Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding: A Celebration of Life from Research Cradle to National Treasure Paradise

Background of the Era - Survival Crisis under the Blooming of Arrow Bamboo
The establishment of Chengdu Giant Panda Base originated from a severe ecological crisis. In the 1980s, a large area of cold arrow bamboo in the Qionglai Mountains of Sichuan Province bloomed and died, leading to a shortage of food for wild giant pandas and a serious threat to their survival. The Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding was established in 1987 to provide emergency rescue for hungry and sick giant pandas, and to carry out ex situ conservation and research. Its birth carries the mission of saving this rare species in the era.

 Glorious Road - Miracle from "Rescue" to "Breeding"
The development process of the base is a magnificent epic from species rescue to scientific research leadership, and then to public science popularization:
Difficult Start (1987-1990): Based on rescuing six giant pandas left behind, the exploration of artificial breeding of giant pandas began under extremely difficult conditions.
Scientific breakthrough (1990s): Successfully overcome the three major global challenges in the field of artificial breeding of giant pandas: difficulty in estrus, difficulty in breeding and conception, and difficulty in raising and surviving offspring, achieving steady population growth.
International benchmark (since the 21st century): Building the world's largest artificial breeding population of giant pandas, becoming an important platform for scientific research cooperation and cultural exchange between China and foreign countries. The research results of the base not only ensure the healthy development of captive populations, but also provide key technical support for the protection of wild giant pandas. Nowadays, this is a must visit destination for tourists from around the world visiting Chengdu.

In depth understanding: Explore more achievements in China's ecological protection>>Maolan Nature Reserve

 Natural Creation - Simulating Urban Habitats in Mountains and Forests
Although the base is located in the outskirts of the city, it has carefully created an ecological environment that simulates the original habitat of giant pandas.
Bamboo forest paths and lake and mountain scenery: The park is covered with green bamboo, tall trees, and various local plants, with lush forests and bird songs and fragrant flowers. Swan Lake and other water bodies are dotted among it, not only beautifying the environment, but also adding a lively atmosphere to the park. Strolling through it feels like stepping into a peaceful forest, completely forgetting the hustle and bustle of the city.
Ecological buildings and activity areas: Each giant panda building is not a simple cage, but a composite space designed according to the habits of pandas, including indoor resting areas and outdoor activity areas. There are shelters, wooden ladders, pools, and abundant toys in the activity area to meet the natural needs of giant pandas for climbing, playing, and cooling off. Visitors can observe their most natural and energetic behavior.

Humanistic Craftsmanship - Visible Research and Protection
Every design here embodies humanistic care centered on animal welfare and science education.
Panda Sun Delivery Room and Moon Delivery Room: This is the place where new life is born and also the warmest and most popular area of the base. During the breeding season, tourists can observe the pink panda newborns inside the conservation box through the observation window, or witness the warm scene of a panda mother holding her cubs, and intuitively feel the miracle of life and the meticulous scientific research and conservation work.
Panda Kindergarten: When the cubs reach a certain age, they will enter the "kindergarten" life. This is usually the happiest place in the park, where you can see multiple sub adult pandas playing, fooling around, and learning to climb trees together. Their cute and adorable appearance makes it a great place to take cute photos of pandas.
Giant Panda Museum: This is the first specialized museum in China with the theme of giant pandas. Through rich specimens, models, graphics, and interactive displays, the system introduces the evolutionary history, biological characteristics, conservation status, and scientific research achievements of giant pandas, providing a knowledge palace for in-depth understanding of the past and present of the "national treasure".
Panda Science Exploration Hall: Using multimedia and modern technology, it reveals the behind the scenes scientific research stories of artificial breeding, genetic research, disease prevention and control of giant pandas, allowing the public to understand the scientific and complex nature of conservation work in a fun way.

Photography tips:
The best time for viewing and filming is from 9am to 11am, when giant pandas are most active, with frequent feeding and activity.
The activity fields outside the "Moon Delivery Room" and "Sun Delivery Room" often capture the adorable moments of panda cubs.
The modern design and open environment of new venues such as "Infinite Hills" make it a great background for capturing the integration of giant pandas and natural landscapes.
Please be sure to follow the regulations, turn off the flash, do not tap the glass, and observe quietly to avoid disturbing the animals.

Four Must Do Things to Unlock the Complete Panda Journey
Rushing for a morning session, watching "Rolling" food broadcasts and morning exercises: this is the key to enhancing the travel experience! Giant pandas are most active on cool mornings. Be sure to enter the park as soon as it opens, and head straight to the adult panda villa area or the "Infinite Hill" new area to watch them enjoy fresh bamboo shoot breakfast, or take a walk or climb trees in the activity area, full of vitality.
Visit a delivery room and witness the weight of life: Whether it's the new season or not, the Sun Delivery Room and Moon Delivery Room are worth a visit. Here, you can most intuitively feel that behind the glorious population numbers of the base are the meticulous protection and fragile yet strong starting points of life by researchers day and night.
Learn a science popularization class and see the "way" from "cuteness": spend some time in museums or exploration halls. Understand the special characteristics of giant pandas' carnivorous digestive system that feeds mainly on bamboo, and understand the biological reasons for their low reproductive rate. The more you know, the more precious and magical the cute figure in front of you will appear.
Leave a souvenir and take care home: At the official souvenir shop of the base, you can choose some panda themed cultural and creative products. This is not just a travel commemoration, your consumption will also be partially transformed into supporting the cause of giant panda conservation, making this encounter more meaningful.

 Tourist Route Suggestions
Half day "essence sightseeing" tour (suitable for tourists with limited time):
Arrive before 8am and queue up to ensure that you enter the park as soon as it opens. After entering, take a sightseeing bus (to save energy) directly to the farthest "Infinite Hill" or "Adventure Valley" new area, and enjoy watching adult giant pandas quietly while there are few people. Walk back and visit the Sun Maternity Room, Moon Maternity Room, Panda Kindergarten to watch the cubs play. Finally, according to the time, choose to visit the Giant Panda Museum. The tour ends around noon.
IntoTravelChina tip: This itinerary is tight, make sure to make good use of the sightseeing bus. During peak season, there is a huge passenger flow in the park, and arriving early is the key to obtaining the best experience.
One day "in-depth science popularization" tour (highly recommended for parent-child families and animal enthusiasts):
Morning: Follow the above half day tour route and focus on observing live giant pandas in outdoor venues, capturing their golden activity period in the morning.
Noon: Rest in the park restaurant or coffee shop and reminisce about the morning's observations.
Afternoon: In depth visit to the Giant Panda Museum and Panda Science Exploration Hall, systematically learn relevant knowledge → then proceed to the ecological free range area for red pandas (please note that red pandas are another species, equally cute) or the Swan Lake area for a leisurely stroll and relaxation → visit the souvenir shop before leaving.
The advantages of IntoTravelChina: We can book the most suitable accommodation for you, arrange the connection of all activities, and provide detailed hiking routes and safety guidelines.

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How to reach: Multiple paths to the Panda Kingdom
The base has convenient transportation and multiple options for departing from Chengdu city center. Departing from Chengdu city: The most recommended option is the subway. Take Metro Line 3 to the "Panda Avenue" station, exit at Exit A and transfer to the scenic area express train or ride a shared bike to quickly reach the destination. You can also take the scenic area direct train in the city (such as departing from hotspots such as Kuanzhai Alley and Chunxi Road), and arrive in one stop. From Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport/East Railway Station: You can take Metro Line 10 and transfer to Line 3, or take a taxi directly, which takes about 40-60 minutes. Self driving to: navigate to "Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding". The scenic area is equipped with a large parking lot, but parking spaces are tight during peak seasons. It is recommended to depart as early as possible.
Important Return Reminder: The afternoon departure time is the peak for passenger flow, with a large number of people queuing at subway stations and taxis. It is recommended to reserve sufficient return time or leave the park during off peak hours.

 Best Travel Time
The Chengdu Giant Panda Base is accessible year-round, but animal activity is closely related to climate and season. Best viewing season (spring and autumn: March May, September November): The temperature is suitable, and giant pandas prefer to play and eat outdoors for long periods of time, which is also the most comfortable for tourists. Summer summer vacation (June August): The weather is hot, and giant pandas are afraid of the heat. After activities in the morning, they mostly return to indoor air-conditioned rooms for rest at noon and afternoon. Be sure to arrive early for sightseeing and pay attention to heatstroke prevention and cooling. Winter Quiet Tour (December February): There are relatively few tourists, and although giant pandas are not as active as in spring and autumn, they can still be seen outdoors sunbathing and eating bamboo. At this time, the park is quiet and suitable for tourists who do not like crowding.

Accommodation Options
Surrounding area of the base/Chengdu North Gate area: Choose various hotels or homestays for easy access to the base the next morning. Some hotels may provide shuttle services directly to the scenic area. Chengdu city center (such as Chunxi Road and Kuanzhai Alley area): This is an excellent location to experience Chengdu's urban life, with rich dining and nightlife. It is also convenient to take the subway to the base, making it suitable for tourists who want to fully experience Chengdu's charm. Dujiangyan Irrigation Project City (related choice): If you plan to visit Dujiangyan Irrigation Project Panda Valley (the research branch of base's wild reintroduction) in series, you can choose to stay in Dujiangyan Irrigation Project City for one night to form a more in-depth "panda themed tour".
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One day essence tour of Chengdu urban culture: Chengdu Museum (history) → Taikoo Li (modern fashion) → Kuanzhai Alley (traditional street) → Sichuan Opera Performance (night). This route crosses the past and present of Chengdu within a day.
Sichuan Sichuan Classic 6-day Ring Road: Chengdu → Leshan (Leshan Giant Buddha Scenic Area, Mount Emei) → Sanxingdui → People's Park, Jinli Old Street → Giant Panda Base, Chunxi Road. This is a classic Sichuan journey from modern cities to natural wonders and cultural heritage. >>Explore the 6-day essence of Sichuan

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