Pandas are stereotypically three things: big, round, and cuddly. I’m here to tell you that the rumors are TRUE! If seeing pandas is on your list of things to do while in China, then look no further! In this post, I’ll tell you all about how to see pandas in China!
Where Can You Go To see Pandas in China?
Most major cities in China (Shanghai, Beijing, etc) have zoos of their own, and at these zoos, it’s not uncommon for them to have giant pandas. Pandas are, after all, one of China’s dearest mascots.
However, there are a few special places in China where they are working to reestablish the panda population. Pandas were highly endangered not long ago, but China has taken huge steps to rebuild their numbers over time.
What Time Of Year Should I Go To See Pandas in China?
Summer in China can be wicked hot, but if you visit in the summertime, a visit to the pandas will be totally fine.
Honestly, we went to the Chengdu Panda Reserve in the dead of winter, and a medium-weight coat and some warm shoes and socks were enough for us!
I would say anytime of year works, just dress accordingly!
Can you Visit A Panda Sanctuary in China?
Yes!! And personally, I would recommend the Chengdu China Panda reserve as the best place to see pandas.
At the Panda Reserve, you won’t only have a chance to see pandas; you’ll also learn SO much about the species as well as the reserve’s and country’s efforts to save them.
Another reason why I recommend the Chengdu Panda Reserve is because some of the zoos I’ve been at in smaller cities in China can be sad to visit, as the animal habitats aren’t top-notch. But the reserve is BEAUTIFUL!
Seeing and supporting the Panda Reserve will let you visit pandas who are healthy and working to save their species (Woohoo!). Plus, it’s one of China’s most sustainable major tourist attractions. So why not visit?
How Much Does It Cost To See Pandas in China?
First off: do NOT buy tickets to the Chengdu Panda Reserve (or any zoos in China!) on any tourism apps!! We did this, and the ticket was almost 3 times the price of the tickets at the gate!
Tickets at the gate cost us about $4 USD per person (less than ¥30 RMB) and were super easy to find and purchase. The lady at the counter even helped us refund our crazy expensive tickets we’d booked online.
Entry into zoos around China varies. For zoos in smaller cities, you’ll pay anywhere from $2-5 USD. For bigger cities, you may pay as much as $20 USD.
Wherever you go to see the pandas in China, the tickets shouldn’t be too expensive. If they’re more than ¥200 RMB or about $30 USD, I’d be very suspicious.
Always buy tickets directly from the zoo/reserve ticket counter if possible (and bring your passport, because they often ask for it.
How Do I get to the Chengdu Panda Reserve?
If you’re staying in Chengdu, there are three ways you can get to the Chengdu Panda Reserve:
- Subway + bus (Around ¥4-10 RMB or $1-2 USD)
- Direct Panda Bus (Around $2 USD)
- Cab (Up to $15 USD from the city center to Panda Reserve)
Apple Maps or Baidu Maps can easily navigate you if you plan to use bus or subway. Walk to the nearest bus stop and check your phone map for which number buses can take you there (there will be multiple).
For a cab, you can simply hail a taxi and show them a photo of the Panda Reserve; they’ll know exactly where to take you!
Where Can I Hold A Baby Panda?
Okay, so I haven’t actually done this, and I don’t know if China still has these kind of programs. But I do know that, once upon a time, they had a program where you cold pay about $300 USD to hold a baby panda.
Honestly, if this is something you really want to do, you can probably find out how on the internet. But in my opinion, baby pandas should be spending time with other baby pandas instead of growing attached to humans.
Pandas are very solitary in their later life, and very social in their first few years of life. So while they love cuddles, I’d personally rather let them bond with their own kind than support a program that isn’t encouraging them to develop naturally through panda-to-panda time.
That’s my own 2 cents, but feel free to do your own digging. You can always get an adorable souvenir for cuddling purposes, like this one!
So there you have it: your guide to seeing pandas in China! Still have some questions? Drop them in the comments, or contact me via email or Insta! I’m happy to provide any more insight you need to get started on your own journey.
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