Tour Overview
The giant panda is one of China’s most recognisable animals. Indigenous to the country’s south central region, this revered creature was previously on the endangered species list. Now categorised as ‘vulnerable’, the giant panda has been given a helping hand in recent years by a network of reserves across China, and it is at these reserves that you have the best chance of seeing giant pandas for yourself.
Chengdu – the unofficial hometown of the panda – has four difference reserves, each one open to the public. Chengdu Panda Base is the most popular with tourists and has the highest number of pandas out of the four reserves (around 50). If you’re short on time, this is the reserve to visit as it is easily navigated in half a day. It also has its own breeding programme, meaning you may get the chance to see cubs during your visit.
If you’re eager to get up close and personal with China’s pandas then head to Dujiangyan Panda Base. This reserve runs a volunteer programme, allowing visitors to experience a full day as a panda keeper. If you’ve a little extra time then you might prefer to spend experience life as a keeper at Bifengxia Panda Base, where visitors can volunteer for two days or more.
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At Wolong Panda Center, you can also volunteer to care for the animals. In addition to giant pandas, this reserve also houses a number of elusive red pandas and even offers the chance to hand-feed panda cubs – a truly unforgettable experience.
Contact Pure Destinations today to plan your China holiday, call us on 0800 0856 846
