km), featuring specialized enclosures for infants (nursery), sub-adults, and adults.
2. Dujiangyan Panda Valley (野放繁育研究中心)
- Location: Majiagou, Yutang Town, Dujiangyan.
- Logistics: About 50km northwest of Chengdu. Best reached by high-speed rail to Dujiangyan followed by a short taxi ride.
- Highlight: Focused on re-wilding training. It is nestled in a lush valley near the Qingcheng Mountain (a UNESCO Taoist site). It offers a more natural, less crowded experience than the main Chengdu base.
II. China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda (CCRCGP)
Managed by the National Forestry and Grassland Administration, this organization focuses on wild release and international cooperation.
3. Wolong Shenshuping Base (Gengda)
- Location: Gengda Town, Wolong Nature Reserve.
- Logistics: Requires a 2-2.5 hour drive from Chengdu. Public transport is limited to buses heading toward Gengda from Chengdu or Dujiangyan.
- Highlight: This is the most “authentic” habitat. Located deep in the mountains, it offers cooler temperatures and stunning scenery. It is a favorite for panda photographers.
4. Wolong Hetaoping Base (Non-Public)
- Note: This facility is closed to the public.
- Mission: Hetaoping is dedicated strictly to re-wilding training. Famous pandas like “Tao Tao” were trained here before being successfully released into the wild.
5. Dujiangyan Panda Center (Panda Paradise)
- Location: Shiqiao Village, Qingchengshan Town.
- Logistics: Located south of Qingcheng Mountain. Easy to reach via the high-speed train from Chengdu to Qingchengshan Station.
- Highlight: Also known as the “China Giant Panda Garden,” this site was built with support from the Hong Kong government. It is a key center for panda rescue and elder care.
6. Ya’an Bifengxia Base
- Location: Within the Bifengxia Scenic Area, Ya’an.
- Logistics: About a 2-hour drive from Chengdu.
- Highlight: While the panda base itself is free to enter, you must purchase a ticket for the Bifengxia Scenic Area. It offers a unique combination of canyon hiking and panda viewing.
Conclusion: Conservation Over Tourism
Whether managed by the “Base” or the “Center,” the ultimate goal remains the same: the survival and eventual wild release of the giant panda. On your next journey to Sichuan, we hope you choose the base that resonates most with your travel style while respecting these magnificent creatures in their natural rhythm.