Giant Panda Breeding Research Base is a must when visiting Chengdu. It is the closest panda base to the city. You will see many pandas ranging from cubs to adults playing, eating, and just relaxing inside the enclosures. If you want to have your photo taken cuddling a panda, then you must head to Dujiangyan Panda Base. There are also Red Pandas here. Try to come in the mornings because we were told that the pandas tend to sleep in the afternoon. This Panada Research Base was founded in 1987 when they rescued 6 giant pandas from the wild. In total, there are about 2,000 giant pandas left and most of which are distributed within Sichuan province. The Panda base focuses on breeding, researching, and educating the public about these endangered creatures.
In order to get your photo taken with a giant panda, you have to head to one of the other bases. We went to the Dujiangyan Panda Base which is a newer panda base outside central Chengdu near Mount Qingcheng. You can get your photo taken here with an under 2-year-old panda and only a limited number of visitors are allowed to take pictures with the panda each day. The cost is RMB1,800 each for about 15 seconds next to the panda while it chomps on bamboo. The fee is said to be a donation to help panda research and conservation. We were told that only foreigners have the opportunity to have their photos taken with the panda. We were given badges and had to put on blue overalls and wear plastic gloves for the photo. Truth be told, I was a bit nervous sitting next to this 160 pound animal with sharp claws, but at the same time, it was such a privilege. There is also a half-day panda keeper program where you clean their enclosures, prepare their food, and feed them. Unfortunately, we did not have enough time to participate.
Everyone had to put on this blue uniform.
Visiting the pandas is definitely one of the highlights of my trip to Chengdu. Definitely do it if you are in the area! Stay tuned for more posts on my trip to Chengdu!
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I love the Pandas and I loved Chengu sooo much <3
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