The Giant panda was declared an endangered species in 1990 and there is an estimated 1000-2000 still living in the wild. The destruction of bamboo forest have made survival for the pandas difficult. Captive breeding has proven to be successful with an estimated 200 living in captivity and breeding bases.
The most famous breeding sanctuaries for pandas is the Chengdu Panda Base where there are currently 83 pandas.
Location, Wild pandas can be found in Sichuan, Shaanxi and Gansu province. Chengdu is the hometown of the Giant Panda. Giant pandas are called living fossil by zoologists. There are several panda bases which offer panda keeping programs where participants can help take care of the pandas. Giant Panda Breeding Research Base is such a place where you can explore the daily life of the cute pandas, and get close to the lovely creatures. During panda bear tours, you will take a close look at these cute “China’s treasure”.
There is no better place for visiting the beloved giant pandas than the Research base of giant panda breeding in Chengdu. Studies have it that Chengdu has been a natural habitat for giant panda for thousands of years. Currently the research base is inhabited by over 80 giant pandas.
The research base is about 10 kilometers away from downtown Chengdu, locating at Futou mountain. You can get there by bus or taxi. After the main gate, you can go to the panda museum first. There you will be able to know the origins, the living habits, and preservation methods of the giant pandas. The next stop can be the sanctuary of young giant pandas. This is the place mainly panda monitory and for pandas to rest. So very likely you will see a bunch of pandas lying around, chilling under the air conditioners, and being completely indifferent of your existence. There is also a panda cinema that you can find on the map. It plays documentaries of the pandas.
While you keep walking, soon you will be able to see the pandas outdoor. One important hint, if the day is too hot, they will not let the pandas out, so pick the date of your visit wisely. Check the weather broadcast before you go. I remember that if the temperature is above 30 degrees, you won’t get the chance to see pandas outdoor. But am not sure at what time of the day they will let out the pandas.
Last but not least, we will head to the maternity room of pandas. There you will see baby pandas under 6 months old. You will have the chance to hold one of the cut creatures and have your photo taken. But you have to pay. More China tours from China Tour Advisors
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