The Giant Panda Breeding Research Base is Chengdu’s flagship sight: a workings research facility where dozens of giant and red pandas live in bamboo-lined enclosures.
Know before you go
- Arrive at opening time (08:00). Pandas feed and are most active in the first two hours; by late morning most are asleep.
- Tickets are bought online with a passport; the official site is the authoritative source for current hours and prices.
- The base is large — the shuttle inside saves a 30-minute uphill walk.
How to get there
Metro line 3 to Panda Avenue, then bus or a 10-minute taxi. A DiDi ride from Taikoo Li takes 25-35 minutes depending on traffic.
Worth it?
For most visitors, yes — this is the single best-value attraction in Chengdu. Combine with a People’s Park afternoon for a full day.