Dujiangyan Panda Base

For many travelers, seeing giant pandas is one of the most memorable experiences during a trip to China. Located in Qingchengshan Town, Dujiangyan City, about 1.5 hours’ drive from Chengdu, the Dujiangyan Panda Base offers visitors a chance to observe these beloved animals while learning about panda conservation and research.

As an important facility of the China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda, the base focuses on panda protection, scientific research, and public education. Surrounded by mountains and bamboo forests near Mount Qingcheng, it provides a more peaceful environment than the Chengdu Panda Base. The center is home to more than 40 giant pandas, with over 20 open for public viewing.

With fewer crowds and unique panda volunteer programs that are not offered at the Chengdu Panda Base, Dujiangyan Panda Base has become a popular choice for travelers seeking a more personal panda experience. Its location in Dujiangyan also makes it easy to combine with nearby attractions such as the Dujiangyan Irrigation System and Mount Qingcheng, creating a perfect day trip from Chengdu.

Note: The Dujiangyan Panda Base has been temporarily closed since April 23, 2026 for facility upgrades and renovation preparation. The reopening date has not yet been announced. Please check the latest updates before planning your visit.

Quick Facts

What to See at Dujiangyan Panda Base?

The highlight of visiting Dujiangyan Panda Base is, of course, observing giant pandas in a peaceful mountain setting. Visitors can see pandas resting, playing, and enjoying their meals in outdoor activity areas. Morning is usually the best time to visit, as pandas are often more active during cooler hours.

During certain periods, visitors may also have the chance to see younger pandas. The base is also home to red pandas, another fascinating species native to the forests of China, offering visitors a chance to discover more of Sichuan’s unique wildlife.

Recommended Route at Dujiangyan Panda Base

Dujiangyan Panda Base is a relatively large park, and most visitors need around 2–4 hours to explore it. The base includes several giant panda viewing areas and a smaller red panda area. The walking time between different sections is usually around 5–10 minutes, and shuttle buses are available for visitors who prefer a more convenient way to get around.

After entering the base, it is recommended to visit the panda viewing areas first, as giant pandas are usually more active in the morning. A suggested route is:

Visitor Center → Panpan Garden → Linzhe Garden (Red Panda Area) → Shuangnan Garden → Diequan Garden → Panda Culture Exhibition Hall → Exit

Among these areas, Diequan Garden is usually the highlight, as it has one of the largest concentrations of giant pandas. If you prefer to reduce walking, you can take the shuttle bus to the farther areas first and gradually return toward the entrance.

Panda Keeper Experience 

One of the unique highlights of Dujiangyan Panda Base is its interactive Panda Keeper Experience, which allows visitors to spend several hours experiencing the work of panda keepers and gaining a deeper understanding of giant panda conservation.

Unlike a regular panda visit, this hands-on program allows participants to join daily care activities under the guidance of professional staff. Depending on availability, activities may include preparing bamboo and panda food, cleaning panda areas, observing panda behavior, and learning about their daily care and protection.

What Can You Experience?

The program usually runs from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm (around 6 hours) and may include:

• Keeper orientation and safety briefing before starting the activities
• Preparing bamboo and panda food, including simple food preparation tasks
• Observing and recording panda behaviors
• Learning about panda care from professional keepers
• Watching panda documentaries
• Making special panda food and panda cakes
• Receiving a Panda Keeper Experience certificate

The exact schedule may vary depending on the base’s arrangements and the pandas’ health conditions on the day.

What You Should Know Before Joining

The Panda Keeper Experience is a separate activity from the regular entrance ticket and requires advance reservation. Please note that visitors cannot touch, hold, or hug pandas during the program. The experience focuses on learning about panda care and conservation rather than physical contact with pandas.

If you plan to join this activity, it is recommended to reserve in advance and allow enough time for both the experience and general sightseeing.

Besides Dujiangyan Panda Base, similar Panda Keeper Experiences can also be arranged at Bifengxia Panda Base in Ya’an and the Wolong Panda Base in Wolong Nature Reserve, providing more options for travelers interested in taking part in panda conservation activities.

How to Get to Dujiangyan Panda Base?

Dujiangyan Panda Base is located in Qingchengshan Town, Dujiangyan City, about 65 km northwest of Chengdu.

By Private Car (Recommended)

For international travelers, taking a private car is the most convenient way to visit Dujiangyan Panda Base. The journey from Chengdu takes about 1.5 hours, and you can arrange your visit together with nearby attractions such as Dujiangyan Irrigation System or Mount Qingcheng on the same day.

A private transfer also saves time and avoids the challenges of navigating multiple public transportation connections.

By Public Transportation

You can also reach Dujiangyan Panda Base by public transport:

• Take an intercity high-speed train from Chengdu Xipu Station to Qingchengshan Railway Station (around 30–40 minutes).
• From Qingchengshan Station, take Bus 102 to the Panda Base stop, or take a taxi (about 10 minutes) for a more direct transfer.

The total journey usually takes around 1–2 hours, depending on connections. While public transportation is possible, a private car is generally more suitable for visitors who want to combine the panda base with other sightseeing stops.

FAQ

Is Dujiangyan Panda Base better than Chengdu Panda Base?

Neither is necessarily better — they simply offer different experiences. Chengdu Panda Base is the classic choice for first-time visitors, while Dujiangyan Panda Base offers a quieter setting and a more immersive panda conservation experience.

Can I hold a panda at Dujiangyan Panda Base?

No. Visitors are not allowed to hold, hug, or directly touch giant pandas at Dujiangyan Panda Base. Even during the Panda Keeper Experience, the activities focus on learning about panda care, preparing food, and supporting conservation work rather than physical contact with pandas.

How long does it take to visit Dujiangyan Panda Base?

Most visitors spend around 2–4 hours at the base. If joining the Panda Keeper Experience, allow around a day.

Can I visit Dujiangyan Panda Base and Qingcheng Mountain in one day?

Yes, it is possible to visit both places in one day, especially with a private car. However, the schedule may feel a little tight if you want to explore both attractions in depth. For a more relaxed experience, it is better to arrange enough time for each attraction or combine the panda base with other nearby stops according to your interests.

Do I need to book the Panda Keeper Experience in advance?

Yes. The Panda Keeper Experience usually requires advance reservation, and availability may be limited. If you are interested in joining this activity, you can contact Great Tibet Tour, and we will be happy to help check availability and arrange your Dujiangyan panda visit.