If you’re planning to see pandas in China, here are some of the best places to visit, each with a detailed description, location, and highlights:
Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding
Located about 10 kilometers northeast of Tianfu Square in downtown Chengdu, Sichuan Province, the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding was established in 1987. It spans over 3.07 square kilometers and is designed to mimic the natural habitat of giant pandas. The base is one of the most important panda conservation centers in the world and is home to around 237 giant pandas of various ages. It’s an excellent place for both tourists and researchers to observe pandas up close in an environment that closely resembles their natural habitat.
Location: No.1375 Panda Road, Northern Suburb of Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
Highlights:
- Home to 237 giant pandas of various ages
- Offers a chance to see panda cubs
- Sightseeing buses available for easier access around the base
- Famous pandas like Hua Hua, known for her docile nature
Guangzhou Chimelong Safari Park
The Chimelong Safari Park, located in Panyu, Guangzhou, spans over 2,000 acres and is known for its extensive collection of exotic animals and large-scale wildlife breeding programs. The park is divided into two main areas: a self-driving tour area and a walking tour area. It offers a unique experience with its thrilling animal shows, extensive wildlife exhibits, and the ability to drive through areas where animals roam freely.
Location: Panyu Avenue, Guangzhou, China
Highlights:
- Self-driving tour allows close encounters with wild animals
- Home to 10 giant pandas, 20 koalas, and 150 white tigers, among others
- Features the world’s largest animal performance team
- Easily accessible via subway (Line 3, Hanxi Changlong Station)
Wolong National Nature Reserve
Established in 1963, the Wolong National Nature Reserve is located in the southwest of Wenchuan County, Sichuan Province. Known as the “Hometown of Giant Pandas,” it covers a vast area that is ideal for the living and reproduction of giant pandas due to its warm and humid climate and abundant bamboo forests. The reserve also hosts a variety of other endangered species and is considered a ‘Bio-gene Bank’ due to its rich biodiversity.
Location: Southwest of Wenchuan County, 130km from Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
Highlights:
- One of the earliest and largest panda reserves in China
- Known as a ‘Bio-gene Bank’ with numerous rare plant and animal species
- Offers the Shenshuping Panda Center for panda tours and volunteer programs
Chongqing Zoo
Chongqing Zoo, situated in the Jiulongpo District of Chongqing, was built in 1953 and covers an area of 45 hectares. The zoo is famous for its giant panda exhibit and also houses red pandas, South China tigers, white tigers, and African elephants. It serves as an important base for the protection and research of wild animals, making it a popular attraction for both locals and tourists.
Location: Yangjiaping, Jiulongpo District, Chongqing, China
Highlights:
- Home to giant pandas and red pandas
- Features rare species like the South China tiger and white tiger
- Panda feeding times from 8:30 AM to 10:30 AM
- Important conservation and research facility
Shanghai Wild Animal Park (上海野生动物园)
Opened in 1995, the Shanghai Wild Animal Park is China’s first national-level wild animal park, covering 1.53 square kilometers. Located in Shanghai’s Pudong New Area, the park offers a combination of animal exhibitions, breeding, conservation, and entertainment. Visitors can drive through certain areas to see animals up close or explore on foot.
Location: No. 178 Nanliu Road, Pudong New Area, Shanghai, China
Highlights:
- Houses over 200 species, including giant pandas, golden monkeys, and white rhinos
- Features both walk-through and drive-through areas
- AAAAA tourist attraction known for its educational programs and recreational facilities.
Beijing Zoo (北京动物园)
Beijing Zoo, established in 1906, is one of the oldest zoos in China and covers an area of 89 hectares. It is located in the Xicheng District of Beijing and is home to a vast collection of both domestic and international animal species. The zoo is particularly famous for its giant panda exhibit and plays a crucial role in panda conservation and breeding.
Location: No.137 Xizhimen Outer Street, Xicheng District, Beijing, China
Highlights:
- Historic zoo with over 100 years of history
- Home to giant pandas, along with tigers, lions, and elephants
- Features a panda house where visitors can view pandas in a specially designed habitat
- Engages in significant conservation and breeding programs
These locations offer an immersive experience to see and learn about giant pandas and other rare species, making them ideal destinations for animal lovers and conservation enthusiasts.
