
As one of China’s most famous attractions, the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding (often called “Chengdu Panda Base”) is a must-visit for wildlife lovers.
Chengdu Panda Base - Tickets Prices & Reviews

Book tickets in advance via Trip.com to skip lines—no on-site tickets are guaranteed during peak seasons (holidays, weekends). Prices are in CNY but subject to change (Trip.com offers discounted bundles, please check on button):
Ticket Type | Details | Price (CNY) |
|---|---|---|
Adult Ticket | Ages 19–59 | 55 |
Child/Student Ticket | Ages 7–18; full-time students (18–23) | 27 |
Free Entry | Kids ≤6 years old; seniors ≥60; disabled visitors (with ID) | 0 |
Fast-Track + Guided Tour | Admission + skip-the-line + multilingual guide | 300–500 |
Ticket + Souvenir | Admission + panda keychain/headband/fridge magnet | 65–75 |
Combo Tickets | Admission + “Panda Planet” Light & Shadow Exhibition | 95 (adult) / 80 (student) |
Note: Prices may fluctuate slightly—check Trip.com Chengdu Panda Base for the latest deals and combo packages (e.g., panda base + Sichuan opera + dinner).





What Is Chengdu Panda Base?

Founded in 1987, the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding is a world-leading center for panda conservation, scientific research, and eco-tourism. Spanning 3.07 square kilometers in northern Chengdu (10km from downtown), it’s home to over 200 giant pandas and red pandas, including adorable cubs in dedicated nurseries.
The base recreates pandas’ natural habitat with bamboo forests, lakes, and streams, offering visitors up-close views of these national treasures. It also features educational facilities like the Giant Panda Museum and Science Discovery Center, highlighting efforts to protect endangered wildlife.
Where Is Chengdu Panda Base Located?
The base is situated at No. 1375, Panda Avenue (Waibei), Chenghua District, Chengdu. It’s 10km north of downtown Chengdu (20–30 minutes by car) and 37km from Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport (40 minutes by car). The nearest subway stations are on Line 3, with connecting buses to the base’s south or west gates.
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Chengdu Panda Base Opening Hours & Best Time to Visit

Chengdu Panda Base - Opening Hours
- March 1–October 31 (Summer Season): 7:30 AM – 6:00 PM (last entry at 5:00 PM)
- Morning admission: 7:30 AM – 12:00 PM | Afternoon admission: 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
- November 1–February 28/29 (Winter Season): 8:00 AM – 5:30 PM (last entry at 4:30 PM)
- Morning admission: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM | Afternoon admission: 12:00 PM – 4:30 PM
Chengdu Panda Base - Best Time to Visit
Mornings (7:30–10:00 AM) are ideal—pandas are most active (eating bamboo, playing) before temperatures rise. Avoid Mondays if you want to see the famous panda “Hua Hua” (she has a rest day). Summer visits (June–August) require early arrival (before 8:00 AM) to beat heat (pandas retreat indoors above 26°C). Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) offer mild weather and vibrant scenery.
How to Get to Chengdu Panda Base

Chengdu Panda Base is easily accessible via public transport, shuttle buses, or private rides—here’s how to get there:
Get to Chengdu Panda Base by Public Transport
- Metro + Bus:
- South Gate Entry: Take Metro Line 3 to “Panda Avenue Station” (Exit A) and transfer to Shuttle Bus 408 directly to the South Gate. Alternatively, take Metro Line 3 to “Zoo Station” and switch to Bus 655 or 87 for the South Gate.
- West Gate Entry: Take Metro Line 3 to “Chengdu Junqu General Hospital Station” (Exit B), walk 280m to the bus stop, then ride Shuttle Bus 409, 110, or 659 to the West Gate (10-minute drive).
- Direct Scenic Buses: Dedicated buses run from downtown spots like Chunxi Road and Kuanzhai Alleys. Check routes via WeChat Mini Program “Scenic Area Direct Bus,” Chengdu Bus APP, or the “Chengdu Tourism & Sightseeing Bus” official WeChat account.

Credit: Chengdu Panda Base Official
Get to Chengdu Panda Base by Sightseeing Shuttle
The base’s paid sightseeing bus is ideal for travelers with kids, seniors, or those short on time—here’s the latest info:
Operating Hours:
- Summer (March 1–Oct 31): 7:30 AM – 6:00 PM (ticket sales end at 5:30 PM)
- Winter (Nov 1–Feb 28): 8:00 AM – 5:30 PM (ticket sales end at 5:00 PM)
Fares & Rules:
Adult Ticket: CNY 30 (valid for 1 day, max 5 rides). Free for kids ≤1.3m (1 child per adult, no separate seat). Special tickets are non-amendable/non-transferable—use your original ID for boarding.
Routes:
- South → West: South Gate → Panda Villa → Sun Nursery → Reception Hall → Panda Tower → Star Nursery → Panda Creek Valley → West Gate.
- West → South: West Gate → Panda Creek Valley → Star Nursery → Panda Tower → Villa No.1 → Sun Nursery → Panda Villa → South Gate.
Get to Chengdu Panda Base by Private Rides
- Taxi/Ride-Hailing (Didi): From downtown Chengdu, fares are ~¥30–50 (20–30 minutes). From Shuangliu Airport, fares are ~¥100–150 (40 minutes).
- Car Rental: Drive via the Third Ring Road to Panda Avenue—on-site parking is available for ~¥10/day.
Departure Point | Estimated Fare (CNY) | Duration |
|---|---|---|
Shuangliu International Airport | ~100 | 40–50 mins |
Tianfu International Airport | ~200 | 60–70 mins |
Downtown Chengdu (Chunxi Road) | ~40 | 25–35 mins |
Chengdu East Railway Station | ~40 | 20–30 mins |
What to Do at Chengdu Panda Base

Chengdu Panda Base - Must-See Attractions
- Giant Panda Villa No. 6 (Home to Hua Hua): The base’s most famous panda, Hua Hua, lives here. To visit: Enter South Gate → Straight ahead to Golden Panda sign → Turn right downhill → Left at Swan Lake → Follow path to Villa No. 6. Arrive by 7:30 AM for the best view (she rests on hot days/Mondays).
- Giant Panda Sunshine Nursery: See newborn and young cubs (0–1 year old) in a climate-controlled area. Photography is not allowed to avoid disturbing the cubs, but the sight of fuzzy, pinkish pandas is unforgettable.

- Adult Panda Villas (No. 1 & 2): Watch full-grown pandas eat bamboo, climb trees, or nap—these spacious habitats offer great photo opportunities.
- Giant Panda Museum: Learn about panda biology, conservation history, and the base’s breeding programs through interactive exhibits and videos (English explanations available).

Chengdu Panda Base - Top Experiences
- Multilingual Guided Tours: Book a private or group tour (English, Spanish, French) to get insider info on pandas’ habits and conservation (Trip.com offers tours with live commentary).
- Panda Planet Light & Shadow Exhibition: A immersive digital show about pandas’ natural habitats—perfect for evening visits (adds 1–1.5 hours to your trip).
- Panda Post Office: Buy panda-themed postcards, stamp them with a unique panda postmark, and send them worldwide as souvenirs.
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Panda Breeding & Conservation at Chengdu Base

The base is a global leader in giant panda breeding, with a 90% success rate in captive breeding. Key conservation efforts include:
- Cub Rearing: Newborn pandas are cared for in nurseries (mothers often raise one cub, while the other is hand-reared to ensure survival). Cubs stay in nurseries until they’re 1–2 years old, when they move to adult villas.
- Wildness Training: Selected pandas undergo training in the base’s “Panda Valley” (a separate facility) to prepare for potential reintroduction to the wild.
- Research Collaboration: The base partners with international organizations (e.g., WWF) to study panda genetics, diet, and habitat protection—helping to increase the wild panda population from 1,114 (1988) to over 1,800 today.
Chengdu Panda Base - Map & Routes

Credit: Chengdu Panda Base Official Site, See Full Map of Chengdu Panda Base
The base is divided into four main areas: Panda Villas, Nurseries, Museum, and Panda Valley. Choose a route based on your visit duration:

1.5-Hour Route (Quick Visit)
West Gate → Moon-Embracing Hall → River-and-Moon Hall → Bright Moon Hall → Panda Valley (indoor area) → West Gate. Ideal for afternoon visits or travelers short on time—focuses on indoor panda viewing (cool in summer).
3-Hour Route (Classic Visit)
South Gate → Giant Panda Museum → Subadult Villa → Young Panda Villa → Villa No. 1 → Sunshine Nursery → South Gate. Covers all key spots, including cubs and adult pandas, plus a stop at the museum.
5-Hour Route (Deep Dive)
South Gate → Villa No. 6 (Hua Hua) → Adult Panda Villas → Museum → Sunshine Nursery → Panda Planet Exhibition → Panda Pedestrian Street → West Gate. Includes exhibits, souvenirs, and leisurely panda watching—perfect for wildlife enthusiasts.
Chengdu Panda Base - Must-Buy Souvenirs

- Panda Plush Toys: Adorable, high-quality plush pandas in various sizes—best-selling souvenirs for kids and adults.
- Canvas Tote Bags: Practical and cute, with panda designs—great for carrying snacks or souvenirs during your trip.
- Panda Postcards/Stamps: Collect unique panda-themed postcards or stamps from the Panda Post Office—send them to friends or keep as a memento.
Chengdu Panda Base Visitor Tips
- Closed Days: Villa No. 6, Giant Panda Museum, and Panda Art Museum close every Monday (statutory holidays except); Panda Tower closes every Tuesday—plan accordingly.
- Beat the Crowds: Arrive by 7:30 AM (summer) or 8:00 AM (winter) for active pandas and fewer people.
- Safety & Etiquette: Keep ≥3 meters from animals, don’t climb railings, avoid flash photography, and never feed pandas.
- Free Facilities: The North and South Gate visitor centers offer free luggage storage, wheelchairs, strollers, and water fountains; there are also mother and baby rooms and rest areas within the park.
- Emergency Help: For info/complaints, call 028-83510033; lost items: 028-83507814; medical assistance: 18080171553 (South Gate Clinic) or 028-83516808 (Reception Hall Clinic).
- Lighten Up: Use free storage lockers for large bags—travel light to enjoy walking the base.
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FAQs about Chengdu Panda Base
Is the Chengdu Panda Base worth visiting?
Yes—It’s the best place to see giant pandas up close, learn about conservation, and meet famous pandas like Hua Hua. The well-maintained habitats and educational exhibits make it a memorable experience for all ages.Which is the best panda base in Chengdu?
Chengdu Panda Base is the most convenient (closest to downtown) and popular for seeing cubs and famous pandas. Dujiangyan Panda Base offers panda “keeper experiences” (e.g., cleaning enclosures), while Wolong Panda Base is in a more natural mountain setting (2 hours from Chengdu).Is it better to go to Chengdu Panda Base in the morning or afternoon?
Morning (7:30–10:00 AM) is better—pandas are more active, and crowds are smaller. Afternoons are hotter (pandas retreat indoors) and busier, but quieter for visiting the museum.How long to spend at Dujiangyan Panda Base?
Plan 3–4 hours—Dujiangyan offers more interactive experiences (e.g., panda keeper programs) and a more scenic, less crowded setting than Chengdu Panda Base.Which is better: Dujiangyan or Wolong Panda Base?
Dujiangyan is better for interactive experiences (keeper programs) and convenience (1 hour from Chengdu). Wolong is better for a natural, remote setting (2 hours from Chengdu) and seeing pandas in semi-wild habitats—ideal for nature lovers.Can I hug a baby panda at Chengdu Panda Base?
No—Chengdu Panda Base does not offer panda-hugging to protect the cubs’ health and reduce stress. However, you can book “keeper experiences” at Dujiangyan Panda Base (for a fee) to interact with pandas (e.g., feeding, cleaning enclosures)—advance booking is required.











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