Thanks to China’s persistent and radical efforts, the giant panda has been downgraded to ‘vulnerable’ on the global list of species at risk of extinction after their population increased by 17% in a decade. This is an achievement to celebrate, yet pandas remain scattered and vulnerable, with only 1,864 left in the wild. Work is ongoing, and establishing new reserves and extending existing ones are crucial to their survival.
Getting close to these endearing creatures is on many visitors’ bucket lists during their time in China and is one of my most treasured experiences. Though visitors flock to Chengdu, the experience can be busy at peak times with huge crowds around enclosures and long wait times.
Instead, I recommend the below reserves and research centres to allow you to go beyond simply seeing a panda – each offers a window into the landscape and conservation story that makes their survival possible.
Tree climbing Giant Panda
Where are the best places to seeing giant panda on your China holiday?
Discover giant pandas in their mountain habitat at Wolong Panda Base
Located deep within the misty valleys of the Qionglai Mountains, Wolong Panda Base offers one of the most rewarding encounters with China’s most iconic animal. The journey here is part of the experience: the drive through dramatic mountain scenery signals that this is something altogether different from a city excursion.
Wolong sits within the heart of the vast Wolong Nature Reserve, one of the world’s most important strongholds for giant panda conservation and part of the UNESCO-listed Sichuan Giant Panda Sanctuaries. As one of the country’s leading centres for panda research, breeding and rehabilitation, the work happening here is central to the species’ long-term survival.
Pandas are kept in large enclosures set amongst lush bamboo forests, and the experience is notably quieter and less commercial than more accessible alternatives.
Depending on the time of year, pandas of all ages can be seen here, from tiny newborns to adults, and a keeper volunteer programme makes Wolong a particularly rewarding choice for families.
Become a keeper for the day at Dujiangyan Panda Reserve
For closer contact with giant panda, Dujiangyan offers accessible volunteer programmes set against a backdrop of forested mountains and ancient pilgrimage routes. Located in Qingchengshan Town of Dujiangyan City, the reserve specialises in teaching pandas to live in the wild so that they can be released back into their natural habitat. From cleaning enclosures to slicing bamboo and preparing food, there is plenty to get involved with.
The longer drive from downtown Chengdu keeps visitor numbers low, and the surrounding mountains reward those who linger: scenic hikes through bamboo forest, while ancient routes wind up through the hills to ancient temples. After a day spent as a keeper or exploring on foot, the Six Senses Resort nearby makes a welcome retreat.
View of Dujiangyan in China (©Six Senses Qing Cheng/Tang Chao)
Stay at Six Senses Qing Cheng Mountain spa resort (©Six Senses Qing Cheng/Seth Powers)
Learn about panda tracking at Laohegou Land Trust Reserve
Established in 2013, Laohegou was China’s first land trust reserve in Sichuan Province. Located in Pingwu County in southwest China, the reserve is home not only to giant pandas but to a wealth of rare species including Sichuan golden monkeys, musk deer and black bears.
Community-led conservation has been central to Laohegou since its founding: building close relationships, working collaboratively and fostering an understanding of how conservation and local livelihoods are intertwined. Although closed to the general public, special access can be arranged, making it a rare opportunity for travellers with a serious interest in panda tracking and the wider conservation landscape.
Discover remarkable biodiversity in Tangjiahe Nature Reserve
Founded in 1978, Tangjiahe is situated in northern Sichuan and is one of the most significant nature reserves in China. One of seven reserves that together form the largest remaining contiguous habitat for the giant panda, it is also among the most biodiverse regions in the world, sheltering around 72 protected species including red pandas, snub-nosed monkeys, clouded leopards and takins.
The reserve’s lush forest valleys and vegetated hillsides make it as compelling for the landscape as for the wildlife. Trekking here leads through ethnically diverse villages that play an active role in protecting the region’s rare flora and fauna – a side of China that many overseas travellers never reach.
How to plan your luxury holiday to China
Our signature journey, ‘Grand Tour of China’, features a day tracking wild panda in Wolong Nature Reserve. Explore the 14-night luxury China itinerary for inspiration on how to include giant panda sightings in your wider tour. Alternatively let our experts start designing your bespoke holiday – get in touch.
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