Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding成都大熊猫繁育研究基地
The Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, in Chenghua District, is the world's largest base for giant panda ex-situ conservation, scientific breeding and public education. Its main visiting areas — the panda kindergarten, the Sun Nursery and the panda 'villas' — put you closer to more pandas than anywhere else on earth.
Chengdu · Visitor Guide2026-10-18
Quick Answer
Is Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding worth visiting?
The world's largest panda breeding facility, with the fullest captive population anywhere. Admission CNY 55, shuttle CNY 30; go in the morning when the pandas are most active.
Quick facts
| Ticket | Adults CNY 55; sightseeing shuttle CNY 30 (recommended) |
|---|---|
| Hours | 07:30-18:00 (to 18:30 in summer); last entry 17:30 |
| Recommended duration | 3-4 hours |
| Best time to visit | 08:00-10:00, when the pandas are most active; from midday to afternoon they mostly sleep |
| How to get there | Metro Line 3 to Xiongmao Dadao Station Exit B for the direct shuttle; buses 87/198A to Panda Base stop |
| English signage | Yes |
| Wheelchair accessible | Yes |
| Founded | 1987 |
| Area | 1,000 mu (about 67 hectares) |
| Panda population | 100-plus (captive) |
| Status | World's largest ex-situ panda conservation base |
| Rating | National AAAA tourist attraction |
| Other designation | National science-education base |
What to expect
The base lies in Chenghua District on Chengdu's northern outskirts and is the flagship of China's ex-situ giant panda conservation strategy. Founded in 1987 with six pandas rescued from the wild, it has grown to more than 100 captive giant pandas — over 60% of the world's captive total.
The grounds are landscaped to mimic wild panda habitat, with the panda kindergarten, the Sun Nursery (home to the sub-adults), and Panda Villas No. 1 and No. 2 among the visiting areas. The Sun Nursery draws the biggest crowds — cubs are regularly born there. Adult pandas feed and move in the morning and sleep through much of the afternoon.
Come early: enter around 08:00, when the pandas are liveliest. The base is big — the sightseeing shuttle ticket is worth it to link the sights. Flash photography is banned. The Chengdu Zoo (easy to combine) and Zhaojue Temple are nearby.
How to get there
Metro Line 3 to Xiongmao Dadao Station Exit B, then the free base shuttle direct to the gate. Buses 87 and 198A stop at Panda Base.
Best photo spots
- The panda kindergarten (cubs at their cutest)
- Giant pandas outside the Sun Nursery
- The bamboo-lined paths of the base
- Close-ups of pandas crunching bamboo (best odds in the morning)
Tips
- Arrive at opening — after 10 a.m. most pandas are asleep
- Buy the sightseeing shuttle; the base is huge on foot
- Bring sun protection and plenty of drinking water
- No flash when photographing the pandas
Scams to avoid
- No significant scam risk in the area
- Buy souvenirs at the official shops inside the base
Frequently asked questions
Giant panda or red panda — what is the difference?
The giant panda is the black-and-white bear; the red panda is a small, russet-furred, raccoon-like animal. They are entirely different creatures that merely share a name.
Can you see pandas in summer?
Yes, but when temperatures pass 26°C the pandas retreat to air-conditioned rooms and outdoor sightings drop.
Do I need to book ahead?
Book ahead on the official WeChat account — on-site tickets can be hard to get in peak season.
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Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding
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