Explore Panda Habitats and Join the Giant Panda Wild Tour

Sichuan, located in southwestern China, is not only known for its openness and magnificence but also for the hometown of the giant panda.

Adorable giant pandas Photo: Sichuan Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism

As a highly recognizable symbol of Sichuan, the adorable panda image has gained its fame around the world. Now, covering an area of 9,245 squarekilometers, Sichuan Giant Panda Sanctuaries, a World Natural Heritage Site, is waiting for you.

With elevations ranging from 188 m to 7,556 m, Sichuan boasts wonderful natural scenery, unique landscape and biodiversity. It is also the place where the diagonal line of China and 30 degrees north latitude meet and one of the most biodiverse regions in the world.

How can you get to the scientific discovery site of the first giant panda in the world? What is a panda kindergarten like in a nature reserve? How to experience the nature and humanity of beautiful Sichuan? Today, Sichuan launches the Giant Panda Wild Tour for global online community. With Chengdu as the convergence point, you will travel in the nature reserves of western Sichuan and northern Sichuan and experience the fusion of local natural scenery and folk customs.

Let’s unravel the natural and cultural “codes” and explore the Giant Panda Habitat Tours!

Giant Panda Wild Tour Routes

1、 Panda Hometown Tour in Western Sichuan

Chengdu – Dengchigou – Fengtongzhai National Nature Reserve Museum – Shenmulei – Dawagengzha – Mount Jiajin – Mount Siguniang – Wolong National Nature Reserve – Wenchuan – Chengdu

Dengchigou Valley Photo: Sichuan Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism

Itinerary: a. Departing from Chengdu, you will head west to Dengchigou, the world’s first giant panda discovery site via the Chengdu-Ya’an Expressway and S210 Highway. You will visit the Dengchigou Giant Panda Museum, an ancient all-wooden structure. It is also the living quarter of French biologist David who first discovered the giant panda. Therefore, Baoxing County, where Dengchigou is located, is also known as the “Hometown of the Pandas.” (About 225 km)

b. Along the route, you can visit Fengtongzhai National Nature Reserve Museum, where you can learn about the cultural history and the stories of the giant panda that has gone global. You can also go to the neighboring Shenmulei Scenic Area of the Qiaoqi Township, to admire the Tibetan folklore and the sound of heaven – “original multi-part folk songs.” In addition, you can walk towards the adjoining 360° viewing platform of the Dawagengzha to enjoy the sea of clouds and the beauty of the sunrise. (About 52 km)

c. After visiting Dawagengzha, you can experience the beauty of the highway and the meadow as you driving over the Mount Jiajin. Then, you will arrive at the Mount Siguniang Scenic Area, hailed as “the Alps of the East” to unleash your passion for outdoor trekking and snow mountain climbing, and buy unique Tibetan handicrafts. (About 116 km)

d. After leaving Mount Siguniang, you will arrive at the Wolong Nature Reserve and pay a visit to the Wolong Shenshuping Base of the China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda, the best panda viewing site of the world. Here, you can say “hello” to adorable pandas and witness the growth of panda cubs in their kindergarten. Afterwards, you can drive to the nearby Wenchuan County to pick fresh fruits and vegetables before returning to Chengdu. (About 212 km)

Mount Siguniang Photo: Sichuan Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism

Route Features: The western part of Sichuan, with its highland and mountainous terrain, has an ecological and folkloric charm rarely found elsewhere, making it a natural wonderland rarely visited by overseas tourists.

Located at the junction of the Western Sichuan plateau, the Fengtongzhai National Nature Reserve has a large number, high density and wide distribution of giant pandas. Its well-protected habitat is very suitable for giant pandas’ breeding and living, making it a veritable original wonderland. Along the route, the scenic spots such as Shenmulei and Mount Siguniang not only boast stunning sceneries but also rich and colorful ethnic customs. It is reported that the number of captive-bred panda cubs born last year in the Wolong Nature Reserve was among the highest in China.

Recommended Tour Options: Package tour or road trip

Lovely giant panda Photo: Sichuan Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism

2、Panda Park Heritage Tour in Northern Sichuan

Chengdu – Sanxingdui Museum – Jianmen Pass – Tangjiahe – Wanglang – Jiuzhaigou Valley – Huanglong – Songzhou Ancient City – Ancient Qiang City in Maoxian County – Chengdu

Itinerary: a. Departure from Chengdu, you will head north via the Chengdu-Mianyang Expressway to the precious cultural heritage – Sanxingdui. You will be amazed by the world-shaking site of the ancient city, ancient kingdom, and ancient Shu State, and get a glimpse of the ancient Shu civilization thousands of years ago. (About 69 km)

b. From Sanxingdui, heading north to the Jianmen Pass, China’s natural and cultural heritage, you can experience the natural pass of the world, the thrilling mountain roads, and appreciate the culture of the Three Kingdoms. After climbing over the mountains, you will soon reach the Tangjiahe National Nature Reserve, a “natural gene pool,” and your “encounter” with wild giant pandas begins! (About 321 km)

c. Across the Tangjiahe River, the Wanglang National Nature Reserve which is located in Pingwu County, home to one of the world’s largest populations of wild giant pandas, is in sight. In addition to wild giant pandas, there is also an ancient and unique ethnic group, the Baima Tibetans, who live in the area. You can walk into the inns and experience local customs. Meanwhile, Wanglang is next to the world heritage site of Jiuzhaigou Valley and Huanglong. Wandering around the fairy-like Jiuzhaigou Valley and the calcium-rich lakes in Huanglong, you can see the natural “gifts” that coexist and integrate with giant pandas. (About 382 km)

d. Going south for the return journey, the Songzhou Ancient City is a must-see. Songzhou Ancient City possesses a 12-meter wall, ranking first in China. You can feel the long history of “Tea-Horse Trade” culture of Tibetan, Qiang, Hui, and Han people here. Then you can head south to the ancient Qiang City in Maoxian County, where you will experience the splendid culture of Sichuan, such as Qiang watchtowers and Qiang embroidery, and finally return to Chengdu.

Route Features: The northern part of Sichuan enjoys the world-famous natural heritage sites, including Jiuzhaigou Valley, Huanglong, Tangjiahe Nature Reserve, and Wanglang Nature Reserve, making the Sichuan Giant Panda Habitat Tours richer and more impressive.

There are a number of world-class and national natural and cultural heritages along this route. Tangjiahe Nature Reserve enjoys dozens of rare animals such as giant pandas, golden snub-nosed monkeys, antelopes, clouded leopards, etc.; Wanglang Nature Reserve fully integrates humanity and nature; the fairyland of Jiuzhaigou Valley and colorful lakes in Huanglong are “star” scenic spots attracting tourists worldwide; the Three Kingdoms Culture of Jianmen Pass and the charm of the Qiang ethnic group in Maoxian County are also memorable; the Sanxingdui Site, with a history of 3,000 to 5,000 years, is known as one of the greatest archaeological discoveries of the 20th century.

Recommended Tour Options: Package tour or road trip.