Dujiangyan Panda Base
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.
Visitors can walk around the 126-acre sanctuary at their own pace and view the pandas in their enormous enclosures. And for an extra fee, they can volunteer as a panda keeper for the day. Tickets can be purchased online or onsite.
Dujiangyan Panda Base
Opening Hours: Open Daily from 8:00am-5:00pm
Cost: Full-day volunteer program: around $100 per person
Location: Huaizhong Road, Shiqiao Village, Qingcheng Town in Dujiangyan City
Phone #: +86-28-8504 4854
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 1990 Giant Pandas were upgraded to Endangered. And in 2019 they were upgraded to Vulnerable.
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.
Most Americans would be surprised to learn that only 3 zoos in the U.S. have Giant Pandas – National Zoo in Washington D.C., the Zoo Atlanta, and the Memphis Zoo.
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 has been voted the top panda experience in the world. For a fee, visitors can volunteer as a zookeeper for a day. I did it. It was amazing!
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.
➡️Click here to book your stay at Qingcheng Mountain Huakai Shiminsu!
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.
➡️Click here to book your stay at Atour Hotel Chengdu Dujiangyan Darong City!
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.
➡️Click here to book your stay at Howard Johnson Conference Resort Chengdu!
