Ya'an Bifengxia Base of China Conservation and Research Center of Giant Panda

 Japan-born giant panda Xiang Xiang returned to China in February, 2023, and now lives in Bifengxia Panda Base with over 60 friends happily.  Also, the UK's only pandas, Yang Guang and Tian Tian, returned China on Dec. 5, 2023, and now live at this panda base for a month of quarantine after their 12-year stay in the UK.

Pandas Playing Together
 Pictures          Videos
Bifengxia Base of China Conservation and Research Center of Giant Panda is located in Ya'an City, which is just over one hour by bus from Chengdu. In 2003, the China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Pandas and the State Forestry Administration chose this gorge as a new giant panda base. The gorge, 'V' shaped, is composed of two small gorges, which measure 7km (4.3 miles) and 6km (3.7 miles) long respectively. Standing between 700 to 1,971 meters (2,297 to 6,467 feet) high, it is famous for the views of varied vegetation, valleys and waterfalls. Its excellent original landscape attracts more and more visitors each year to explore its wild beauty.

In the May 12th 2008 Wenchuan Earthquake, the Wolong National Nature Reserve suffered a crushing blow and over fifty China giant pandas living in captivity became completely homeless. In order to save these national treasures, Wolong National Nature Reserve has, since May 15th, carried out an evacuation plan. Twenty-seven giant pandas were transferred in batches to Chengdu, Fuzhou and Beijng, and the rest were moved to the Ya'an Bifengxia Base of China Conservation and Research Center of Giant Panda. Endowed with good quality water and air, Bifengxia Base is a satisfactory place for the growth of pandas.
 

Three Panda Living Areas & the Safari Park

With around 60 pandas, Bifengxia Panda Base combines tourism, research and giant panda breeding in one place. It is divided into White Panda Terrace, Panda Kindergarten and Overseas Panda Returnees Paradise which is the hometown of many star pandas. Tuantuan and Yuanyuan gifted to Taiwan, Tai Shan returned from the U.S. have millions of fans around the world.

 White Panda Terrace

The little PandaClose to the entrance of the base and with a total of eight sets of colony houses, White Panda Terrace mainly houses adult pandas. As pandas here live on the range, their behavior is more “wild”.
 Panda Kindergarten
Panda Kindergarten consists of a nursery and two sets of colony houses, which are mainly used for artificial rearing of cubs. When female pandas give birth to twins or multiples, they often choose only one strong cub to nurse and abandon the rest, and the abandoned baby pandas will be reared in the nursery. 
 Overseas Panda Returnees Paradise
Built to house pandas returning to China from overseas, Overseas Panda Returnees Paradise has seven sets of houses. Pandas here were born in the United States, Austria and Thailand, and returned to China when they grew up. Famous pandas such as Hua Mei, Tai Shan and Fu Long have lived here.

 Bifengxia Safari Park
Bifengxia Safari Park is home to beasts like lions and tigers. Visitors can not only take the truck to see the beasts, but also feed the beasts through the window and watch the tiger, lion and black bear grabbing food. That will definitely a thrilling journey.
 

How to get to Bifeng Gorge

Passengers can take a bus from Xinnanmen Bus Station or Shiyang Bus Station in Chengdu to get to Bifeng Gorge directly. 

Dep. - Arr.

Departure Time Fare
Xinanmen - Bifeng Gorge 6:50; 7:50 CNY60
Shiyang - Bifeng Gorge 7:30 CNY60
Chengdu Bus / Metro Search
 

How to Get to Xinnanmen Bus Station & Shiyang Bus Station

 To Xinnanmen Bus Station: Take metro line 3 to Xinannmen station and take Exit C. Or take bus no. 6, 21, 28, 49, 55, 62, 76, 141, 237, G51, G52 and get off at Xinnanmen station.
 To Shiyang Bus Station: Take metro line 8 to Shiyang and take Exit D1. Or take bus no. 28. 61, 90, 93, 100, 124, 187 or 804 and get off at Shiyang Bus Station.
 

Ticket Fare & Opening Hours

Bifeng Gorge

Safari Park
Entrance Fee CNY100 for adults;
CNY 50 for children between 1.2 and 1.5 meters (3.9 and 4.9 feet);

* It includes the entrance fee to the gorge scenic area, panda base, sightseeing bus, and elevator.
CNY180 for adults;
CNY 90 for children between 1.2-1.5m.

It only includes the ticket for the safari park.
Free of charge for children under 1.2 meters.
Opening Hours 8:30 - 16:00 in summer
9:00 - 15:40 in winter
* Panda base: 9:00 - 16:00
The elevator: 8:30 - 19:30 in summer; 8:30 - 18:30 in winter
 
9:00 - 15:40 


 Note: Since 2015, the volunteer program, taking photos with pandas and other activities relating to close contact with pandas have been suspended.
Further Reading:
 Dujiangyan Panda Base, 56km (34 miles) northwest of Chengdu, is another ideal choice. Panda Keeper Program is available here.
 Dujiangyan Panda Valley is 60km (37 miles) from Chengdu.
 Wolong National Nature Reserve is 130km (80 miles) from Chengdu.

Read more information about Chinese Giant Panda:
Facts
Growing Process
Panda Diplomacy
FAQs

 Recommended Tour including the Visit to Bifengxia Panda Reserve Base:
Chengdu Panda Volunteer Experience: 5 Days Tour of Chengdu - Bifengxia - Leshan Buddha
More China Panda Tours

- Last updated on Nov. 15, 2023 by Gabby Li -
Questions & Answers on Bifeng Gorge Panda Base
Asked by MJ from CANADA | Nov. 15, 2023 16:21Reply
Panda volunteer program
I saw the description of the panda volunteer program at Dujiangyan. A few questions for you:
1. Are there also panda volunteer/keeper programs at Bifengxia and Wolong?
2. Do the volunteer programs now allow the volunteers to hold and photograph the pandas? To feed the pandas?
3. What is the difference in experience for someone volunteering at Dujiangyan versus Bifengxia versus Wolong?
Thank you!
Answers (1)
Answered by David | Nov. 15, 2023 22:06
00Reply


1. No, it is only available in Dujiangyan.

2. No, it is not allowed to hold pandas and photograph with them. But it is possible to feed them.

Asked by Pattie from UNITED KINGDOM | Oct. 19, 2019 18:41Reply
Bifengxia Panda Volunteer Programme
Can you tell me if the '5 day' panda volunteer program still runs at Bifengxia and how do I get to apply for this ? thanks
Answers (1)
Answered by Penny from USA | Oct. 21, 2019 20:33
00Reply


As I know, this program is still operating. But I can't find more detailed information either. You are suggested to consult the staff when you arriving there.
Asked by Helen Ennekens from BELGIUM | Aug. 01, 2019 02:43Reply
Pandas in Dujiangyan
Are Panda Valley and Panda Base (also known as Panda Ark) 2 separate centers near Dujiangyan?
Answers (1)
Answered by Vivi from USA | Aug. 05, 2019 02:32
00Reply


Yes, they are different. Panda Valley is located at Baima Village, Yutang County. Panda Base is located at S106, Dujiangyan.
Asked by Timothy Ang from UNITED KINGDOM | Mar. 28, 2019 21:27Reply
Must one book an entrance ticket in advance before visiting the Ya'an Bifengxia Base?
Answers (2)
Answered by Emma from FINLAND | Apr. 09, 2019 01:52
00Reply


As I know, you don't need to purchase the entrance ticket in advance. Just purchase the ticket when you arriving at the scenic area.
Answered by Timothy Ang from UNITED KINGDOM | Apr. 09, 2019 18:13
00Reply


Thank you very much.
Asked by maria from GREECE | Oct. 28, 2018 05:12Reply
Is this Chengdu panda base currently closed?
Hi! Do you know if this panda base is currently close? I'll be there next month
Answers (3)
Answered by Kelly from AUSTRALIA | Oct. 30, 2018 01:01
00Reply


Don't worry. The base is open all year round: 07:30—18:00.
Answered by maria from GREECE | Oct. 30, 2018 02:41
00Reply


Are you sure? Cause ppl from Chengdy told me that this place is currently closed and pandas have been moved to Wolong park......
Answered by Kelly | Oct. 30, 2018 03:04
00Reply


Sorry, I didn't find any news about its close. I only know that in this research base, all activities relating to close contact with giant pandas have been suspended. Visitors could no longer join in the volunteer program or hold a cub to take photos. But you can still see them there.
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