Private Day Tour: Dujiangyan Panda Base Volunteering from Chengdu
Active
8h
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
Manual confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Dujiangyan Panda Base is one of the bases in Sichuan where you may join the Panda Volunteer Program. This private 8-hour tour will give you record behavior, clean enclosures and prepare food for the adorable mammals. Learn how the center's professional staff looks after these endangered animals on a daily basis.
Available options
Normal private car
Private Day Tour: Dujiangyan Panda Base volunteer tour<br/>Pickup included
What's included
Private normal car or luxury car (please choose)
English-speaking tour guide
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Bottled water
Private tour
Lunch
Volunteering fees
Travel Insurance
Detailed itinerary
1
Stop 1
07:00 Your tour guide and driver will pick you up from your hotel within the 3rd ring of Chengdu and drive to the Dujiangyan Panda Base to check into the volunteer program.
8:30am Clean the panda enclosures and prepare the food
Panda keepers need to supply fresh bamboo to these national treasures three times each day. The pandas usually eat only 30% of the bamboo, wasting 70% of it.
10:00am–11:00am Take a break and tour around the panda base
Have a relaxing walk in the well-paved base and listen to the legendary stories of these pandas.
11:30am–1:00pm Have lunch and a rest in the base
1:00pm–2:00pm Watch a panda movie that lasts for about 40 minutes
You will see a special documentary about how the shy pandas mate, give birth, grow up, and are returned to the wild.
2:00pm–3:30pm More cleaning, and making panda's cakes
3:30pm–4:00pm Get a certificate, and drive back to Chengdu
All activities are arranged by the Dujiangyan Panda Base, and the activities are subject to change.
What's not included
Gratuities
Available languages
Guide guide
CMN
EN
Reviews breakdown
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Important information
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Please note: Program could be modified based on the health of the pandas
The age restriction of program is between 12 and 65 years old. If your children are under 12 years old, they are still able to attend, and will be chaperoned accordingly
There is a daily limit of 20 volunteers for the Panda Keeper Program, so please reserve in advance and ensure your vacancy.
In order to ensure the health of Giant Pandas, do not spray perfume and paint nail polish, do not wear exaggerated ornaments, do not wear slippers, on the volunteering day. Wear sneakers.
Passport name and number is required at time of booking for all participants for Travel Insurance
Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking
Important notes
• This tour pricing is not including panda holding for photos program. If you wish to join panda holding program, you will need to pay RMB1800 to Dujiangyan Panda Base directly when you are there (Please make your request upon booking)
• A current valid passport is required on the day of travel
• After confirming clients' booking, please attach the pictures of all travellers' passports. Or write the full name, passport number, birth date and sex on your passport.
• Please remember: In order to ensure the health of giant pandas, do not spray perfume and paint nail polish, do not wear exaggerated ornaments, do not wear slippers, on the volunteering day. Wear sneakers. Thank you for your understanding.
Hotel pickups commence prior to this time, you must contact the local service provider to verify your exact pickup time.
About Chengdu
Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan province, is renowned as the home of the giant panda and famous for its rich history, spicy cuisine, and vibrant culture. This ancient city offers a unique blend of traditional charm and modern urban development, with lush tea houses, bustling markets, and stunning natural landscapes.
Top Attractions
Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding
This world-renowned research base is home to over 120 giant pandas. Visitors can observe these adorable creatures up close and learn about conservation efforts.
Nature
2-3 hours
¥55
Jinli Ancient Street
A well-preserved ancient street with traditional architecture, local snacks, and cultural performances. It's a great place to experience Sichuan's rich history and culture.
Historical
1-2 hours
Free (shopping and food at additional cost)
Wenshu Monastery
One of the oldest and best-preserved Buddhist monasteries in China. It's known for its peaceful atmosphere, beautiful architecture, and vegetarian cuisine.
Religious
1-2 hours
Free (donations welcome)
Dujiangyan Irrigation System
An ancient irrigation system built over 2,000 years ago. It's a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a testament to ancient Chinese engineering.
Historical
Half day
¥80
Chengdu Panda Base
A research and breeding center for giant pandas. Visitors can see pandas in a natural setting and learn about conservation efforts.
Nature
2-3 hours
¥55
Must-Try Local Dishes
Mapo Tofu
A spicy tofu dish with minced meat, typically pork or beef, and fermented black beans. It's known for its numbing spiciness.
Dinner
Vegetarian versions available.
Dan Dan Noodles
Noodles topped with a spicy sauce made from chili oil, Sichuan pepper, minced pork, and scallions. It's a popular street food.
Lunch/Dinner
Can be made vegetarian.
Hot Pot
A communal dining experience where diners cook raw ingredients in a shared pot of boiling broth. Sichuan hot pot is known for its spicy broth.
Dinner
Vegetarian and non-vegetarian options available.
Sichuan Dumplings
Steamed or boiled dumplings filled with minced pork, shrimp, or vegetables. They're often served with a spicy dipping sauce.
Lunch/Dinner
Vegetarian options available.
Popular Activities
Hiking
Mountain biking
Rock climbing
Tea house visits
Spa treatments
Park picnics
Museum visits
Temple tours
Best Time to Visit
March to May, September to November
Spring and autumn offer pleasant weather, making it ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing. The city is less crowded during these periods compared to summer.
15-25°C
59-77°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: Mandarin
- Widely spoken: Sichuanese, English (limited)
- English: Limited
Currency
Renminbi (RMB) (CNY)
Time Zone
CST (UTC+8)
Electricity
220VV, 50HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
Chengdu is generally safe for travelers, with low crime rates. However, as with any major city, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to protect yourself and your belongings.
Important Precautions:
- • Keep valuables secure
- • Use licensed taxis
- • Be cautious of strangers offering help or services
Getting there
By air
- Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport • 16 km from city center
- Chengdu Tianfu International Airport • 45 km from city center
By train
Chengdu Railway Station, Chengdu East Railway Station
By bus
Chengdu Long-Distance Bus Station, Chengdu North Long-Distance Bus Station
Getting around
Public transport
The metro system is efficient and covers most of the city. It's a convenient and affordable way to get around.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Didi Chuxing
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Jinli Ancient Street
Wuhou Shrine
Chunxi Road
Kuanzhai Alley
Day trips
Mount Qingcheng
60 km from Chengdu • Full day
A scenic mountain known for its beautiful landscapes, ancient temples, and hiking trails. It's a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a great escape from the city.
Leshan Giant Buddha
130 km from Chengdu • Full day
A massive stone statue of Buddha carved into a cliff face during the Tang Dynasty. It's a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a remarkable feat of ancient engineering.
Jiuzhaigou Valley
340 km from Chengdu • Overnight
A stunning national park known for its colorful lakes, waterfalls, and diverse wildlife. It's a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a popular destination for nature lovers.
Festivals
Sichuan Festival • Late August
Lantern Festival • February (Lunar calendar)
Chengdu International Non-violence Week • October
Pro tips
- Learn a few basic Mandarin phrases to enhance your experience and interact with locals.
- Try the local street food, but be cautious and choose busy stalls with high turnover.
- Visit the Chengdu Panda Base early in the morning to see the pandas at their most active.
- Explore the city's tea houses and experience the rich tea culture of Sichuan.
- Take a day trip to Mount Qingcheng or Jiuzhaigou Valley for a stunning natural experience.
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
