Giant Panda Volunteer Program Tour and Experience

The giant panda volunteer program offers a unique opportunity to work closely with these adorable and endangered animals, allowing participants to engage in daily care activities such as feeding, cleaning enclosures, and learning about conservation efforts.

Who can participate in the Panda Volunteer Program

The age limit for participating in the volunteer activity is 10-70 years old. Children aged 8-10 must be accompanied by an adult, and those under 10 can be looked after by our guide while adults participate in the volunteer program.

Where You Can Engage in a Volunteer Program

Currently, there are three places where you can participate in panda volunteer Programs: Dujiangyan Panda Base, Wolong Panda Reserve, and Bifengxia Panda Base. The Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding no longer offers volunteer programs.

Dujianyan Panda Base

• Pandas: 50-60
• From Chengdu: 80KM, about 90 minutes’ drive
• Location: Huaizhong Road in Shiqiao Village, Qingchengshan Town, 18 kilometers from the city center.

The Dujiangyan Panda Base, which includes the Dujiangyan Panda Park (for panda volunteer programs) and the Dujiangyan Panda Valley, is home to approximately 50-60 giant pandas.

The Dujiangyan Panda Park, located at the foot of Mount Qingcheng, houses over 30 giant pandas, including some that have returned from overseas, known as "sea turtle" pandas.

The Dujiangyan Panda Valley serves as a training center for reintroducing pandas into the wild, accommodating 20-30 giant pandas. Additionally, the city of Dujiangyan has two panda bases, and there are 14 wild pandas living in the nature reserve, making Dujiangyan one of the cities with the highest per capita number of giant pandas in the world.

Wolong Giant Panda Nature Reserve

• Pandas: 66
• From Chengdu: 115KM about 2-2.5 hours’ drive
• Location: Gengda Town, Wolong Nature Reserve, Wenchuan County

The Wolong Giant Panda Base currently houses 66 giant pandas. This number includes pandas in captivity and those in semi-wild enclosures. The Wolong Nature Reserve is renowned for its rich biodiversity and mineral resources, earning the title "Hometown of the Panda." It is one of the largest panda breeding centers in the world. The base not only cares for pandas of different ages but also offers visitors the opportunity to have close encounters with these animals, allowing people to experience the beauty of harmonious coexistence between humans and nature. Additionally, the Wolong Giant Panda Base is dedicated to the research, conservation, and breeding of giant pandas, making significant contributions to the preservation of this endangered species.

Bifengxia Panda Reserve

• Pandas: 70
• From Chengdu: 150KM, about 2.5 hours’ drive
• Address: Ya’an Bi Feng Xia Base of CCRCGP, Bifengxia Town, Yucheng District, Yaan City

The Giant Panda's Bifengxia Base is located within the Bifengxia Scenic Area in Yucheng District, Ya'an, Sichuan. Covering over 6,000 acres, it is approximately 150 kilometers from Chengdu, and about 15 kilometers from Ya'an city. The area's natural ecological conditions, including air and water quality, are exceptionally favorable. The base includes facilities such as a giant panda research center, a panda hospital, a panda nursery, a panda breeding center, a panda exhibition center, and staff living and logistical support centers. As of 2012, over 300 wild giant pandas lived in Ya'an, and more than 70 captive giant pandas were happily residing at the Bifengxia Base.

What Activities Included in a Panda Volunteer Program

• 1. Bamboo Splitting Experience: Learn how to prepare pandas' favorite snack by splitting bamboo.
• 2. Transporting Fresh Bamboo: Experience the daily routine of keepers by carrying food for the pandas.
• 3.Cleaning the Enclosure: Help keep the pandas' home clean.
• 4. Watching Panda Documentary: Gain a deeper understanding of panda life and conservation efforts.
• 5. Touring the Sanctuary: Stroll through the panda sanctuary and enjoy the natural surroundings.
• 6. Learning About Panda Knowledge: Become an expert on panda facts.
• 7. Preparing Fine Bamboo: Prepare delicate bamboo meals for the pandas.
• 8. Making Panda Buns: Make pandas' favorite treats with your own hands.

Schedule for Panda Volunteer Activities

The activity times and content at the Dujiangyan, Wolong, and Bifengxia Giant Panda Bases are almost the same. The following information is provided for reference, and the activities may be adjusted according to official changes.

• 8:30 Sign the safety agreement, receive work clothes and gloves, listen to the staff explain activity precautions, participate in pre-job training, and head to the feeding area.
• 9:00 Clean the panda enclosure and transport fresh bamboo.
• 10:00 Watch the keepers train the pandas.
• 10:30 Record panda behavior observations.
• 11:30 Make panda cakes.
• 12:00 Lunch and rest.
• 13:00 Watch a documentary about giant pandas.
• 14:00 Learn and understand how keepers provide daily care for rehabilitating pandas on-site.
• 15:00 Receive certificates and panda cultural souvenirs.

Note: The official panda-hugging experience has been canceled; no one is allowed to hug or have direct contact with the pandas. Therefore, this experience does not include panda-hugging.

Panda Volunteer Itinerary

2 Days Panda Volunteer Program and Chengdu Itinerary

Day 1: Panda Volunteer Program

Private transfer from Chengdu to Dujiangyan Panda Base for the volunteer program. Participate in activities like preparing food, feeding the pandas, and cleaning their enclosures. Continue with educational activities, learning about panda conservation efforts. Take part in an informative session about the habits and lives of giant pandas.

Drive back to Chengdu city and enjoy a dinner of Sichuan cuisine. Explore Jinli Ancient Street for traditional snacks, souvenirs, and local culture.

Day 2: Chengdu

Visit Wuhou Shrine, a historical site dedicated to Zhuge Liang, with beautiful gardens and cultural relics. Explore Jinsha Site Museum to see ancient artifacts from the Shu Kingdom. Drive to visit Chengdu People's Park to experience local life, sip tea at a traditional teahouse, and watch local performances. Wander through Kuanzhai Alley, famous for its mix of old and modern architecture, shops, and eateries.

3 Days Panda Volunteer Program and Qingcheng Mountain Itinerary

Panda Volunteer Program

Day 1: Panda Volunteer Program at Dujiangyan Panda Base

Drive about 1 hour to Dujiangyan Panda Base, spend the day as a panda volunteer, participating in activities such as feeding, cleaning enclosures, and preparing food for the pandas. Continue with the volunteer program, learning about panda conservation and enjoying close encounters with these fascinating animals.

Drive back to Qingchengshan City, check into your hotel, and enjoy a leisurely evening exploring local dining options or relaxing at your hotel.

Day 2: Qingcheng Mountain

Explore this Taoist Mountain known for its lush greenery and ancient temples. Enjoy a hike through the mountain trails, taking in the natural beauty and spiritual atmosphere. Visit key attractions on the mountain, such as the Taoist temples and pavilions. Optionally, take a cable car for panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.

Drive back to Chengdu and enjoy a Sichuan hotpot dinner for a true taste of local cuisine. Attend a traditional Sichuan opera performance, including the famous face-changing act.

Day 3: Chengdu

Visit this historical site dedicated to Zhuge Liang, with its ancient temples and gardens reflecting the Three Kingdoms period. Explore the Jinsha Museum to see artifacts from the Shu Kingdom, including gold and jade relics. Travel to People's Park and relax in the park, visit a traditional teahouse, and enjoy some local tea. Stroll through the Wide and Narrow Alleys to experience local crafts, snacks, and shops.

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