World-famous panda conservation center where visitors can see giant pandas and red pandas. Best visited in the morning when pandas are most active.

About Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding

The Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding is China\'s most popular panda attraction and a global center for giant panda conservation. The 250-acre facility in northern Chengdu houses over 200 giant pandas and 100+ red pandas in naturalistic habitats of bamboo groves, lakes, and forested hills. The best viewing is early morning (before 10:00 AM) when the pandas are most active for feeding.

The base\'s star residents regularly include baby pandas born in the breeding program—the nursery viewing area, where newborns can sometimes be seen, is the most popular spot. An adjacent museum explains the species\' biology, threats, and conservation efforts. The expanded North Garden area opened in 2022, significantly increasing the parkland and spreading crowds. Visitors should note that interaction programs (holding pandas) were discontinued years ago, but excellent viewing platforms bring you within meters of the animals.

Nearby Landmarks

Giant Panda Breeding Base Zhaojue Temple Northern Suburb Park Panda Museum

Transport Options

Taxi

Cost CNY 80-120 (USD 11-17)
Time 45-60 minutes

Follow "Taxi" signs at arrivals. Queue at official taxi stand. Metered fares, no need to negotiate.

Rideshare (Grab/Uber)

Cost CNY 70-100 (USD 10-14)
Time 45-60 minutes

Didi pickup from arrivals level

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Metro Line 10 to Taipingyuan. 2. Transfer to Line 3 toward Junqu General Hospital. 3. Exit at Panda Avenue. 4. Take shuttle bus or taxi to Panda Base.

Quick Comparison

Option Cost Time Best For
Taxi CNY 80-120 (USD 11-17) 45-60 minutes Convenience, groups, heavy luggage
Rideshare CNY 70-100 (USD 10-14) 45-60 minutes Budget-conscious, app users

Good to Know

Late Night Transport

The Panda Base closes at 6:00 PM (last entry 5:00 PM). There is no practical reason to visit at night, and the area has limited evening transport. Returning to the airport after a late afternoon visit, take a taxi or DiDi (¥100–150 to the airport). The nearest metro station connects to the airport line.

Luggage Tips

The Panda Base does not offer luggage storage. If visiting on the way to or from the airport, arrange luggage storage at your hotel, a downtown locker, or leave bags in a taxi trunk (negotiate a waiting rate of ¥100/hour). The base involves significant walking (2–4 hours) so travel light with a daypack only.

Accessibility

The Panda Base has paved paths and a shuttle bus (sightseeing vehicle, ¥10) that covers the main loop, making it partially accessible for wheelchair users. Some viewing platforms have steps, but many exhibits can be viewed from the paved path. The new North Garden has better accessibility than the older southern section. Wheelchair rental is available at the entrance.