If you’re planning a trip to Chengdu, pandas are almost certainly at the top of your list. But here’s the thing — there’s not just one panda base in Chengdu. And with several similar-sounding names scattered around, it’s easy to get confused before you even buy a ticket. Don’t worry, I’ll sort it out for you.
Chengdu has more panda bases than any other city in China — that’s right, three in the city itself, plus a few more elsewhere in Sichuan. So which one should you visit? That depends on which pandas you want to see, how much time you have, and whether you’re willing to leave the city. Let’s break it down.
The Three Chengdu Panda Bases
Chengdu is the undisputed panda-base capital of China, with three bases all within the city’s administrative area. Here’s how they differ.
Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding
- Location: Chenghua District, Chengdu
- The main draw: This is the only panda base in Chengdu’s city center, and the largest captive panda population in the world. It’s also the only base where you can see giant panda cubs — so if baby pandas are a must, this is your stop.
- Star panda: Hua Hua (also known as Hua Ju), the internet-famous panda everyone queues to see.
Pro tip: If you only have one day in Chengdu and want the classic panda experience, this is the one to book. Get there early to beat the crowds and catch the pandas at their most active.
Dujiangyan Wild Breeding Research Center (Panda Valley)
- Location: Yutang Town, Dujiangyan City
- The main draw: This is a branch of the Chengdu Research Base, but it’s known for something different — open-air, free-roaming red pandas (also called lesser pandas).
- Nickname: Locals call it Panda Valley.
Dujiangyan China Giant Panda Park (Panda Paradise)
- Location: Qingchengshan Town, Dujiangyan City
- The main draw: This is the one people most often mix up with the others. It’s also called China Giant Panda Protection and Research Center Dujiangyan Base, or simply Panda Paradise.
- Star panda: Pan Pan, the original internet-famous panda from the early days.
More Panda Bases Elsewhere in Sichuan
If you’re up for a longer journey — or have a specific panda star in mind — these bases are also open to the public.
Wolong China Giant Panda Garden (Shenshuping Base)
- Location: Gengda Town, Wenchuan County, Ngawa Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture
- The main draw: This is the largest captive-panda facility in terms of area. It’s also where you’ll find Fu Bao, the panda who returned from South Korea in 2024 to huge media attention.
China Giant Panda Protection and Research Center Ya’an Bifengxia Base
- Location: Bifengxia Scenic Area, Ya’an City
- The main draw: This base is home to Xiang Xiang, the panda who came back from Japan in 2023. If you followed her story overseas, you’ll want to say hello in person.
China Giant Panda Protection and Research Center Mianyang Base (Mianyang China Giant Panda Garden)
- Location: Mianyang City — known as China’s only Science and Technology City
- The main draw: Opened to the public on December 29, 2025, this is the newest panda base in Sichuan Province. It’s home to more than 20 pandas, including Cao Cao, Yin Ke, Zhen Lan, and Yi Yi.
How to Choose Your Panda Adventure
Here’s the quick version:
- Short on time or staying in the city? → Chengdu Research Base (city center, cubs, Hua Hua)
- Want red pandas without leaving Chengdu? → Panda Valley in Dujiangyan
- Fancy a road trip with a panda icon? → Wolong for Fu Bao, Ya’an for Xiang Xiang, or Mianyang for the newest arrivals
Whichever base you pick, you’ll be spending time with some of the most beloved animals on the planet. The hardest part isn’t finding a panda — it’s choosing which one to visit first.
