Journey with us to the heart of China where we'll unveil the charms of the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, a sanctuary committed to preserving and nurturing some of nature's most delightful darlings—the pandas.

Close your eyes for a moment and imagine the rustling of bamboo leaves, the air filled with the innocent frolics of resplendently adorable pandas. As you open your eyes, the reality is just as dazzling; we are leading you through an enchanting journey—an up-close and personal encounter with these charming creatures at a safe haven where they are not only safeguarded but also cherished.

Read also: Complete Travel Guide to Shangri-La, Yunnan, China

Table of Content

1. History & Background
2. How Many Pandas Are Left in the World
3. Chengdu Red Pandas
4. Key Laboratory of Conservation Biology for Endangered Wildlife
5. Tickets & Visiting Hours
6. Interesting Facts
7. Location & How to Get to There
8. Contact Information

An Adventure to the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding in China

Visiting the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding in China

History & Background

Imagine, if you will, venturing into the lush, green heart of China back in 1987. There, amidst the whispers of the bamboo leaves, the Chengdu Research Base sprang to life with only six giant pandas calling it their sanctuary. Fast forward a few decades, and you'll find it has blossomed into a world-renowned refuge where China's impressive conservation efforts are showcased for all to see.

The Chengdu Research Base, a testament to the indomitable spirit of these gentle giants, has achieved nothing short of a miracle. Up until 2020, the base has welcomed the pitter-patter of 261 newly born pandas – a remarkable success story that deserves celebration. Can you picture the awe-inspiring sight of these magnificent creatures thriving in their sanctuary?

Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding has welcomed 261 newly born pandas up until 2020

Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding is one of the most popular animal sanctuaries in China

How Many Pandas Are Left in the World

Stepping onto the untouched paths in the realm of wildlife conservation — an adventure apart from the pristine beaches and ancient temples you might chase — asks you to meet and greet the enchanting black-eyed wonders, the Pandas. These fascinating creatures, with their striking black-and-white coat and an endearing appetite for bamboos, clock in at an alarmingly dwindling figure of about 1,864 in the wild.

Embodying the essence of resilience, the Giant Pandas have etched a turning point in their tale. No longer do they wear the heavy crown of 'endangered', these charismatic bamboo-munchers have gracefully waltzed down to 'vulnerable' on the global list. Imagine a world where numbers speak louder than words; the Giant Panda population has swelled by an exuberant 17% in the span of a mere decade. Their recovery is like savouring a rare vintage — it's an exquisite testament to human perseverance and dedication to conservation.

China, the ancestral cradle of these majestic creatures, has transformed its pandemonium into a unique opportunity for wildlife salvation. It's become home to fascinating conservation centres that appear to emerge like hidden gems amidst the flourishing bamboo forests. These centres, pulsating with life and fervour, house about 70% of the total panda population.

Woven in the foliage of China's vast expanse, you'll find approximately 67 reserves that guarantee a safe haven for these engaging animals. With sustained efforts, including captive breeding and forest protection, the Middle Kingdom has penned an inspiring tale of panda revival for the world to marvel at.

The number of Giant Pandas has impressively grown by 17% in just ten years.

Chengdu Red Pandas

Just imagine, you're immersed within the mesmerising landscape of the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, where bamboo-filled corners hum with exotic wildlife whispers. Now, tilt your adventure compass slightly and let it guide you towards a hidden-forest gem - the enchanting world of Red Pandas.

The flame-toned fur, the mischievous countenance of these equally beguiling creatures offers an experience akin to stumbling upon an unseen chapter in an old, adored book. This species, as captivating as its Giant counterparts but often unseen, paints a vibrant contrast in the black-and-white bamboo banquet of your panda expedition. As you watch them shadowed by the arching bamboos, playing the day away, your perception of the Great Pandas' close relatives is enlightened. Such spectacular nuances of nature that an adventurer like you will treasure!

You will be greeted by the adorable and playful red pandas during your visit to the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding

Key Laboratory of Conservation Biology for Endangered Wildlife

Located within the emerald embrace of Chengdu is a marvel not merely of nature, but of scientific prowess—the laboratory at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. This beacon of hope for the cuddly ambassadors of conservation came into its celebrated existence in 1997.

By 2001, the laboratory was honoured as the Key Laboratory for the Reproduction and Conservation Genetics of Endangered Wildlife of Sichuan Province. Merely six years hence, its credentials soared higher when approved as the Sichuan Key Laboratory of Conservation Biology for Endangered Wildlife. This is a place where intricately woven partnerships with academia, most notably with Sichuan University, have borne fruit, elevating it to the status of a state key laboratory.

Within the corridors and research chambers of this esteemed laboratory, the pursuit of knowledge artfully intertwines with purpose and passion across four pivotal themes: Thremmatology, Genetics, Disease Prevention, and Ecology of endangered species. It's here that over 400 scientific endeavours take flight, fuelled by innovation and determination, leading to honours that number in the seventies—including four national scientific achievements.

Amid the intellectual rigour and pursuit of conservation excellence, to the end of 2022, the laboratory has played a vital role in the population surge of the Chengdu's giant pandas, their numbers now a triumphant 237.

Visiting the laboratory at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding

Tickets & Visiting Hours

As an intrepid globe-trotter with a penchant for the authentic and the sustainable, your visit to the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding becomes not just a venture into the world of these majestic creatures but also an insightful peek into the forefront of conservation efforts. For the entry price of 58 yuan, you gain access to a vital sanctuary working tirelessly from 7:30 am to 5:00 pm daily to ensure the future of one of the planet's most beloved species.

While there, it's not just about beholding the pandas in their serene habitat; it's about understanding the meticulous care and science behind their protection and breeding. As you traverse the well-maintained trails and observe the pandas play, eat, and rest, you'll find yourself privy to a complex conservation narrative underpinning the daily workings of this institution.

Interesting Facts

Could you imagine cradling a cup of tea and feeling its comforting warmth resonating in your hands? Now, envision the birth of a newborn panda, a creature so charming it can melt hearts in an instance, weighing almost the same as your cup of tea. At the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breathing, such quaint yet compelling parallels between our everyday experiences and the glorious world of these endearing creatures are merely the tip of the iceberg. This is your chance to witness first-hand, not just the mesmerising allure of these pandas, but also the factual wonders lying behind their captivating exterior.

Not to be outdone by their adorable offspring, adult pandas put on quite a show themselves with their voracious appetite. Brace yourself as you behold these gentle giants triumphantly crunching through up to 40 kg of bamboo each day - an equivalent to chomping down about 800 apples! And speaking of impressively hefty feats, did you know pandas sit down while eating, much like us humans, using their wrists as a prop? It's a sight to behold and a testament to their evolution for survival in this ever-changing terrain.

As you tread the pathways of this verdant research base, keep an eye out for these fascinating nuggets of information, for every fact you unravel adds a deeper layer to your rich, Chengdu experience.

In July 2021, Chinese authorities revised the classification of the giant panda from endangered to vulnerable status.

Location & How to Get to There

Resting at Futou Mountain of the Chenghua district in Sichuan, the base is conveniently located just 10 km from the heart of Chengdu city, making it an accessible and easy-to-locate paradise for nature enthusiasts.

Hail a cab from the city centre or hop onto bus number 87 or 198 transferring at the Panda Base stop. The journey will fly by in just 30 minutes, enabling you to delve right into this otherworldly realm of natural beauty swiftly.

Contact Information

Address: 1375 Xiongmao Boulevard, Chengdu, Sichuan, China, 610016
Contact number: +86 28 8351 0033
Email: pandabase@panda.org.cn
Website: China Giant Panda Breeding Research Base

Behold a sanctuary where the word 'conservation' transcends the ink it’s written with and blossoms into robust, living poetry. Here, every panda, with its soulful eyes and playful demeanour, becomes a character in an inspiring story that you're not just reading about but living through with every breath of the crisp, verdant air. It's a pristine classroom where knowledge isn't confined to textbooks but leisurely wanders before your eyes, inviting a whisper of awe with its unscripted grace.

As the sun casts golden beams through the foliage, casting an alchemic glow on every leaf and fur, you realise you have become part of a dialogue—a wordless exchange with Mother Nature herself, where the language spoken is one of raw beauty and a profound pledge for preservation.

In this intimate proximity with the pandas' serene world, you don't just observe—you connect, you understand, you respect. And as you leave this enchanted land, the transformation within is palpable—you're no longer merely a visitor, but a lifelong guardian of nature's delicate wonders.

Every adventure holds a tale, and we can't wait to hear yours! Share your gastronomic delights and travel triumphs with us on Instagram by tagging @rollinggrace or using #RollingGrace. Here's to journeys leading to amazing narratives!