Chengdu Travel Forum

We will arrive Chengdu around 6.00pm and heading out next late evening by train to Chongqing.

1. Is the "Panda Research Base/Giant Panda Breeding Center" located in the northern suburb (1-hr bus journey), my best bet to see the pandas?

2. How is this place compared to Wolong Nature Reserve (too little time too far for us)?

3. Anyone been there recently, any comments about the Centre?

Appreciate all replies. Thanks!

Given the little time you have, your best bet is to visit the panda research center just outside of Chengdu. I've been there about 2 years ago, and it's really not bad. Wolong is too far away and it's not an easy ride to get there.

Never been there but happened to find a map of the Chengdu breeding center here http://www.chinatrekking.com/maps/sichuan-maps/chengdu-panda-breeding-center-map.

I was there last year.

Best time to go is early morning when the Pandas are feeding and active. I thought we would not see very much as Pandas are shy but they seemed completely unfased by the people and flash photography.

I would budget to spend at least 2-3 hours there. There are a lot of pandas of different ages plus some red pandas. They are all so cute you will be mesmerised and want to watch them for ages.

There is also a small theatre where you can watch a movie about Panda breeding. There is also a gift shop within the complex which while not very big donates its profits back to the centre. If you buy stuff from the cheaper vendors outside then none of the money goes back to the centre.

Check out my tips at:
http://members.virtualtourist.com/m/8d50c/5a0/4/?o=1&i=1

and also
http://www.travelchinaguide.com/attraction/sichuan/chengdu/panda-breeding-and-research-center.htm

Thank to mim95, charming 9, mad4travel, ihotpot for your precious replies.

Will take note of the pointers.

Cheers!