Hello, I’m Lily Wang, a mother living in Shanghai. As a passionate traveler and a mom, I always love taking my kids along to explore family-friendly travel destinations. I know how important safety, convenience, and comfort are, especially when traveling with children or elderly family members. So, my travel content focuses on these aspects to help you plan stress-free and enjoyable family trips. Today, I’m excited to introduce the Chengdu Panda Breeding Research Base, a perfect spot for families, especially for young children. This place is full of surprises and fun!

Summary

About Chengdu Panda Breeding Research Base

The Chengdu Panda Breeding Research Base covers a total area of 3,570 acres, with an expansion area of 2,535 acres. To simulate the wild ecological environment of the giant panda, the base uses landscaping techniques and has designed various functional zones, including panda nurseries, feeding areas, a research center, and a panda hospital. The layout of all the areas is orderly and well-planned. Several luxurious panda “villas” are scattered throughout the forests, providing a comfortable habitat for the pandas.

The expanded area makes full use of the original topography, utilizing the mountains and valleys to create a multi-level landscape, which closely resembles the panda’s natural habitat. The entire base is divided into several functional areas based on panda protection and breeding needs, ensuring each panda can live in an appropriate environment.

As of the end of 2020, the panda population at the base had reached 215, making it one of the world’s largest captive breeding populations of giant pandas. In 1995, the Chengdu Panda Breeding Research Base was awarded the “Global 500” title by the United Nations Environment Programme.

  • Address: No. 1375, Panda Avenue, Chenghua District, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China (Apple Maps/Amap)
  • Opening Hours:
    • November to February: 8:00 AM – 5:30 PM (Last ticket sold at 4:30 PM)
    • March to October: 7:30 AM – 6:00 PM (Last ticket sold at 5:00 PM)
  • Panda Feeding Times:
    • Morning: 9:00 AM
    • Afternoon: 2:00 PM
  • Recommended Visit Duration: 3-4 hours
  • Ticket Purchase: Trip.com Discounts, Klook Deals, KKday Offers
Three pandas eating bamboo at Chengdu Panda Breeding Research Base

Chengdu Panda Breeding Research Base Map

Map of Chengdu Panda Breeding Research Base

Things to Do at Chengdu Panda Breeding Research Base

Attractions Within the Park

Panda Tower

The Panda Tower is one of the main attractions at Chengdu Panda Breeding Research Base. The tower features multiple viewing platforms, allowing visitors to overlook the entire panda park and its surrounding natural beauty. Inside the tower, you’ll find exhibits showcasing important information about panda conservation and breeding. It’s an excellent opportunity to learn more about the scientific research and protection efforts dedicated to these iconic animals.

  • Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Last entry at 4:30 PM)
  • Closed on: Tuesdays (except public holidays)
  • Important Info: Admission is free but requires prior online reservation. Each visitor must have a valid reservation code. Children under 1.3 meters tall can enter with a guardian, and each adult can bring up to two children.
Panda Tower architecture at Chengdu Panda Breeding Research Base

Panda Art Museum

The Panda Art Museum is a space filled with creativity, showcasing various art pieces centered around pandas. The exhibits include traditional paintings as well as modern art, all designed to convey the importance of panda protection through the lens of culture and art. It’s a perfect spot for those who appreciate both wildlife and the arts.

  • Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Closed on: Mondays
  • Important Info: Admission is free but requires prior online reservation. Each visitor must have a valid reservation code. Children under 1.3 meters tall can enter with a guardian.
Young panda with a skull exhibit at Chengdu Panda Art Museum

Panda Museum

The Panda Museum is another educational hub within the base, featuring extensive collections on panda history, research, and their natural habitats. Through engaging exhibits and interactive experiences, visitors can gain a deeper understanding of panda ecology, behavior, and conservation efforts.

  • Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Closed on: Mondays
  • Important Info: Admission is free but requires prior online reservation. Each visitor must have a valid reservation code. Children under 1.3 meters tall can enter with a guardian.
Interactive exhibit on panda cubs at Chengdu Panda Museum

Panda Theater

The Panda Theater is a key entertainment attraction within Chengdu Panda Breeding Research Base, making it particularly suitable for family visitors. The theater hosts a musical titled Panda, which tells a touching story about love, growth, and the harmonious coexistence of humans and nature. The performance conveys the importance of panda protection and offers visitors a heartfelt and educational audiovisual experience.

  • Show Times: 11:00 AM – 11:45 AM (Morning), 2:00 PM – 3:10 PM (Afternoon). No shows on Mondays and Tuesdays.
  • Duration: 70 minutes (No intermission)
  • Important Info: Tickets must be purchased in advance. It is recommended to book early to ensure seats for the show.
Stage performance at Chengdu Panda Theater

Panda Activity Zones in the Park

Panda Villa Area

The Panda Villa Area is one of the most distinctive sections of the Chengdu Panda Breeding Research Base, specifically designed for adult pandas. The pandas live in comfortable environments that resemble “villas,” and visitors can observe their daily activities up close through transparent glass walls.

Among the famous residents is Huahua, the “female star” of the villa area. She lives in Villa No. 6, where she can often be seen outdoors. Visitors can enjoy watching Huahua and other adult pandas in their natural setting when the temperature is below 26°C.

  • Important Info: The Panda Villa Area is closed on Mondays, so plan your visit accordingly.

Sun and Moon Maternity Houses

The Sun and Moon Maternity Houses are specially designed for panda cubs. Here, visitors can see a number of adorable panda babies and young pandas. Their playful and sweet nature makes them a favorite among visitors, especially families with young children.

  • Important Info: Panda cubs are most active after feeding times, which occur around 9:00 AM and 2:00 PM. Try to visit during these times for the best experience.

Red Panda Activity Area

The Red Panda Activity Area offers visitors the chance to observe red pandas up close. These little pandas are just as cute as their larger cousins. Agile, playful, and full of energy, red pandas often engage in playful activities, rolling around and climbing, much to the delight of visitors.

  • Important Info: This is a must-see for families with kids. Don’t forget your camera to capture these adorable moments!

Panda Reception Hall

The Panda Reception Hall is a designated panda viewing area within the research base, featuring four themed halls: Shengri Hall, Yundi Hall, Yingri Hall, and Xuri Hall. Each hall showcases pandas with different personalities and behaviors, allowing visitors to observe how they live and interact. Whether they’re resting lazily or roaming around the park, there’s always something interesting to see.

  • Important Info: Each hall presents a unique panda experience, making it a perfect spot for family photos and memories.

Panda Forest Area

The Panda Forest Area is a “green sanctuary” within the Chengdu Panda Breeding Research Base, consisting of five panda halls: Xinghan Hall, Xingguang Hall, Xingyun Hall, Xingyu Hall, and the Giant Panda Xingxing Maternity House. Among these, the pandas in Xinghan Hall are particularly lively and charming, often displaying playful behaviors and endearing facial expressions. Visitors can’t help but be “melted” by their cuteness.

The environment closely resembles the pandas’ natural habitat, allowing visitors to enjoy both the pandas and the serene beauty of nature.

  • Important Info: The Panda Forest Area is relatively cool and shady, making it an excellent escape during hot weather. It’s also a great location for photographing panda activities.

Panda Valley

Panda Valley is a combined natural landscape and panda activity zone, with seven panda halls: Lan Yue Hall, Jiang Yue Hall, Ming Yue Hall, Yun Yue Hall, Shan Yue Hall, Qiu Yue Hall, and Wang Yue Hall. The pandas here primarily live in quiet indoor environments, making it an ideal place to visit during hot weather.

  • Important Info: During the hot summer months, Panda Valley provides a cool indoor experience for visitors while ensuring the pandas remain comfortable in their living environment. This area is perfect for a visit in the afternoon.

Chengdu Panda Breeding Research Base Ticket Guide

Ticket Prices

The Chengdu Panda Breeding Research Base offers two types of tickets: morning tickets and afternoon tickets. Both tickets are priced the same, but the entry times differ.

  • Full Ticket: ¥55 RMB per person (for visitors aged 19–59).
  • Student Ticket: ¥27 RMB per person (for students aged 6–18).
  • Free Admission: Children under 6 years old and seniors aged 60 and above can enter for free.
  • ID Required: All visitors must bring valid identification.
  • Opening Hours:
    • November to February: 8:00 AM – 5:30 PM (Last ticket sold at 4:30 PM)
    • March to October: 7:30 AM – 6:00 PM (Last ticket sold at 5:00 PM)
  • Ticket Purchase: Trip.com Discounts, Klook Deals, KKday Offers

Offline Ticket Purchase Location

Visitors can purchase tickets at the “Cash and Credit Card Service Window” located at the entrance of the park. However, it is recommended to buy tickets online in advance, as tickets may not be available for offline purchase if the online tickets are sold out.

  • Offline Price: The price is the same for both online and offline purchases.

Sightseeing Bus Tickets

  • Single Ride Ticket: ¥30 RMB per person.
  • Unlimited Rides: This ticket allows unlimited rides within the same day, making it ideal for visitors planning to explore the farther areas of the park (e.g., West Entrance).
  • Free for Children: Children under 1.3 meters in height can ride the sightseeing bus for free.

Recommendation: If you are visiting with children or elderly individuals, we recommend purchasing the sightseeing bus ticket to make it easier to navigate the park.

Chengdu Panda Breeding Research Base Guide

Currently, there are no live tour guides available in the park. However, you can rent an audio guide to help you better understand the main attractions within the park.

Audio Guide Rental Details:

  • Price: ¥25 RMB per unit
  • Deposit: ¥100 RMB
  • Rental Locations: Audio guides are available for rent near the South Gate and West Gate service centers.
Audio guide device at Chengdu Panda Breeding Research Base

West Gate → Mountain Moon Pavilion → Autumn Moon Pavilion → Moon Viewing Pavilion → Cloud Moon Pavilion → Bright Moon Pavilion → River Moon Pavilion → Lan Yue Pavilion → Star Breeding Room → Villa 1 → Sun Breeding Room → Villa 3 → Villa 5 → Red Panda Activity Area → Villa 7 → Swan Lake → Rose Garden → South Gate.

This route is ideal for a morning visit. It allows visitors to explore various panda habitats, breeding areas, and other distinctive attractions, ending the tour at the South Gate.

South Gate → Panda Villa Area (Villa 6, where Hua Hua is located) → Panda Villa Area (Villa 7 and 3) → Sun Breeding Room → Red Panda Activity Area 2 → Panda Villa Area (Villa 2) → Moon Breeding Room → Panda Villa Area (Villa 1) → Panda Tower → Panda Reception Hall → Panda Forest Area → Panda Valley → West Gate Exit.

This route is best for an afternoon visit. Visitors can observe different panda activities and enjoy interactive exhibits, concluding the tour at the West Gate.

Zhu Yun Restaurant (竹韵餐厅)

  • Address: No. 1375 Panda Avenue, Chenghua District, Chengdu, Southeast Corner of the Panda Breeding Research Base
  • Why Visit: Zhu Yun Restaurant is located near the Chengdu Panda Breeding Research Base, offering a peaceful atmosphere with plenty of greenery. It’s an ideal place to relax and enjoy a meal after exploring the base. The restaurant specializes in traditional Sichuan cuisine, including hotpot and spicy snacks, providing an authentic taste of Chengdu. It also offers family-friendly dishes, making it perfect for a meal with loved ones while unwinding after the tour.
Traditional Sichuan dishes at Zhu Yun Restaurant near Chengdu Panda Base

How to Get from Chengdu City Center to Chengdu Panda Breeding Research Base

By Metro

  • South Gate Entrance:
    • Take Metro Line 3 and get off at the Panda Avenue (熊猫大道) Station (Exit A). After exiting the station, take the direct shuttle to the Panda Breeding Research Base. The metro fare is ¥2.
  • West Gate Entrance:
    • Take Metro Line 3 and get off at the Military General Hospital (军区总医院) Station (Exit B). After exiting the station, take the shuttle bus to the base. The fare is also ¥2.

By Bus

  • There is a dedicated sightseeing bus departing from Chunxi Road, with a fare of ¥10 per person. This route is convenient for visitors traveling directly from the city center to the Panda Breeding Research Base.
Bus stop for direct shuttle to Chengdu Panda Base from Chunxi Road

FAQ

Can I rent a stroller at Chengdu Panda Breeding Research Base?

Yes, strollers are available for rent at the base. The rental fee is ¥5 per hour, with a maximum charge of ¥50. If you’re visiting with young children, renting a stroller is recommended, and it can also be brought on the sightseeing shuttle. However, please note that the park has many stairs, so walking may become slightly more challenging in some areas.

Where can I store luggage at Chengdu Panda Breeding Research Base?

Luggage storage is available for free at the South Gate and West Gate visitor service centers. You can store all types of luggage, including large suitcases. Please note that all stored items must be retrieved by 5:30 PM on the same day.

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