Get up close with a panda

Experience the magic of giant pandas with your family on an unforgettable panda volunteer tour designed to educate, inspire, and create lasting memories together. An immersive family friendly program, spending time with this gorgeous natural wonder offers a fun and practical way to learn about one of China’s most treasured animals. And the bonus? Every visit makes a valuable contribution to conserving these precious creatures.

What to expect on this tour

Let’s face it. There are very few who have found themselves up close with pandas, so it’s hard to know what to expect. Don’t be concerned. We have you covered with these top tips:

• Deep dive panda learning: Visitors have the opportunity to explore the biology, habits, and fascinating history of giant pandas through guided lessons and educational documentaries designed for all ages.

• Hands on volunteering: Whether you’re a big kid or traveling with kids, this experience offers the chance to join in activities. From preparing a seeming mountain of that trusty and much loved panda staple – bamboo, to crafting specially designed panda enrichment toys, observing panda behavior, and helping with cleaning out panda habitats, there is plenty to do for any willing traveler. And you’re never alone. All activities are supervised by local trained keepers.

• Exclusive access: For something a little special, arrangements can be made for exclusive access to panda research centers. It’s here you can see professional keepers in action and learn about panda health and conservation research.

• Creative family fun: If you’ve more of a creative bent, you can take part in panda themed crafts. Fancy a bamboo headpiece? Or maybe a handmade souvenir. We all love a travel memento and this is certainly one kids will treasure.

• Outdoor exploration and teamwork: While pandas enjoy their indoor spaces, they love the outdoors. Why not get active and outdoors too? Not only does this experience foster physical activity through chopping bamboo and collecting food samples, it also brings the family closer together.

• Recognition and memories: Celebrate the family’s achievements with certifications and commemorative gift packs. Yes, there’s one for every family member so mom and dad don’t miss out!

Spending time around and learning about pandas is really about creating genuinely special memories and making learning fun for the whole family.

Panda program highlights: What’s in it for families

Still wondering if this is the right activity for your crew? Check out these other highlights that make a panda visit worthwhile:

• Panda education is fun – Even if biology was not your thing at school, nobody can resist pandas. This tailored program offers eight specially designed topics designed to be fun, interesting, and expand your understanding of why pandas are so important. Learn the how and why of all things panda, from diet to habitat to their many endearing (and even some annoying!) habits, including.

• All inclusive – The program is all inclusive. That means everything from materials to uniforms and tools are provided. Your job? Simply bring your curiosity and enthusiasm!

• Meals included – Panda care can work up an appetite, which is why the program includes nutritious meals and snacks to keep volunteers of all ages energized for the duration.

Where can you find pandas?

There is no shortage of options for enjoying a panda experience, which is why we’ve curated our ‘best of’ list and thrown in our tips and recommendations for experiences you can add on while in the region.

Site	Ticket Price (RMB)	Openning Hours	Location & Access	Highlights
Dujiangyan Panda Base	¥55 entrance fee ¥700 for panda Volunteer tour	08:30 – 16:30	Add: S106, Qingchengshan Town, Dujiangyan City, Chengdu (60 kilometres from Chengdu) Tips: Take Metro Line 2 to Xipu Intercity High-Speed Rail to Dujiangyan Station	Fewer crowds Closer panda view Easy transport
Wolong Shenshuping Panda Base	¥85 entrance fee *¥700 for panda Volunteer tour	08:30 – 16:30	Add: Wolong Nature Reserve, Wenchuan County, Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture (100 kilometres from Chengdu) Tips: self-drive recommended	Scenic, diverse wildlife, but remote
Bifengxia Panda Base	¥100 entrance fee *¥600 for panda Volunteer tour	08:30 – 16:30	Add: Bifeng Gorge Scenic Area, Bifeng Town, Xiali Township, Yucheng District, Ya’an City (150 kilometres from Chengdu) Tips: Ya’an Bifengxia, high speed rail + taxi recommended	Great natural environment, villa-style facilities

For families choosing Bifengxia Panda Base, we highly recommend planning a two day, one night adventure. With plenty of welcoming guesthouses nearby, you can enjoy both the giant pandas and explore Southwest China’s largest Bifengxia Wild Animal Park at a relaxed pace. It’s the perfect family getaway that combines two amazing attractions into one unforgettable adventure.

Essential tips for your family panda visit

Age Requirements and booking

Despite their universal appeal, pandas are big, which is why program participants must be between 8 and 70 years old, and children 8 to 15 years  must be accompanied by a paying adult. To avoid disappointment all bookings should be made at least five days in advance. During activities, participants are required to wear the provided work uniform, badge, and gloves, keep attire neat, and wear suitable closed toe shoes. Keep in mind too that neither perfume nor strong scented cosmetics are permitted.

Start early for the best views

It’s an understatement to say that pandas are hugely popular. For this reason we highly recommend arriving bright and early because the early bed gets the very best panda views.  During hot weather, pandas are much more active in the cool morning hours. By afternoon, these clever creatures prefer to relax indoors with air conditioning. An early start means you’ll catch the pandas at their most playful and engaging.

Come prepared for nature

The panda bases are home to lots of beautiful bamboo, which naturally attracts mosquitoes and other insects. Pack insect repellent to keep your family comfortable throughout their visit. A little preparation goes a long way toward ensuring everyone enjoys the experience.

Travel light with peace of mind 

Facilities at the panda centres are well set up for comfort. That means there is no need to worry about carrying your family’s gear around all day. The park offers convenient luggage storage facilities, so you can explore comfortably with just the essentials while keeping your belongings safe and secure.