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At the Panda Science Discovery Center, visitors can:
The Sichuan Giant Panda Research Center, also known as the China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda, and the Sichuan Ya'an Bifengxia Base are located 16 kilometers north of Ya'an City, Sichuan Province. Together with the Bifengxia Ecological Scenic Area, the Wildlife Park, the Mosuo Culture Park and the Extreme Sports Center, they form the Bifengxia Ecological Home.
Subtropical monsoon climate
The Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, Dujiangyan Breeding and Reintroduction Research Center, known as "Panda Valley," covers 2,004 mu (approximately 1,000 acres) and is located in Majiagou, Yutang Town, Dujiangyan City. Adjacent to the Dujiangyan Millennium Irrigation Project and the Taoist sacred site of Mount Qingcheng, it is 50 kilometers from Chengdu and approximately 3 kilometers from downtown Dujiangyan. Accessible via the Chengguan Expressway, light rail, and the Zhaogongshan to Qingchengshan Ring Road, the valley offers convenient transportation. With shady bamboo trees, gurgling streams, and fragrant flowers, the valley boasts unique natural conditions, home to over 700 species of flora and fauna, making it a natural base for the reintroduction of giant pandas into the wild.
Panda Valley opened to the public on a trial basis on October 1, 2014, and officially opened to the public on April 20, 2015. Currently, Panda Valley boasts three panda rewilding transitional training enclosures and a semi-rewilding training ground, where over ten giant pandas undergo training and adaptation to wildness year-round.
The Panda Science Discovery Center in Ya'an is dedicated to promoting understanding and conservation of giant pandas. Located near the Sichuan Giant Panda Sanctuary, the center plays a crucial role in educating the public about panda ecology, supporting breeding programs, and advancing scientific research on panda behavior and habitat preservation.
The center is located in Ya'an, Sichuan, about 2 hours by car from Chengdu. It can be accessed by taxi or private car. Public transport options include buses from Chengdu to Ya'an, followed by a local taxi or shuttle to the center.
The Panda Science Discovery Center is open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The best time to visit is during the spring and autumn months, when the weather is mild and pandas are most active. Weekdays tend to be less crowded than weekends.
The entrance fee is approximately ¥100-150 for adults. Tickets can be purchased at the center's entrance, and online booking is available on the official website for convenience.
Booking tickets in advance is recommended, especially during peak seasons such as summer or Chinese holidays. It is suggested to book 1-2 weeks ahead to ensure availability.
It takes about 2-3 hours to fully explore the Panda Science Discovery Center, depending on the number of exhibits and activities you wish to engage in.
The main highlights include:
Guided tours are available in Mandarin. Audio guides are provided in both Chinese and English for a self-guided experience.
The best spots for photography are:
Start by visiting the introductory exhibition to learn about the pandas, then head to the Panda Nursery to see the baby pandas. Afterward, explore the interactive science exhibits and the research center. Finally, enjoy the outdoor enclosures with a walk around the grounds.
The center does not offer night visits or light shows. Special tours are available during the day, which can be arranged upon request.
The Panda Science Discovery Center tends to be busiest on weekends and during public holidays. The least crowded times are typically weekdays, especially in the morning hours.
Facilities include clean restrooms, water refill stations, a small café serving light snacks, and souvenir shops where you can purchase panda-themed merchandise.
The center is generally accessible for elderly visitors and children, with paved walkways and ramps for those with mobility issues. However, the terrain in some areas may be challenging for wheelchairs.
Mobile payments such as WeChat Pay and Alipay are widely accepted. Credit cards are not commonly accepted, so it is best to carry cash or use mobile payment methods.
There is a café inside the Panda Science Discovery Center that offers simple meals and snacks. For more dining options, there are local restaurants in Ya'an that serve Sichuan cuisine, including spicy hotpot and noodles.
Vegetarian and vegan options are available at the café inside the center. For halal food, you may need to explore nearby Ya'an for more specific options.
There are several hotels in Ya'an, ranging from budget accommodations to mid-range options. For a more luxurious stay, Chengdu, about 2 hours away, offers a wide variety of hotels.
Nearby attractions include:
Yes, there are souvenir shops selling panda-themed products such as plush toys, stationery, and local crafts. Traditional Sichuan spices and tea are also available as souvenirs.
The best options for continuing the trip include taxis, private cars, or buses back to Chengdu or other nearby attractions like Mount Emei. For longer trips, there are high-speed trains from Ya'an to Chengdu.
