Best time to travel to China

Giant Pandas in China

Eat, play, sleep,—that's three core elements of the meaningful life for a panda

Best time: April–November

Giant Pandas
Giant Pandas
Giant Pandas
Giant Pandas
Giant Pandas

If "Eat, Pray, Love" can work as a human recepy for happiness, according to novelist Elizabeth Gilbert, pandas' answer would be: "Eat, Play, Sleep". You may see that careless lifestyle with your own eyes when you visit one of panda centres in Sichuan Province.

Wolong National Nature Reserve located 130 km from the province capital of Chengdu is known as the oldest sanctuary of giant pandas and hence referred to as pandas' hometown. Before the Wenchuan Earthquake in 2008, the area used to be a home to nearly a hundred cute white and black bears, or 10% of the whole China's population. Other rare inhabitants were red pandas, white-lipped deer and golden monkeys. After the natural disaster, the reserve along with its inhabitants had to move to Shenshuping. However, nowadays restored Wolong National Nature Reserve regains its popularity among tourists.

In Chengdu Panda Breeding Centers the animals are practically kept in captivity, but there are no cages,—on the contrary, a great natural environment, enough of space and trees to climb and a plenty of their favourite food—bamboo. So pandas population is gradually growing. The best season to visit panda sanctuaries is April to November.

Observing how these cute careless bears are enjoying their lives is very entertaining. They don't even bother if they look lame when eating while lying on their backs. The next time you are in a stressed mood, you can think back on that nice panda's encounter, and let your stress go away.

Also take into account that cute mammals are wild animals, so remember about a safe distance, and do not feed them on your own. Besides, giant pandas love enjoying themselves in a relative silence, so try not to make noise while watching these lazy shows.

Practical info

When is the best season to visit panda sanctuaries?

From April to November is the most favourable time to visit panda sanctuaries due to better weather conditions, and the chance to watch pandas at their most active. During these months, visitors have access to additional activities and better accommodation facilities. These efforts fulfil conservation purposes by enhancing the experience of the tourists. Show more

Where is the oldest sanctuary of giant pandas located?

Pandas' hometown or the oldest sanctuary for giant pandas is at the Wolong National Nature Reserve, only 130 km from Chengdu province. Since its establishment in 1963, the sanctuary has supported the conservation efforts for pandas and other species living in the Sichuan province. The reserve is renowned as a significant panda breeding area and is responsible for several tourist attractions. Show more

What other rare inhabitants can be found in Wolong National Nature Reserve?

Apart from the giant panda, the Wolong National Nature Reserve is home to other rare inhabitants such as red pandas, white-lipped deer and golden monkeys. Following the disastrous 2008 Wenchuan Earthquake, the reserve has undergone restoration and is now both a tourist destination and a conservation area. These efforts support the conservation of many endangered species in the region. Show more

How are pandas kept in the Chengdu Panda Breeding Centers?

The Chengdu Panda Breeding Centers keep pandas in a practical but cage-free environment, while still in captivity. The centers provide pandas with adequate space, trees, and a natural environment to climb, along with bamboo- their favourite food. The breeding centers contribute to the conservation of the endangered species through breeding and research initiatives. Show more

What should visitors keep in mind when watching pandas in their natural habitat?

Despite their adorable appearance, giant pandas are still wild animals; visitors should maintain a safe distance and avoid feeding them when observing them. Visitors can enjoy observing the pandas in silence since they do not appreciate unnecessary noise. These conservation efforts aim to ensure the safety of both the animals and tourists. Show more

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Last updated: by Eleonora Provozin