Visiting Chengdu without seeing the giant pandas feels like missing something important. I used to think seeing pandas was just a tourist trap. But after watching them in person—their round bodies, lazy moves, and bamboo-eating routine—I understood why people from around the world fall in love with them.
This guide shares my personal experience visiting the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. I hope it helps you plan your own visit to see pandas in Chengdu.
Why I Chose Chengdu Panda Base
1. Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding
- Distance: About 10 km from city center
- Best for: First-time visitors
- Features: Lots of pandas (babies, adults, red pandas), great facilities, easy access
2. Dujiangyan Panda Valley
- Distance: ~60 km
- Best for: Nature lovers
- Features: Quieter, more natural setting, fewer pandas
3. Bifengxia Panda Base (Ya’an)
- Distance: ~140 km
- Best for: Panda fans with more time
- Features: Huge forested area, deeper experience, fewer tourists
Since I only had half a day, I chose the Chengdu base—it’s the most accessible and has the largest number of pandas.
My Visit to Chengdu Panda Base
Time: I left my hotel around 7:00 AM and arrived at the base by 7:40 AM.
Transport: I used Didi (a local ride-hailing app). You can also take the metro and then a taxi.
Tickets: Booked online in advance. The adult ticket was 58 RMB.
Duration: I stayed for about three hours.
Why You Should Go Early
Pandas are most active in the early morning. From 7:30 AM to 10:30 AM, they eat, play, and move around. After that, they usually sleep. If you go later, you may only see them lying still like big furry pillows.
As soon as I entered the base, I saw adult pandas sitting in bamboo piles, eating with both paws like little humans. One baby panda was napping high in a tree, curled up like a ball of yarn. It was both funny and heartwarming.
Recommended Route for Visiting
To make the most of your time and avoid unnecessary walking, here’s a suggested route I followed:
- Take a photo of the map at the entrance
- Walk straight to the Moonlight Nursery, where baby pandas are active in the morning
- Visit the Adult Panda Enclosure and Juvenile Panda Area
- Walk to the Red Panda section and Swan Lake
- Exit through the gift shop area
This path lets you see everything without doubling back.
Useful Tips for Visiting the Chengdu Panda Base
Go early. Aim to arrive before 8 AM to avoid crowds and see pandas at their most active.
Travel light. Bring only a small bag with water, sunscreen, insect repellent, and maybe an umbrella.
Wear comfortable shoes. You will be walking for hours.
No flash photography. Pandas don’t like strong light, and staff will remind you.
Eat before or bring snacks. Crowds grow after 11 AM and food lines can get long.
Do not feed the pandas. Some people try to toss fruit into enclosures—this is not allowed and staff will stop you.
After the Visit
I stopped by the gift shop near the exit and bought a small panda keychain. Simple, affordable, and a nice souvenir. Just outside the base, you’ll find local snacks. I tried a bowl of spicy Chengdu noodles called feichangfen—delicious and very local.
Who Should Visit the Chengdu Panda Base
It’s great for solo travelers, couples, families with kids, or even senior travelers. The atmosphere is relaxed and fun, and there’s no pressure to rush.
Plan to spend 2.5 to 3 hours here. If you want to stay longer, that’s fine too.
Try to avoid major holidays or school breaks when the base gets very crowded.
Final Thoughts
My panda morning was one of the most relaxing and heartwarming parts of my Chengdu trip. No stress, no long hikes—just cute, sleepy, bamboo-munching pandas doing what they do best. If you’re planning a trip to Chengdu, don’t miss this peaceful and unforgettable experience with China’s most famous animals.
