One of the main reasons we visited Chengdu was to see the pandas. And when we say pandas, it’s because the city is filled with pandas everywhere: themed desserts, statues, shops full of plush toys and souvenirs. We visited Chengdu, China, in March 2025, and of course, we couldn’t miss visiting the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, the most famous place to see these adorable creatures up close.
The Chengdu Panda Base is one of the most important centers in the world for the conservation and breeding of giant pandas. Created to protect this endangered species, the base offers a natural environment where pandas can grow and reproduce with minimal human interference. Additionally, it functions as an educational and research center, playing an essential role in the preservation of pandas and their habitat.
In this guide, we will tell you everything you need to know to visit the Chengdu Panda Base: how to get there, what to see, the best time to visit, and some tips to make the most of your experience.
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How to Buy Tickets?
The best way to ensure your entry to the Chengdu Panda Base is to book in advance through a local operator. We used GetYourGuide, and it worked perfectly! There is no physical ticket—just present your passport at the entrance of the Chengdu Panda Research Base.
In addition to the booking, we received all the necessary instructions and had an open WhatsApp channel to clarify any doubts. It was simple, fast, and hassle-free.
Book your tickets now and secure your visit to this incredible panda sanctuary! You can also check out alternative options below to guarantee your entry to the Chengdu Panda Research Base.
Tickets to the Panda Research Base
Guided Tour Panda Research Base + Leshan Giant Buddha
Guided Tour Panda Research Base
How to Get to the Chengdu Panda Base
The Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding is located about 10 km from downtown Chengdu, in the Chenghua district. The site has two main entrances: the West Gate, which provides direct access to the most popular areas, and the South Gate, which is usually less crowded. Access can be made by public transport, taxi, or through services like Didi.
The base is open every day from 07:30 to 18:00, with the last entry at 17:00. To make the most of your visit, it’s ideal to arrive early, between 07:30 and 10:00, when the pandas are most active.
We arrived at 9:30 and spent about 5 hours exploring the Chengdu Panda Base. Time flew by as we walked through the different enclosures, watched the pandas play, and learned more about the conservation of the species. It’s a place where you want to stay, unhurried, soaking in every moment!
1. Metro + Bus
- West Gate: Take Metro Line 3 to Chengdu Junqu General Hospital Station (Exit B), walk 280m to the bus stop, and take bus 409 (shuttle) or 110 and 659 (CNY 2).
- South Gate: Take Metro Line 3 to Panda Avenue Station (Exit A or D) and take bus 408 (shuttle) or to Chengdu Zoo Station (Exit D or A), then take bus 655 or 87 (CNY 2).
Metro fares in Chengdu range from CNY 2 to CNY 10, depending on the distance traveled. The easiest way to pay is through Alipay, without needing to buy physical tickets—just tap your phone at the turnstiles and you’re good to go!
2. Direct Buses
- There are direct buses to the Chengdu Panda Base from tourist spots like Chunxi Road and Kuanzhaixiangzi Alleys. HiPanda Shuttle Bus – Black and White Panda Car at Exit C of Chunxi Road Subway Station (near IFS).
3. Taxi and Didi
- From Shuangliu Airport: ~CNY 100
- From Tianfu Airport: ~CNY 200
- From Downtown Chengdu: ~CNY 40 (this was the option we chose for the trip using Didi).
- From Chengdu East Station: ~CNY 40
We arrived at the drop-off point near the parking lot at the South Gate and explored the Chengdu Panda Base at a leisurely pace. At the end, we exited through the West Gate, where we caught a Didi back – super convenient!
Attractions and Experiences at the Chengdu Panda Base
Pandas prefer cold climates and are more active in the morning, so it’s worth planning your visit early. By midday, many were already sleeping or less active. The best entrance is the South Gate, where we saw several pandas right away without needing to walk much, in the Panda Villas area. The park is huge and can be tiring if you walk everywhere – we walked about 10 km! But there is a sightseeing bus that makes the visit easier, allowing you to hop from point to point without as much effort.
1. Chengdu Giant Panda Museum
A museum dedicated to the conservation and history of giant pandas, showcasing the importance of their protection and the work carried out by the Chengdu Panda Base.
2. Sun Giant Panda Nursery House
A specialized area for the care of younger pandas, where you can see newborn cubs or young pandas.
3. Moon Giant Panda Nursery House
Another nursery dedicated to the development and care of baby pandas.
4. Star Giant Panda Nursery House
A special area for the growth of cubs, highlighting the base’s breeding efforts.
5. Golden Monkey Star Forest Pavilion
A pavilion dedicated to golden monkeys, but it was not yet open to the public.
6. Red Panda Nursery House
A space dedicated to red pandas, with areas for breeding and rearing.
7. Bamboo Tower
A panoramic tower offering incredible views of the reserve and the surrounding landscape.
8. Sightseeing Bus Routes
- South to West Route:
South Gate → Sun Giant Panda Nursery House → Panda Reception Hall → Bamboo Tower → Star Giant Panda Nursery House → Panda Creek Valley → West Gate
- West to South Route:
West Gate → Panda Creek Valley → Star Giant Panda Nursery House → Bamboo Tower → No. 1 Giant Panda Villa → Sun Giant Panda Nursery House → South Gate
9. Panda Pedestrian Street
A street with restaurants and shops, perfect for lunch and a break before continuing the visit. We tried the local cuisine, but there are also fast food and more international options.
These attractions provide an immersive experience, where you can learn more about panda conservation, see the base’s breeding work, and explore the natural beauty of the area.
Visiting the Chengdu Panda Base was a unique experience! We were lucky to see many active pandas, and the park, in addition to having excellent conditions, is very well maintained. Normally, we avoid activities with animals, but this research and conservation center is different.
Here, pandas live in spacious environments adapted to their needs, and the base plays a crucial role in protecting the species. The work done includes breeding, rehabilitation, and reintroduction programs into the wild, making this visit not only exciting but also educational. It was incredible to observe these adorable animals up close and know that our visit helps fund conservation efforts.
Book your tickets now and secure your visit to the Chengdu Panda Base, an incredible panda sanctuary!