Approximately 2.5 hours by road from Chengdu, in Sichuan Province, Bifengxia base is one of two major sites of the Chine Giant Panda Research and Conservation Center. Spanning nearly 400 hectares, it primarily houses sub-adult pandas outside breeding programs and elderly individuals in a forest environment close to their natural habitat. The site combines scientific research, breeding, and public access, with a care program that allows visitors to actively participate in panda maintenance.

Why visit Bifengxia

Three elements distinguish Bifengxia from other panda bases in Sichuan, such as those in Chengdu or Dujiangyan:

• Uncommon scale: 400 hectares (≈988 acres) and 58 enclosures spread across a forested setting, compared to much more confined spaces in urban bases.
• A central scientific role: the base houses elderly and sub-adult pandas, and features a breeding center equipped with 24/7 surveillance cameras.
• An interactive experience: the affectionate care program allows visitors to go beyond observation, which remains rare at publicly accessible panda sites.

Visitor numbers are also significantly lower than in Chengdu, making it easier to observe animals under favorable conditions.

Site history

Construction of Bifengxia base began in October 2002 and was completed in 2003. Before construction, the site was pristine forest without electricity, roads, or dwellings. Dr. Tang Chunxiang, chief veterinarian and deputy director, described the place as "a blank canvas ready to host major events." The center is an extension of the Chine Giant Panda Research and Conservation Center, under supervision of the forestry department.

The 2008 Sichuan earthquake severely affected the nearby Wolong base. Forty pandas were urgently transferred to Bifengxia. To accommodate them, 16 temporary enclosures and a "kindergarten" for young pandas were built, followed by 20 enclosures completed by mid-October. A 14-enclosure breeding center was developed, each equipped with cameras monitored from a control room, with support from Pandas International for equipment installation.

Today, the base has 58 enclosures and approximately 144 employees, with 24/7 presence.

What to see and do

Panda observation

The enclosures are spacious and tree-filled: it's common to see pandas climbing several meters high in trees. The "kindergarten" reserved for young pandas is one of the highlights of a visit. Animals are most active in the morning and around feeding times; it's best to plan your visit early in the day.

Bifengxia Gorge hiking

From the panda area, a trail descends toward the river and crosses the Bifengxia Gorges. Plan on 2 to 3 hours of walking depending on your pace, with sections along waterfalls and pools. Viewpoints overlook the gorges, making this a natural complement to your base visit.

Affectionate care program

When available, this program allows participants to contribute actively to center operations:

• Cleaning enclosures and removing bamboo remnants
• Feeding pandas apples and carrots alongside keepers
• Workshop preparing nutritional cakes for pandas
• Studying droppings for physiological research purposes
• Planting bamboo for food replenishment
• Viewing conservation documentaries
• Message on the "Wall of Love," group photo and participation certificate

The volunteer program status evolved after the pandemic: verify availability before planning your visit.

Practical information

The base is open year-round, with continuous daytime hours (morning through late afternoon). Exact hours and entry fees are subject to change: consult current official information before your visit. The fee remains moderate for a site of this scale. Allow at least half a day for the base alone, a full day if you add the gorge hike.

When to go

Summer (June to August) remains warm but sees fewer rainy days than spring. Autumn, from September to November, is the best season: mild temperatures, limited rainfall, and optimal visiting comfort, both in the enclosures and for hiking. Winter is quieter for crowds; pandas are often more active, but the site can be misty.

How to get there

From Chengdu, two main options:

• By car: approximately 2.5 hours via expressway, with a short final section on secondary road.
• By bus: from Shiyang bus station in Chengdu to Ya'an tourist station (approximately 2 hours), then local taxi for the final 30 minutes to the base.

The city of Ya'an makes a convenient stopover for those wishing to spread the visit over two days.

Also worth seeing in Chine

To extend your itinerary, several sites complement a Sichuan leg or a broader tour well:

• The Beijing Botanical Garden, for Chine's plant diversity.
• Beishan Temple, a classic spiritual stop.
• The Bell and Drum Towers, urban historical landmarks.
• Aiding Lake, one of Chine's lowest points.

Frequently asked questions

Including Bifengxia in your trip

Bifengxia base fits naturally into a Sichuan circuit combining Chengdu, Ya'an and the region's natural sites. To build a bespoke itinerary, consult our Chine trips.