Private Day Tour: Panda Keeper Program From Chengdu

Chengdu , China

Private Day Tour: Panda Keeper Program From Chengdu

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About this experience

Dujiangyan Panda Base offers the program allowing visitors to administer to lovely Giant Pandas in person as volunteers. On this full day tour, come close to the giant pandas, you will volunteer with these lovely animals including panda food making, panda enclosures cleaning, and panda feeding, this panda experience will surely be one of the most memorable experiences of your life.

Available options

Private Day Tour: Panda Keeper Program From Chengdu

Pickup included

What's included

Private transportation

Hotel pickup and drop-off

Mineral water

Entrance ticket fee

English-speaking guide

Local lunch

Detailed itinerary

Meet your guide at 8:00 am from your Chengdu downtown hotel lobby, aboard a comfortable vehicle and drive approximately 1.5 hours to the Dujiangyan Panda Base. Enjoy the scenic surroundings on the way and get more knowledge of Chengdu from your guide.

Dujiangyan Panda Base, also known as China Conservation and Research Center for Giant Panda Dujiangyan Base, is the only giant panda care, disease prevention and control institute in the world. Here you will volunteer for a memorable day with Giant Pandas.

The volunteers’ work is mainly about two aspects, sweeping and feeding. Upon arrival, you will change into special uniforms and receive a short training in how to deal with the pandas. You first chore is cleaning the panda enclosures and taking notes for record. After that, it is time to wash and carry fresh bamboo, prepare food like fruit, carrots and panda cakes, and distribute the food to the pandas.

Stop 2

After your morning volunteer session, enjoy a local lunch at the center’s cafeteria and spend around 1 hour to stroll around the center and watch panda documentary. In the afternoon, you will help to cleaning the indoor and outdoor enclosures and making panda food, or you might have chance to record panda behavior based on the keeper’s schedule. You can take pictures of Giant Pandas and learn about each lovely panda.

After this once-in-a-lifetime experience at Panda Base, you will receive a volunteer certificate and the satisfaction of contributing to a great cause, then enjoy comfortable transfer back to your hotel to conclude the trip.

Note: Donation of CNY1400 per person to Panda Foundation for panda volunteering is compulsory, please pay on the spot. The money raised from this activity will help the non-profit center continue its vital research into this endangered species.

What's not included

Gratuities

Donation of CNY900 per person to Panda Foundation for Panda Volunteering (Compulsory)

Available languages

Guide guide

Important information

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Daily quota of 20 volunteers is imposed by the Panda Base

Volunteer Program could be modified based on the health of the pandas

Health certificate and passport copy are required for all passengers

Please book 5 days in advance and provide documents after booking

Donation of CNY900 per person to Panda Foundation for Panda Volunteering (Compulsory) is excluded, please pay on the spot

Important notes

Voucher is for booking confirmation only, local tour guide will help you to get the entrance ticket on site

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.