Giant Panda

The giant panda, a rare and endemic species in China and they have survived on Earth for at least 8 million years and it is often affectionately known as the "living fossil." Featuring a striking black-and-white color contrast, their round bodies topped with large dark circles around the eyes and short limbs exude an endearing and clumsy charm, fully embodying the allure of a national treasure.

Giant pandas typically weigh between 80 and 125 kilograms, with the heaviest reaching 180 kilograms. Wild giant pandas have a lifespan of around 15 to 20 years, while those in captivity can live for over 30 years. They lead a leisurely life among bamboo forests, spending most of their day munching on bamboo. They especially love sleeping, napping for more than ten hours a day. Despite their slow movements, giant pandas are skilled tree climbers, occasionally ascending trees to bask in the sun, appearing truly relaxed and at ease.

If you wish to see these adorable and charming giant pandas, Chengdu, the hometown of pandas, is the best place to learn about them. Chengdu and its surroundings offer five viewing spots for giant pandas to choose from.

Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding:
The Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding is the world's largest center for giant panda breeding and scientific research, covering an area of 3.07 square kilometers, equivalent to over 400 football fields, and is known as the "Cradle of Giant Pandas," one of the most popular destinations for viewing pandas.

Founded in 1987 with the aim of rescuing six hungry and sick wild giant pandas, the base is now home to over 200 giant pandas.

As you stroll through the base, your will understand just how cut they are. You'll encounter numerous adorable giant pandas of various ages, either lounging lazily in the bamboo forests or frolicking playfully on the grass. Among them, the most popular star is the panda "Hehua,"(lotus flower) well-known across China and everyone affectionately called her"Huahua" .With her slow movements and endearing clumsiness,you will fall in love with her.

If you're lucky, you'll have the chance to see soft and cute panda cubs, tiny new lives no bigger than a palm, making people irresistible to get close with them. During summer, the Sunshine and Moonlight Nurseries are must-visits, as they are the cradle of giant panda cubs.

Besides the lively and cute giant pandas, the Giant Panda Museum is also a must-see. This museum comprehensively displays the biological characteristics, living environment, and conservation history of giant pandas, and is the only museum in the world solely dedicated to the critically endangered giant panda.

Dujiangyan China Giant Panda Park:
Dujiangyan China Giant Panda Park, also known as "Panda Paradise," is one of the four bases of the China Giant Panda Protection and Research Center, focusing on panda breeding, wild training, and release back into nature.
What makes Dujiangyan Base particularly attractive is that it offers valuable opportunities to become a panda volunteer. As a panda volunteer, you can observe pandas and also take care of them. You'll experience the work of feeders, such as cleaning bamboo, picking up feces, washing enclosures, and even preparing delicious food for giant pandas (they like bamboo, apple, steamed bread, etc.), Do not miss this chance to get close to giant pandas !

Wolong China Giant Panda Protection and Research Center Shenshuping Base:

The Shenshuping Base in Wolong is considered the true hometown of wild giant pandas. Especially those pandas who returned from oversea are just shine like stars.
"Fu Bao"(Fortune Baby) a princess born at Samsung Everland in South Korea, has won the hearts of countless visitors with her aristocratic elegance.
"Xiaoqiji" (little Miracle) a panda cub born at the National Zoo in Washington, D.C., USA, inspires everyone with its lively and optimistic spirit.
"Shengyi" and "Yiyi" (panda sisters) returned from Malaysia, who accompany and grow up together at the Shenshuping Base, becoming a beautiful sight within the base.
These returned pandas have found a new home at the Wolong China Giant Panda Protection and Research Center Shenshuping Base, where they enjoy a worry-free life and have become the brightest stars on this land.

Dujiangyan Panda Valley, which boasts internet-famous pandas such as Meilan (nicknamed "Meicai Kourou"), Oreo, and Jixiao,

Bifengxia Panda Base, where the panda princess Xiangxiang lives, are also irresistible destinations for panda fans eager to witness the charm of giant pandas.

Tips for Watching Giant Pandas:
It's best to visit in the morning before 9 a.m. Pandas`s active period are typically between 9 a.m. and 11 a.m-meal time. Later, they may go to sleep.
Giant pandas prefer cooler weather and play outside when it's cool. However, in summer, to avoid the heat, they will stay indoors.
If you visit in summer and can not see giant pandas outside, don't worry!Go to the indoor panda enclosures. They might be enjoying the air conditioning.
Although summer is not the best season for viewing giant pandas outdoors, it's an excellent time to see panda cubs. July to September is the peak birth period for giant panda cubs, and you may be lucky to see those pink, fluffy little creatures.

If you want to see panda cubs and get close to giant pandas, come to Chengdu and choose your favorite panda viewing spot to spend wonderful moments with these adorable national treasures!