World-renowned ex-situ conservation base and scientific breeding center for giant pandas, covering about 3.07 square kilometers, where you can closely observe giant panda breeding and daily activities; one of Chengdu's most popular tourist attractions.
The most convenient and highest-density place in the world to see giant pandas, with outrageously cute cubs—it's the number one reason to visit Chengdu.
As an iconic attraction in Chengdu, the Panda Base is worth a visit, especially for families with children and animal lovers. Despite the crowds, the healing joy of seeing pandas makes up for the queues and congestion. Arrive early for a better experience.
Tickets & Transport
Tickets
- Adult ticket
- ¥55
- Child ticket
- ¥27
- Free
- No
- Reservation required
- Yes
- Real-name required
- Yes
- Ticket methods
- Tickets can be booked through the official WeChat public account "Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding", or purchased by scanning QR codes on site (advance booking recommended during peak season).
- Ticket notes
- Fully online real-name reservation, no on-site ticket windows. Tickets can be booked up to 14 days in advance.
Opening Hours
- Last entry
- Mar–Oct 17:00; Nov–Feb 16:30 (last entry for afternoon tickets)
- Ticket sales end
- 16:30
- Holiday hours
- On statutory holidays, the park usually opens as early as 07:00; check official announcements for specifics.
- Seasonal hours
- Summer opening times (May–Oct) may be adjusted; please follow official notices.
- Temporary closure
- The base may be temporarily closed under special circumstances (e.g., pandemics or extreme weather); please watch for official notices.
- Opening notes
- Mar–Oct 07:30–18:00 (closes at 18:00); Nov–Feb 08:00–17:30 (closes at 17:30)
Best Time to Visit
- Best time of day
- Enter with the first group at 07:30 opening (pandas are most active in the morning)
- Best day of week
- Weekdays (Tuesday to Thursday) are less crowded
- Best season
- Spring and autumn are best (comfortable temperatures, active pandas); summer mornings are also fine
- Avoid times
- Extremely crowded on weekends and public holidays
- Avoid days
- Public holidays and weekends
- Crowd level
- Very High
- Crowd peak time
- 09:00-11:00
Getting There
- Metro station
- Panda Avenue Station (Metro Line 3, Exit A; transfer to Bus 198/198A/D025, about a 10-minute ride)
- Metro line
- Line 3
- Metro exit
- Exit A
- Metro distance
- 1.2km
- Metro walk
- 15min
In Detail
The panda base replicates the wild ecological environment of giant pandas. The Young Panda Villa, Moonlight Nursery, and Sunshine Nursery are the core exhibition areas. The park is large, so take the sightseeing shuttle to the nurseries at the far end first, then walk back toward the entrance, passing the exhibits along the way. Pandas are most active when you enter in the early morning.
What to expect
Inside the base, you can follow the walkways to visit the various panda villas and nurseries in turn, seeing giant pandas munching bamboo, rolling around, climbing trees, and sleeping in their charmingly goofy poses. Besides giant pandas, you'll also encounter red pandas, peacocks, and other animals. The park has rest areas, souvenir shops, and dining spots. Since the park is large, plan for about 3–4 hours in total when exploring on foot or by sightseeing shuttle.
How to visit
It's recommended to enter as early as possible when the park opens at 7:30 AM. Take the sightseeing shuttle to the Moonlight Nursery and Sunshine Nursery at the far end, then walk your way back out. This helps you avoid the peak crowds and see pandas in their most active state. The park has clear signage, so you can follow the suggested routes. After your visit, you can take a scenic-area direct bus or the metro back to the city from near the exit.
Pros
1. Many pandas, great viewing opportunities
2. Beautiful park grounds with comfortable walkways
3. Rich science education content
4. Great for family trips
Cons
1. Extremely crowded on holidays and weekends
2. Large park, tiring to walk around
3. Hot in summer, pandas less active
4. Limited dining options with high prices
Highlights
- Observe the daily activities of giant panda cubs and adult pandas up close
- The Moon and Sun nurseries are excellent spots to see panda cubs
- The park recreates a wild ecological environment with lush bamboo groves and fresh air
- Features a panda museum and educational facilities that combine learning with fun
FAQ
What is the best time to see pandas?
Pandas are most active in the early morning after opening (7:30-9:00), making it the best time for viewing and photos.
Can I touch or feed the pandas?
No. For the safety and health of the pandas, visitors are not allowed to touch or feed them. Please follow the park rules.
Are there restaurants inside the park?
Yes, the park has simple meals, snacks, and coffee shops, but options are limited. We suggest bringing your own water and small snacks.
Field Tips
Best photo spot
1. Moon Nursery: the cubs' nursery, where you can photograph adorable newborn pandas.
2. Sun Nursery: another panda nursery, with lively cubs – great for candid shots.
3. Young Panda Villa: young pandas playing outdoors with a natural bamboo backdrop.
4. Adult Panda Villa: adult pandas eating or resting – ideal for close-ups.
5. Bamboo Trail in the park: a dense bamboo backdrop, perfect for portraits.
Best entrance South Gate (main entrance), near the metro shuttle stop and parking lot, easy entry.
Best exit South Gate (main entrance), where you'll find sightseeing shuttle buses and bus stops for a convenient return.
Scores
Trip Planner
Facilities
Accessibility
Location & Nearby
Nearby attractions
- Chengdu Botanical Garden (2.3 km)
- Jinmen Scenic Area (4.4 km)
- Chengdu Zoo (4.5 km)
- Hongcang Perfect Cultural Creativity Industrial Park (6.4 km)
- Eastern Suburb Memory (8.1 km)