The Best Places to See Pandas in China
The giant panda is widely regarded as China's national treasure and a beloved gift to the world. If you are planning to see pandas in China, here are the best places to see them.
Pandas live in Chengdu Breeding Center
1. Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding
A panda climbing a tree
Sichuan Province, the native home of giant pandas, is the best place in China to see them. The Chengdu Panda Base is a world-renowned conservation center with more than 200 pandas. It is also very easy to visit, with public transportation available, and it is only about a 20-minute drive from downtown Chengdu.
Walking through the park, you can see some luxurious panda "villas." Among all the pandas living here, the most famous panda star is Hua Hua, an exceptionally docile and loving panda who has healed many hearts. Hua Hua is shorter than other pandas and looks like a big rice ball. Since the superstar is so adorable, queuing to see Hua Hua can take up to two hours.
There are also other famous pandas to see if you don't want to stand in line. Depending on the season, you may also see newborn cubs and lively red pandas with their distinctive brown-red fur.
The Panda Museum is another choice to learn about their habits and history. There is also a panda souvenir store in the base, which sells panda dolls, hair bows, etc.
- Address: No. 1375, Panda Avenue, Chenghua District, Chengdu, China
- Ticket Price: 55 RMB (7.52 USD)
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Suggested duration: 2-3 hours
Recommended Tour Itinerary
2. Dujiangyan Panda Park
A panda in its room in Dujiangyan
About 1.5 hours' drive from Chengdu, Dujiangyan Panda Park gives you a chance to experience panda conservation in a more hands-on and meaningful way.
One of the most popular experiences here is the Panda Loving Program; we can help you book online in advance. During the program, you can help chop bamboo, prepare panda food, clean the enclosures, and observe the pandas' behavior up close. It's a unique opportunity to understand how much care goes into protecting these animals. After completing the activities, you'll receive a volunteer certificate to remember your experience.
During the summer vacation, there will be a large number of tourists visiting the panda park. If you want a less crowded experience, it's better to avoid July and August. Mornings are the best time to visit, because pandas are much more active earlier in the day.
Also, be aware that Dujiangyan Panda Valley, located in the same region, has a similar name but does not offer volunteer programs. However, you can still see plenty of adorable pandas there if you're looking for a simpler visit.
- Address: Shiqiao Community, Qingchengshan Town, Chengdu City
- Ticket Price: 53 RMB (7.25 USD)
- Time for visiting: 7:30-17:00
3. Bifengxia Panda Reserve
A dorm for panda cubs
Located beside a beautiful natural gorge, Bifengxia Panda Reserve is about a 2.5-hour drive from downtown Chengdu. The area is known for its fresh air, lush forests, and abundant water resources, making it an ideal environment for pandas.
There are about 60 pandas living here. The park is filled with bamboo forests, so you will most likely see them enjoying the delicious bamboo shoots. In such a natural, clean mountain forest, the pandas seem even more lively.
Besides the pandas, you can also see various wild animals, such as tigers and monkeys, in the gorge. Walking along the valley, you will see gurgling waterfalls and cascading rocks. The valley stays cool throughout the summer, so it's a popular place to escape the heat. If you visit in winter, you may even see the gorge covered in snow and pandas rolling around and playing in it.
Bifengxia also offers a Panda Volunteer Program, which you need to book online in advance if you want to take part.
- Address: Bifeng Gorge Tourist Area, Yucheng District, Ya'an City
- Ticket Price: 100 RMB (14 USD)
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Visiting time: 08:30-16:00
Recommended Tour Itinerary
4. Beijing Zoo
Giant panda in Beijing Zoo
This is one of the oldest zoos in Beijing. It is located in the downtown area of Beijing with very convenient transportation and is often visited by a lot of visitors on weekends and holidays.
There are ten pandas living here, and the biggest star is Menglan, one of the most energetic male pandas you will ever meet. If you've seen viral panda videos online, there's a good chance Menglan was the star. He's known for his dramatic "performances," such as climbing high into a tree to do the splits or hanging upside down from a branch. His playful moves always draw loud cheers from visitors, and seeing him in person is even more entertaining.
While you're here, don't miss the Panda Café inside the zoo. It serves adorable panda-themed treats, including panda ice cream, panda-shaped cookies, and even panda latte art. It's a fun place to relax and enjoy a sweet moment after visiting the panda enclosure.
- Address: No. 137 Xizhimenwai Street, Xicheng District, Beijing, China
- Visiting hours: 7:30-18:00
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Ticket Price: 19 RMB (2.60 USD)
Recommended Tour Itinerary
5. Guangzhou Chimelong Safari Park
Panda in Guangzhou Chimelong Park
The pandas that reside at the Chimelong Safari Park in Guangzhou live a life of "luxury." Here are the world's only panda triplets. The panda triples have their little train, and you can see the pandas sitting on top of the train, traveling slowly, which looks so cute and funny. They also have bamboo house villas crafted by their keepers. When pandas have birthdays, they can enjoy cakes made of bamboo and fruit. On the one hand, these luxurious facilities are due to the keepers' love for pandas; on the other hand, they add more fun to visitors' trips.
During holidays, especially during summer vacation, Guangzhou Chimelong Safari Park is very crowded with visitors. If you want to have a better experience, try to visit in November and December. In these two months of the year, there are fewer tourists and the weather is cooler, so the pandas will be more active.
- Address: Changlong Wild Animal World, Panyu District, Guangzhou City, Guangdong Province, China
- Ticket Price: 300 RMB (41 USD)
- Visiting hours: 09:30-18:00
Tips for Watching Pandas
- Do not touch the pandas, including the red (lesser) pandas. Even though they look extremely cute, they are very sensitive to bacteria carried by humans.
- Avoid visiting at noon. Pandas usually sleep during the hottest part of the day. If your schedule allows, try to see them in the morning, when they are more active.
- Visit in spring or autumn if you can. Pandas tend to be lazier in summer because of the heat, so cooler seasons offer a better viewing experience.
- Keep your voice down. Pandas are sensitive to loud noises and prefer a calm, quiet environment.
- Do not use flash when taking photos, as it can disturb them.
- Never feed the pandas. They follow a strict diet, and the staff will take care of all their meals.
- You can also see pandas in other cities, including the zoos in Chongqing and Nanjing. We can design a tailor-made itinerary based on your interests and schedule. Simply contact us online or email trip@odynovotours.com, and one of our travel consultants will get back to you promptly.
