If you have the chance to travel to Chengdu, Sichuan, we highly recommend visiting the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, seeing China’s beloved national treasure—the giant panda.
This article offers a detailed guide to exploring the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, including ticket information, transportation options, suggested routes, must-see attractions, and must-buy souvenirs, so you can dive deeper into the charm of this remarkable destination.
Basic Info about Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding
Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding was selected as one of Trip.Best 2024 Asia 100 popular attractions and is hugely popular with travelers. Established in 1987, the base is located in the northern suburbs of Chengdu, about 10 kilometers from downtown, and covers 3.07 square kilometers.
Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding is a world-renowned center for giant panda conservation, scientific research and breeding, science education, and cultural tourism. The base is home to more than 200 pandas and even features a panda nursery where you can catch a glimpse of adorable panda cubs.
The Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding recreates the giant panda’s natural habitat with lakes, streams, bamboo forests, lawns, and more. Visitors can get an up-close look at giant pandas going about their daily lives.
In addition, the base features a Giant Panda Museum, a Science Discovery Center, and a movie theater, giving the public the chance to learn about the importance of scientific research and breeding, as well as the conservation of endangered wildlife.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
Opening Hours (Mar 1–Oct 31) | 7:30 AM–6:00 PM (last entry 5:00 PM) |
Entry Hours (Morning / Afternoon) | 7:30 AM–12:00 PM / 12:00 PM–5:00 PM |
Opening Hours (Nov 1–Feb 28/29) | 8:00 AM–5:30 PM (last entry 4:30 PM) |
Entry Hours (Morning / Afternoon) | 8:00 AM–12:00 PM / 12:00 PM–4:30 PM |
Recommended Visit Duration | 3–5 hours |
Address | No. 1375, Panda Avenue (Waibei), Chenghua District, Chengdu |
How to Get to Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding?
Image source: Official website of the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding
1. Subway + Bus
- From Metro Line 3 “Zoo Station,” Exit D, walk about 100 meters to the “Metro Zoo Station” bus stop. Transfer to bus 655 (heading toward Xindu Coach Transport Hub Station) and ride to “Panda Base Station.” Get off and walk about 5 minutes to reach the base’s South Gate.
- From Exit B of Military General Hospital Station on Metro Line 3, walk 280 meters toward the Yulei Road intersection, then hop on Chengdu Bus Group Route 409 to the base’s West Gate.
2. Bus
Direct buses to the base run from Kuanzhai Alleys, Wuhou Shrine/Jinli, and other spots. The one-way fare is ¥ 10, with departures every hour.
3. By car
From downtown, take the Third Ring Road and turn onto Panda Avenue to reach the base directly. From Shuangliu International Airport, the total distance is about 37 km, and the drive takes around 40 minutes.
4. Sightseeing Shuttle Service
If you’re traveling with kids or seniors, you can opt for the sightseeing shuttle to tour the area. This is an optional, paid service and requires a separate ticket. The fare is ¥ 30, and children 1.3 meters and under (inclusive) ride free.
Sightseeing bus routes:
- Heading from the south toward the west: South Gate Departure Station→Giant Panda Sun Nursery Station→Panda Reception Hall Station→Panda Tower Station→Giant Panda Star Nursery Station→Panda Valley Station→West Gate Terminal Station
- Heading from west to south: West Gate Starting Station → Panda Valley Station → Giant Panda Star Nursery Station → Panda Tower Station → Giant Panda Villa No. 1 Station → Giant Panda Sun Nursery Station → South Gate Terminal Station
Image source: Official website of the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding
How to Buy Tickets for the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding?
If you’re heading to the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, it’s best to book your tickets online in advance to secure your spot. If you’re unable to pay online due to special circumstances, you can purchase tickets at the on-site ticket window on the day of your visit if there are any remaining.
Check out more ticket types if you want more combo or curated tours. - Chengdu Panda Base Tickets
| Ticket Type | Price (approx. USD) | Notes / Entry Time |
|---|---|---|
Adult Admission (morning or afternoon) | US $7.78 | Entry for ages 19–59; choose either morning or afternoon slot |
Student Admission (morning or afternoon) | US $3.82 | For ages 7–23 (with valid ID) |
Free Admission | US $0 | Typically for children under 6 years old and seniors aged 60+ (or per local policies) |
*The prices shown above are for reference only and may vary with exchange rates and periods of availability. Please check the latest fares.
What Are the Recommended Routes for Visiting the Chengdu Panda Base?
Image source: Official website of the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding
- 1.5-hour route: West Gate → Moon-Embracing Hall → River-and-Moon Hall → Bright Moon Hall → Moon-Viewing Hall → Cloud-and-Moon Hall → Mountain-and-Moon Hall
Highlights: Focus your visit on the indoor “Panda Valley” area, which blends natural scenery and offers a cool, peaceful setting to watch pandas—perfect for summer or afternoon visits.
- 3-hour route: South Gate → Chengdu Giant Panda Museum → Subadult Giant Panda Villa → Young Giant Panda Villa → Giant Panda Villa No. 5 → Giant Panda Villa No. 2 → Giant Panda Villa No. 1 → Giant Panda Sunshine Nursery House
Highlights: See pandas from young cubs to full-grown adults, and explore the museum to learn about their daily habits and conservation strategies.
- 5-hour route: South Gate→Giant Panda Villa No. 6→Giant Panda Museum→Adult Giant Panda Villa→Giant Panda Villa No. 2→Giant Panda Villa No. 1→Giant Panda Sunshine Nursery→Fine Day Hall→Rising Sun Hall→Sun and Clouds Hall→Sunlit Hall→Panda Pedestrian Street→Moon over the River Hall→Bright Moon Hall→Moon Viewing Hall
Highlights: Explore the four main areas of the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, including the Panda Valley Area, Panda Forest Area, Panda Reception Hall, and Panda Villas Area, to view pandas both indoors and outdoors and take photos of them from different angles.
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Which Attractions Should You Not Miss at the Chengdu Panda Base?
Top 1: "Hehua," the star of Giant Panda Villa No. 6
Panda Hehua, or Hua Hua, is the most popular female panda at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding.
To see her, enter through the South Gate, follow the Golden Panda sign, head downhill to Swan Lake, then Villa No. 5, and finally Giant Panda Villa No. 6. Arrive early around 7:30 a.m., check for heat or Monday closures, and enjoy spotting other adorable pandas along the route.
Top 2: Giant Panda Villa No. 1 and No. 2
Villa No. 1 and Villa No. 2 are habitats for adult pandas, where you can observe their everyday lives—playing, eating, sleeping—and see their fun expressions and moments as they interact. These are absolute can't-miss spots when visiting the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding.
Top 3: Giant Panda Sunshine Nursery House
Image source: Trip.com user @TravelTheWorldXZ
The Giant Panda Sunshine Nursery is located within the core breeding area—it’s where expectant mothers wait to give birth and where newborn pandas spend their earliest days.
Newborn cubs have rosy skin, damp fur—or sometimes no fur yet—and their eyes aren’t fully open, so they rely on their mothers’ care and milk to survive. The Sunshine Nursery is one of the most popular spots in the entire base, because the panda babies are irresistibly lively and adorable. Please note that photography is generally not permitted.
What Are the Best Souvenirs to Buy at Chengdu Panda Base?
Top 1: Panda Post Office Postcard
Image source: Chengdu Daily
Inside the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, there’s a Panda Post Office where visitors can purchase postal items such as panda postcards.
After you buy them, you can have them stamped with the world’s only dedicated panda postmark and send them anywhere in the world to share the joy with friends and family. Mailing one to yourself is especially meaningful—it makes a lovely souvenir.
Top 2: Panda Plush Toy
Image source: Trip.com user
When it comes to souvenirs from the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, panda plush toys are surely among the most popular choices. With so many adorable designs, they’re loved by everyone and so irresistible you won’t want to put them down—you’ll end up hugging one and taking it home as a keepsake.
Top 3: Canvas Tote Bag
Image source: Trip.com user @M27***35
When you visit the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, if you're looking for a practical souvenir, we recommend picking up a panda canvas tote. The design is adorable, and you can carry it by hand or sling it over your shoulder—perfect for personal use or as a gift.
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FAQs about Chengdu Panda Base
What are the opening hours of the Chengdu Panda Base?
March–October: 7:30 AM–6:00 PM; November–February: 8:00 AM–5:30 PM.How long should I plan to visit the Chengdu Panda Base?
3–5 hours is recommended to see the pandas and explore the base.How do I get to the Chengdu Panda Base?
Accessible by taxi, bus, or ride-hailing services from central Chengdu.Are tickets required for the Chengdu Panda Base?
Yes, tickets must be purchased; children under 6 and seniors 60+ enter free.When is the best time to see pandas at the Chengdu Panda Base?
Early morning around 7:30 AM when pandas are most active.