Panda Travel Itineraries: Epic Adventures Through Ya’an & Wolong Giant Pandas
Overview: Plan Your Ya’an & Wolong Panda Trip
For travelers seeking forested scenery and mountain habitats, Ya’an Bifengxia and Wolong Shenshuping are must-visit panda destinations. These locations provide more natural experiences and opportunities to see pandas in larger outdoor enclosures or in their natural environment. Check out Chengdu Panda Trip: Sweet Side of Giant Pandas for additional practical tips to make your Panda travel itineraries unforgettable.
Ya’an Bifengxia Panda Base: Tickets, Transport & Visiting Tips
Base Overview
- Location: 5A-rated Bifengxia Scenic Area, high forest coverage
- Zones: Returned Pandas Garden, Leopard Mountain, Nursery, White Bear Meadow
- Famous Panda: Xiang Xiang (returned from Japan)
- Adjoins wildlife park (optional for international visitors)
Transportation
- By Car: 155 km from Chengdu (~2 hrs)
- Public Transport: High-speed train Chengdu South → Ya’an ($7.30, 1 hr), shuttle to Bifengxia ($1.10, 40 min)
Tickets & Hours
- Combined ticket (Panda Base + Scenic Area + shuttle): $14.60
- Best Time: Morning visit; 2 PM feeding
- Time Allocation: Full day (~6 hrs)
Visiting Tips & Practical Advice
- Clothing: Non-slip shoes; raincoat/umbrella
- Food: Bring your own snacks
Wolong Shenshuping Panda Base: Tickets, Transport & Visiting Tips
Base Overview
- Location: Wolong Nature Reserve, Minjiang River valley
- Core wild panda habitat; home to Fubao and 80+ pandas
- Recommended as part of a Western Sichuan loop, not a stand-alone trip
Transportation
- By Car: 110 km from Chengdu (~2 hrs), parking $1.40/day
- Public Shuttle: Chunxi Road/Xinnanmen → base, round-trip $15.40, departure 7:00 AM, return 6:30 PM
Tickets & Hours
- Advance (1 day prior): $11.91
- Same-day: $12.61
- Best Time: Arrive before 8:30 AM for active pandas
- Entrance: East Gate for fewer stairs & crowds
- Duration: ~2 hrs
Visiting Tips & Practical Advice
- Accommodation: Wolong Town guesthouses $28–$56/night recommended for early visits
- Food: No proper restaurants; bring your own
- Clothing: Layered clothing, sneakers, rain jacket
- Weather: Frequent rain/fog, narrow trails—umbrellas impractical
- Facilities: Bilingual maps, medical station, power bank rental
- Photography: Best light 9–10 AM, no flash
For full details on Chengdu and Dujiangyan pandas, see our Chengdu & Dujiangyan Panda Travel Guide
Whether you’re visiting Ya’an or Wolong, these Panda travel itineraries provide unforgettable encounters with giant pandas in their natural and semi-natural habitats. Plan carefully, follow the tips, and enjoy close-up panda moments that will make your trip truly memorable. Start your Panda travel itineraries today and experience the magic of Sichuan’s beloved giants!
