Written by Veronica |
Dujiangyan Panda Valley is a conservation and rewilding center operated by Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, which is about 60 km from Chengdu, requiring about 1 – 1.5 hours’ drive.
It is devoted to the rewilding, conservation, ecological restoration of the original natural habitats for giant pandas, making it a great place for you to get closer to the pandas in their semi-wild habitat. Now, about 15 pandas live here and tourists usually can see 5 – 10 pandas.
Many visitors confuse Dujiangyan Panda Valley with Dujiangyan Panda Base. They are completely different. Dujiangyan Panda Base is a separate scenic area, which has been temporarily closed for renovation since April 23, 2026 with no announced reopening date.
Dujiangyan Panda Valley Facts
- Location: in Baima Village, Yutang Town, Dujiangyan City, about 60 km from Chengdu.
- Opening time: 16 – Oct. 31: 07:30 – 18:00 (last entry: 17:00); Nov. 1 – Mar. 15: 08:00 – 17:30 (last entry: 16:30)
- Ticket price: CNY 55/USD 8
- Time Needed: about 3 hours
- Best time to visit: From March to November (It would be better if you visit there in the morning when the pandas tend to be more active.)
- Suited to: Anyone who wants to see pandas
Content Preview
- Dujiangyan vs Chengdu vs Wolong Shenshuping Panda Base
- How to Visit
- How to Plan a Tour
- Practical Travel Information
- Essential Travel Tips
- Attractions nearby
- Travel with China Xian Tour
Dujiangyan Panda Valley vs Chengdu Panda Bases vs Wolong Shenshuping Panda Base – Which One is Better
When planning the China Panda tours, most tourists wonder which one to choose among so many panda bases.
For first timers, tourists with limited time and families, Chengdu Panda Base is more recommended as it is located in the downtown area with convenient transportation.
Dujiangyan Panda Base is better for tourists who prefer quietness and natural environment and want to observe pandas closely.
If you are a photographer or prefer an in-depth tour, Shenshuping Base will not let you down.
Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding |
Dujiangyan Panda Base |
Wolong Shenshuping Panda Base |
|
Location |
No. 1375, Panda Avenue, Chenghua District, Chengdu City |
Baima Village, Yutang Town, Dujiangyan City |
No. 9, Panda Avenue, Gengda Town, Wenchuan County, Ngawa Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture |
Highlights |
Several star pandas, pandas of all ages, including the cubs, complete facilities, including panda tower and museum |
Featured by original natural habitats, can observe the natural behaviors of pandas closely, has an interactive area for free-range red pandas |
More panda cubs, primitive natural environment, fewer tourists |
Core positioning |
The world’s largest artificial breeding base |
Rewilding and releasing research center |
Research and breeding center |
Crowd Level |
Very high |
Medium |
Low |
How to Visit the Dujiangyan Panda Valley
Dujiangyan Panda Valley mainly consists of the following areas:
- Giant Panda House: There are a total of 3 panda houses in the valley, where you will see pandas eating bamboo, playing, or climbing trees in a wild environment.
- Breeding Center: At the breeding and rearing sites, you may encounter giant pandas undergoing rewilding training.
- Red Pandas Free-Ranging Area: This area may be the highlight of your tour. The red pandas here are semi-free-range in the forest. They may stroll leisurely along the railings next to the walkway, giving you the chance to observe them closely and take some memorable photos.
- Surrounding Landscapes: Besides the cute animals, the panda valley also offers historic sites like Sansheng Temple and a walkway connecting marvelous natural landscapes such as Cascading Pond, Metasequoia Forests and Anyi Bridge.
The entire scenic area follows a one-way circular route. Below is the recommended sightseeing route, which takes about 2 – 3 hours.
Entrance – Cascading Pond – Metasequoia Forests – Anyi Bridge – Breeding Center – Three Giant Panda Houses – Red Pandas Free-Ranging Area – Sansheng Temple – Souvenir Shops – Exit
How to Plan a One-day and Two-day Dujiangyan Panda Valley Tour
Dujiangyan Irrigation System and Qingcheng Mountain are only about 8 and 10 km from Dujiangyan Panda Valley, so they are usually included in one tour with Panda Valley.
Dujiangyan Irrigation System is an ancient irrigation system that is still in use now and has been listed as a World Heritage. Qingcheng Mountain is one of the birthplaces of Taoism in China and features tranquil scenery.
Since each scenic area needs about 3 – 4 hours, a complete tour will require 2 days. It is recommended to visit Panda Valley in the morning, and then explore each of the other two attractions in the afternoon and the next day. If you only have one day, just choose whichever you prefer.
Practical Travel Information about Dujiangyan Panda Valley
When Is the Best Time to Visit Dujiangyan Panda Valley
You can visit Dujiangyan Panda Valley at any time throughout the year, but the best time is during months from March to November when the climate is mild and the surroundings are pleasant.
By the way, visit Dujiangyan Panda Valley at about 8:30 – 10:30 in the morning, when you will encounter more active pandas especially when they are fed.
How to Book the Ticket
As ticket windows on site only open when there are remaining tickets on the day, all tourists are advised to book a ticket via the WeChat mini-program “熊猫谷 (Panda Valley)” in advance. To ensure you book the ticket smoothly, use your phone’s built-in translation feature to navigate the interface.
Here is a step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Choose the morning session or afternoon session according to your schedule.
Step 2: Select passport at the document type column, and fill your name, passport number and phone number.
Step 3: Pay for your ticket and save the QR code of your order.
On your visiting day, show your passport and QR code to the staff to enter the valley.
If you feel the procedure is rather complex, we can also help you book the ticket and customize a trip.
How to Get to Dujiangyan Panda Valley From Chengdu
After you arrive in Chengdu, there are several feasible ways to reach Dujiangyan Panda Valley.
- By Intercity Train: Fastest
This is a fast way to Dujiangyan Panda Valley. You can board a high-speed train from Xipu Railway Station in Chengdu, and after a 30-minute journey, you’ll arrive at Liduigongyuan Railway Station. The ticket price is CNY 10/USD 2.
Then, take a taxi to Dujiangyan Panda Valley, which takes about 20 minutes and costs about CNY 15 – 20/USD 2 – 3.
- By Direct Tourist Bus: Most Convenient
The direct tourist buses run between exit C of Chunxi Road Metro Station and Panda Valley from 08:00 – 22:00. It departs on a rolling basis, approximately every 30 to 40 minutes. The travel time is about 1 – 1.5 hour and the ticket price is about CNY 39/USD 6.
After the tour, you can take the return bus at the parking lot of Dujiangyan Panda Valley, which operates basically from 13:00 – 21:30.
- By Taxi or Private Transfers:Carefree but Expensive
A more direct way from Chengdu to Dujiangyan Panda Valley is by taxi or private car as it is just 60 kilometers from Chengdu. The cost for a taxi ride is about CNY 150 – 200/USD 21 – 28 and the duration is about 1 – 1.5 hours.
If you prefer a private car, we can arrange one and incorporate nearby attractions to enrich your experience.
Essential Travel Tips
- If you want to see the most lively pandas, arrive there between 09:00 – 11:00.
- During the tour, keep quiet and do not use the flashlight in case the animals are scared.
- It is strictly prohibited to feed the food to any animals.
- A lot of walking is required in the park, so a pair of comfortable and anti-slippery shoes is a must.
- The choices of food are limited, so take some snacks and drinking water by yourself.
Attractions nearby Dujiangyan Panda Valley
Dujiangyan Irrigation System: Located 15 kilometers from Dujiangyan Panda Valley, this is an ancient irrigation system included on the World Heritage List that offers a beautiful landscape of the Minjiang River.
Mount Qingcheng: It is one of the four famous Taoist mountains in China, attracting tourists with its ancient temples and spectacular mountainous scenery.
Dujiangyan Panda Base: It is a tourist attraction that aims at panda conservation and public education. Comparing Dujiangyan Panda Base vs Panda Valley, you will find that both are places to observe pandas, but they function differently. By the way, don’t head to Dujiangyan Panda Valley for the panda keeper program because that’s what the Panda Base offers.
Jiezi Ancient Town: This well-preserved ancient town near Dujiangyan Panda Valley is surrounded by mountains and traversed by rivers. Walking in the town, you will find typical architecture of the Qing Dynasty and a Buddhist temple of the Sui Dynasty. Besides, don’t hesitate to try the local food such as sesame cake and chicken slices, which are covered on the List of Intangible Cultural Heritage.
Encounter Lovely Pandas with China Xian Tour
Besides the lovely pandas in Dujiangyan Panda Valley, Chengdu also boasts many historic sites like Wuhou Shrine and Kuaizhai Alley and attracts tourists with its delicious Sichuan cuisine. For tourists who want to explore the complete charm of the city, China Xian Tour is pleasant to tailor a trip.
We can not only cover the attractions, but also arrange cultural performances like face-changing shows. You will enjoy an abundant experience. Just contact us now.
