A Comprehensive Panda Travel Guide

A Comprehensive Panda Travel Guide

There are many places to see lovely giant pandas in China. But where is the best place to go for a special panda trip? What is the best time to go? What other panda-themed activities can I enjoy?

We will give you some insiders’ recommendations and suggestions based on our field visit, and it may help you to plan your panda tour.

Where Are the Best Places to See Giant Pandas?

The five panda bases in and around Chengdu are the best places to see giant pandas. Which one is best for you depends on how much time you have and what kind of experience you want to have.

We highly recommend Chengdu Panda Base, Dujiangyan Panda Base, or Panda Valley. They’re all relatively close to the city and easy to combine with nearby attractions, so you won’t waste time on long drives and can better plan your itinerary.

Chengdu Panda Base is great for families with kids, student groups, those short on time, or anyone wanting to see the most pandas in one visit, and the star panda Hua Hua.

Dujiangyan Panda Base suits those who prefer fewer crowds, less walking, want to join a panda volunteer program, or spot the Singapore returnees, Panda Lele. It’s also good for group tours.

Panda Valley is ideal for families with kids or elderly visitors, and those who want a close-up view of pandas and photos.

Wolong Panda Base is best for those who want to see giant pandas and baby pandas in a quiet, scenic setting, as well as more overseas returnees like Fu Bao, Xiao Qi Ji, and Taishan.

Bifengxia Panda Base is a good choice if you want to avoid crowds and also see other animals in a larger wildlife park.

If you’re not visiting Chengdu but still want to see pandas, you can still catch them in other cities too, like Beijing, Chongqing, and Guangzhou. See our Top 6 Places to See Pandas in China.

When is the Best Time to See Pandas?

Spring and autumn offer the most comfortable weather for both visitors and pandas. It’s cool, pleasant, and great for outdoor viewing.

Winter, on the other hand, may feel chilly for visitors, and places like Wolong might even see snowfall. But pandas love the cold, and you usually see they staying outdoors.

Summer can get quite hot, and pandas tend to be less active in the heat. You’re more likely to find them staying indoors during this season.

Just note that only Chengdu Panda Base and Panda Valley have both outdoor and indoor visiting areas. These two bases will move pandas indoors once the temperature is over 26℃, so you’ll likely see more of them inside during hot days.

The other three bases only have outdoor viewing areas. Most pandas will still stay outside even in warm weather, but a few might not come out.

Best Visiting Time During the Day

Pandas are most active in the morning, especially between 8:00 and 10:30 AM. That’s when you’re most likely to see them eating, climbing trees, and playing around.

There’s another feeding time in the afternoon around 2:00–3:00 PM, but since it’s usually hotter then, many pandas prefer to nap during this time.

Tips to Avoid the Crowds

Try to enter the panda base as early as possible, especially at opening time.

Autumn is less crowded, as spring and summer see more students and travel groups

How to Arrange A Panda Itinerary?

Typically, it takes half a day to visit a panda base. To make the most of your trip, we highly recommend combining the panda experience with other Chengdu highlights, whether it’s for a full day, a weekend, or even a longer stay.

Here’s a suggested itinerary, covering pandas and other must-see attractions in Chengdu, perfect for first-time visitors to the city.

• Day 1: Chengdu Arrival
• Day 2: Chengdu Highlights (Wenshu Monastery, Dongjiao Memory, People’s Park)
• Day 3: Dujiangyan (Panda Valley for both pandas and red pandas, Irrigation System)
• Day 4: Leshan Giant Buddha
• Day 5: Mount Emei
• Day 6: Chengdu departure

Take a Panda Tour with Us