Panda Travel Itineraries: Chengdu & Dujiangyan Panda Adventures
Overview: Plan Your Chengdu & Dujiangyan Panda Travel Itineraries
Sichuan’s panda attractions around Chengdu are perfect for day trips or short stays. From the world-famous Chengdu Research Base to the charming Dujiangyan Panda Valley and China Giant Panda Garden, visitors can enjoy close encounters with pandas of all ages. This guide provides detailed Panda travel itineraries, covering transportation, ticket prices, visiting tips, and practical advice to help you plan your trip efficiently.
Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding: Visit Tips & Transport
Base Overview
- Area: 3.07 km² (new & old zones)
- World’s largest captive panda population: 160+ pandas
- Star pandas: Hua Hua & Ye Zi
Transportation Options
- Subway: Line 3 → Panda Avenue Station → walk/shuttle to base
- Scenic Shuttle: Chunxi Road Station or Kuanzhai Alley → Base
- Shuttle Timing: First bus 8:30 AM | Last bus 3:00 PM
- Return: First bus 9:30 AM | Last bus 6:00 PM
- Stops at P4 Parking Lot (South & West Gates)
Tickets & Hours
- Full Price: $7.70 per person
- Entrance: South Gate → Hua Hua, West Gate → fewer crowds
- Best Time: Arrive before 6:00 AM for Hua Hua; pandas nap after 10:00 AM
- Duration: 3–4 hours
Visiting Tips & Practical Advice
- Shuttle Bus: $4.20 for unlimited rides inside
- Closures: Museum closed Mondays; Panda Tower closed Tuesdays (except holidays)
- Dining: Bring your own snacks & water
- Panda Return: 4:30–5:00 PM
- Services: English signage, bilingual staff (028-87296600)
Dujiangyan Panda Attractions: Panda Valley & China Giant Panda Garden
Overview of Dujiangyan Panda Attractions
- Panda Valley: Red pandas, relaxed visit, fewer crowds
- China Giant Panda Garden: Young pandas, volunteer programs
- Distance: 15 km apart (~20 min taxi)
- Recommended: Combine with Dujiangyan scenic areas
Transportation Options
- By Car: 70 km from Chengdu (~1.5 hrs)
- Public Transport: Panda Valley → Metro Line 2/6 → Xipu → High-speed rail → Taxi 15–20 min ($1.40–$3.65)
- Public Transport: China Giant Panda Garden → Metro Line 2/6 → Xipu → High-speed rail → Taxi 15–20 min ($1.40–$3.65)
- Scenic Shuttle: Chunxi Road → park, ~2.5 hrs, $8.10 one-way (book ahead in peak season)
Tickets & Hours
- Panda Valley: $7.70 | Hours: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM (last entry 4:00 PM)
- China Giant Panda Garden: $7.42 | Hours: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Visiting Tips & Practical Advice
- Panda Valley: Arrive before 9:00 AM for feeding; fewer pandas, no cubs
- China Giant Panda Garden: Enter at 8:30 AM; shuttle inside $2.10
- Volunteer Program: $140 per person, 3 hrs, 10 spots/day, 7 days advance booking
- Dining: Limited; bring snacks & water
- Luggage: No free storage; travel light
- Hotlines: Panda Valley: 028-87296600 | Scenic Area English: 400-032-0886
For full details on Ya’an and Wolong pandas, see our Ya’an & Wolong Panda Travel Guide
Whether you’re exploring Chengdu or venturing to Dujiangyan, these Panda travel itineraries offer unforgettable encounters with giant pandas—from playful cubs to majestic adults. Following this guide, you’ll maximize your time, enjoy up-close panda moments, and create memories that last a lifetime. Start planning your Panda travel itineraries today and experience the magic of Sichuan’s most beloved creatures!
