Dujiangyan Panda Base

Visitor update (October 18, 2026): The Dujiangyan Base of the China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda (also called Dujiangyan Panda Ark or Dujiangyan China Giant Panda Garden) closed on April 23, 2026 for facility upgrades. The centre’s closure announcement says a reopening date will be announced separately. I have not found a confirmed reopening notice. Confirm reopening before booking travel or a keeper programme. This is a different facility from Dujiangyan Panda Valley.

The Dujiangyan Panda Base is a Giant Panda sanctuary in Dujiangyan, China. It houses older pandas that were previously on loan at zoos around the world. And it provides medical care for injured wild pandas that are discovered by local villagers.

Before the closure, visitors could explore the sanctuary and join separately booked panda keeper experiences. The visit and keeper programme described below reflect my earlier experience. Confirm future admission, prices, and programme availability only after reopening is announced.

Why are Giant Panda Bases needed?

As unbelievable as it sounds, in the 1980s Giant Pandas were facing Extinction!

To combat this, the Chinese government spends millions of dollars every year on Giant Panda conservation. This includes growing bamboo for pandas in the wild. And training villagers to call a special hotline if they see an injured wild panda.

In 2016, the IUCN Red List reclassified giant pandas from Endangered to Vulnerable following population recovery. Continued habitat protection remains essential.

All Pandas are the Property of the Chinese Government

Every Giant Panda on Earth comes from 3 provinces in south central China – Sichuan, Shaanxi, and Gansu. They live in bamboo forests high in the mountains.

In 1972 China gifted the United States with 2 Giant Pandas. Soon after, other countries requested and received pandas.

Then in 1984 China changed its policy. Instead of gifting Giant Pandas to foreign countries, they loaned them for 10+ years. The offspring of the pandas on loan are considered the property of the Chinese government, even if they are born on foreign soil.

For a U.S. panda visit, see the National Zoo in Washington D.C. and San Diego Zoo. U.S. panda locations have changed: Zoo Atlanta’s pandas returned to China in October 2024, so older zoo lists should not be used to plan a trip.

Want to learn more about pandas? Check out my Top 23 Amazing Panda Facts blog!

Giant Panda Breeding Centers in China

Due to habitat loss, there are less than 2,400 Giant Pandas in the world. In response, the Chinese government created over 40 Panda Reserves.

In addition, they built 4 Giant Panda Breeding Centers to breed the beautiful creatures in captivity. (I have been to two – Chengdu and Dujiangyan! I hope to make it to the other two – Bifengxia  and Wolongone!) The ultimate goal is to release the pandas into the wild.

Volunteer Panda Keeper Program

The Volunteer Panda Keeper program at Dujiangyan Panda Base was a memorable part of my earlier visit. I did it. It was amazing! This account describes that past experience; the base is currently closed for upgrades, so do not assume the programme is available to book.

Dujiangyan Base Services

The Dujiangyan Base includes a panda hospital, a medical lab, 10 sets of monitoring enclosures, 30 sets of enclosures, a panda kitchen, an educational center and staff housing.

Injured and Senior Pandas

Dujiangyan Panda Base provides medical care to sick or injured wild pandas from the surrounding area.

The base also serves as a “nursing home” for senior and disabled pandas. And pandas leaving or returning to China are placed in the quarantine area for observation.

Giant Panda Disease Prevention and Research

The Dujiangyan Panda Base is much more than a sanctuary. It houses a large laboratory that studies Giant Panda disease prevention.

The Giant Panda Education Center teaches the public about panda behavior using interactive displays. And there are multiple exhibits that demonstrate how Giant Pandas are rescued and brought to the panda base for treatment.

Giant Panda Souvenir Shop

The Giant Panda Souvenir Shop sells every type of stuffed panda you could imagine! It also sells apparel, bookmarks, and key chains. Almost all visitors to the park wear a panda shirt. It’s a good place to get yours.

Where to Stay Near the Dujiangyan Panda Base

Staying nearby not only saves you an early-morning commute, but also lets you soak up the peaceful scenery of this mountain-surrounded area. Here are top-rated accommodations for every budget:

Budget Accommodation – Qingcheng Mountain Huakai Shiminsu

If you want to stay close to nature without sacrificing comfort, Qingcheng Mountain Huakai Shiminsu is a fantastic pick. This cozy 3-star hotel offers beautiful views of Mount Qingcheng, clean and stylish rooms, and a tranquil atmosphere. It’s ideal for nature lovers and couples looking for a peaceful escape.

Mid-Range Accommodation – Atour Hotel Chengdu Dujiangyan Darong City

For a stylish and modern stay in the heart of Dujiangyan, Atour Hotel ticks all the boxes. Guests rave about the clean, spacious rooms, excellent service, and convenient location near shops, dining, and local attractions. It’s a short drive to the panda base – perfect for easy day trips.

Luxury Accommodation – Howard Johnson Conference Resort Chengdu

Looking for something upscale near the panda base? Howard Johnson Conference Resort offers a full resort experience with lush gardens, a fitness center, and spacious rooms. While its rating is a bit lower, travelers appreciate the peaceful setting and amenities. Great for families or couples wanting a quiet retreat.

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