Chengdu in China is known around the globe for two distinct characteristics; one is its sublime Hotpot which is very much at the heart of Sichuan cuisine and secondly, its giant panda population which can be found in various parts of the city. Outlined below is a detailed breakdown of why you should visit Chengdu and better yet, visit the breeding centres where these species find refuge.

Two newborn panda babys at the panda breeding station in Chengdu, China | Image via unsplash

Found on the outskirts of Chengdu is arguably, the most visited and talked about Giant Panda reserve which is titled the Giant Panda Breeding Centre. As of the time of writing, the Centre offers a home to 50 of the mentioned species and within the compound, you will be led on an incredible journey where the minute details of the Giant Panda will be unveiled to you. What’s more? You will be fed invaluable information concerning not merely the Giant Panda but also that of its cousin, the Red Panda which is native to Sichuan.

Perceived as a magnet for nature lovers and those who yearn for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to study the behavioural patterns and the habitats of one of the city’s prized possessions, the facility which has an entrance fee of RMB 58 opens its doors daily from 7.30 am to 6.00 pm. Ideally, look towards spending at least half a day at the Breeding Centre for you will not be disappointed. This is because you will have access to witnessing how these animals are fed and nurtured no sooner they open their eyes. However, do note that the Giant Panda is quite laidback and for the best experience of seeing them climbing trees and frolicking about in water, then be sure to head over during the morning hours. Worthy of mention is the fact that the enclosures are large and thus, it will be prudent on your behalf to carry a camera with a good zoom lens or have a phone that can zone in on every inch of the Breeding Centre. If looking for a decent base from where such adventures can be had, then consider booking into well-appointed apartments. Chengdu CBD offers great options like Citadines Gaoxin Chengdu from where a host of public and private transportation facilities can be availed of ahead of reaching the Giant Panda Breeding Centre.

Deciding to head over to Dujiangyan Panda Base will ensure that you receive more than what you initially bargained for. This is attributed to the fact that Dujiangyan holds a special place from a cultural perspective. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is home to an impressive irrigation system of more than 2,000 years, the area is where Mount Qingcheng is situated which is one of the 4 holy mountains in Sichuan that is considered to be one of the origins of Taoism. Established in 2014, the Dujiangyan Panda Base is one of the recent additions to Chengdu’s Giant Panda facilities and is located some 90 minutes away from Chengdu. What makes visiting the Base a worthwhile pursuit boils down to the fact that you can also sign up to be a volunteer. Therefore, for the entrance ticket price of RMB 60, you certainly will be getting your money’s worth with numerous Giant Panda sightings all but guaranteed.

Completing the triumvirate of Giant Panda bases in Chengdu is the acclaimed Wolong Panda Centre which is nestled deep in the heart of dense jungles. While you can visit the Centre by car which will take approximately 2 hours, a perk of spending time here is that you will be handed a chance to click your picture with one of its inhabitants that will in turn, make for a great story to be narrated once home. On the flip side, you can also buy a ticket for a bus journey that functions out of all the city’s leading bus stations. The surrounding environs which are quite the far cry from other facilities owing to its natural setting must not be missed out on whenever the thought of Giant Pandas begins trickling through your mind.