info@absolutepanda.com
Trip Details
7 Days Panda Study Tour
Date: Mar 10 & Nov 4, 2025, 2026
Price: From 1800 USD/PAX
Trip Focus: Panda Base+Panda Habitat
Status: Open to Booking
Route: Chengdu-Dujiangyan-Labahe-Bifengxia-Chengdu
Trip Code: P009
Overview
China is a landscape of natural treasures, featuring a wide variety of timeless unique animal species such as the iconic giant panda. Sichuan Province is not only famous for being the hometown of pandas but also offers a rich and diverse natural environment that perfectly suits these adorable creatures. In this tour of AbsolutePanda, we will explore some of the most coveted destinations in Southwestern China. Whether it is getting up close with the world’s largest captive panda population, hiking through the temperate bamboo wilderness or visiting the Panda National Park, this once in a lifetime opportunity will show you just what makes giant panda miraculous species that is distinct from other organisms you don't want to leave.
Highlights:
• See the largest captive population of pandas in the world at the Chengdu Panda Base.
• Visit the world's first interactive Panda-themed museum and learn about interesting information about giant pandas in an interactive setting.
• Experience the routine work of a panda keeper by working as panda volunteer.
• Gain an in-depth understanding of the daily lives of captive pandas.
• Close observations and interactions with red pandas.
• Get into the Giant Panda National Park to search for the companion animals of wild giant pandas.
• Guided by dedicated and experienced, local nature guide from AbsolutePanda team.
Introduction to Trip Destinations and Activities:
Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding
Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding (Chengdu Panda Base) attracts tourists and wildlife enthusiasts worldwide. Conveniently located a short drive away from downtown, this state of the art research facility comfortably houses more pandas than anywhere else within China or abroad. During your visit, you will see pandas ranging from young cubs to lumbering adults as well as the elusive and adorable Red Panda. Additionally, the scenic, garden-like atmosphere of the panda base is especially ideal for urban birding like Red-billed Leiothrix, White-browed Laughingthrush, Ruddy Shelduck, Chinese Blackbird, Spotted Dove, etc.
Chengdu Giant Panda Museum
The Chengdu Giant Panda Museum is an international and modern museum with functions of popular science dissemination, public education, exhibition, collection of exhibits, protection, and academic research. The theme of the whole museum design embodies the spirit of "Harmony among Humans, Giant Pandas and Nature". Through interactive experiences, immersive tours and other means, it enables the public to understand the living conditions of rare animals such as giant pandas while visiting and having fun, enhances the awareness of environmental and animal protection and improves the knowledge about science in public.
Dujiangyan Panda Base
Dujiangyan Panda Base, also called Dujiangyan Panda Ark, is located at the foot of Mt. Qingcheng. Mainly focusing on panda rescue, husbandry, and disease control, its facilities have a critical impact on the continued survival of the Giant Panda. It takes about a 1.5-2 hours drive from downtown Chengdu to the base. The base has several pandas rescued from the wild and some others are returned from overseas. Our visit to the panda base here will feature the exciting hands-on opportunity to assist the panda keepers in their daily routine work.
Dujiangyan Red Panda Forest Park
The Dujiangyan Red Panda Forest Park consists of six major parts: Exploring and Tracking Red Panda Reintroduction Experience Garden, Isolated Hall for the Red Panda Scientific Research and Breeding, the Training Site for Red Panda Behavior Desensitization , the Display Area for Red Panda Family Life, Outdoor Center for the Red Panda Fun Knowldge, and the Red Panda-themed Restaurant. The park provides an unique chance to gain indepth knowledge about the red panda. Here you can observe the red panda up close and interact with them in a certain degree.
Labahe Nature Reserve
Labahe Nature Reserve is located at the Hengduan Mountains with an altitude from 1,900m to 5,400m. It is covered with mixed forests and dense bamboos which makes a great picture when the clouds drift in and out during the day. Labahe Nature Reserve is known as one of the best places in the world to see wild Red Panda. In Labahe, you can search for mammals like Sambar, Tibetan Macaque, Chinese Goral, Leopard Cat, Sichuan Takin, Chinese Serow, and Hog Badger.
Bifengxia Panda Base
Located just a short drive from the city of Ya’an, the Bifengxia Panda Base is widely considered the best of Sichuan’s panda bases to visit for those wanting to view these animals in a natural setting. The pandas here enjoy naturalistic enclosures placed against a tranquil temperate environment. It is not uncommon to spot some of the base’s resident pandas hanging from the branches of the parks' many trees. Located near the Bifengxia Panda Base, the scenic area at the Bifengxia Gorge is a breathtaking natural setting featuring panoramic views of the rugged temperate forests of central Sichuan. This area provides excellent hiking route for both leisurely hike and strenuous hike.
How Can We Make This Trip Special？
• Many times of running this itinerary for western panda fans, nature and culture lovers enables us to ensure your trip is enjoyable and comfortable in the hidden area.
• A team of passionate guides specializing in panda and wildlife with rich experiences of guiding and solid knowledge about local cultures and places.
• This trip can be customized to better meet your travel style by centering on a different focus.
• 20-plus years of working in the travel industry and serving travelers from all over the world enable us to know how to make great trips for travelers of different travel styles.
What makes AbsolutePanda excellent?
• We are one of the premier travel companies focusing on panda and other wildlife in China.
We use AbsolutePanda as company brand because of our deep love toward panda and our determination to create your absolutely enjoyable panda trips.
We use AbsolutePanda as company brand because of our deep love toward panda and our determination to create your absolutely enjoyable panda trips.
Since 2003, our professional tour leaders and wildlife experts have helped thousands of travelers gain an in-depth understanding of Giant Panda and their companion animals, enjoy stunning scenery all over China and explore the authentic local culture.
• Exclusive Quality & Value Guarantee.
We define our quality by well-designed itineraries, stunning destinations, creative interactions, small groups, professional guides, and reasonable prices.
• Explore China in comfort and your style.
We understand each traveler is different. In addition to selected accommodations, meals and vehicles, we would like to show you the real China by an authentic experience with incredible wildlife and lovely locals.
• We care and share.
We believe the best way to help wildlife is through love and appreciation. By bringing nature lovers to enjoy the beauty of nature in China, we hope that local people can know the value of wildlife and learn how to love and appreciate those beautiful creatures living near their villages.
Map
Panda Study Tour Map
Itinerary
Outline:
Day 1. Arrive in Chengdu. (D)
Airport pick-up. Panda-themed Welcome Dinner and Introduction to the Team and Itinerary.
Overnight: Chengdu
Day 2. Chengdu-Dujiangyan. (64km 1.5h) (BLD)
Visit Chengdu Panda Base and Giant Panda Museum (closed on Monday), then head to Dujiangyan.
Overnight: Dujiangyan
Day 3. Panda volunteer in Dujiangyan. (BLD)
Today we will become a panda volunteer in Dujiangyan Panda Base. At night, we will go to Nanqiao to enjoy the night view.
Overnight: Dujiangyan
Day 4. Dujiangyan-Labahe. (238km 3h) (BLD)
In the morning, we will head to the Red Panda Forest Park in Dujiangyan. After lunch, we will drive to the Labahe Scenic Area.
Overnight: Labahe
Day 5. Explore in Labahe. (BLD)
Explore in Labahe to search for the wildlife there.
Overnight: Labahe
Day 6. Labahe-Bifengxia Panda Base(103km 2h)-Chengdu(156km 2.5h). (BLD)
Visit Bifengxia Panda Base in Ya’an, then come back to Chengdu.
Overnight: Chengdu
Day 7. Chengdu departure. (B)
Airport drop-off.
Details:
Day 1. Arrive in Chengdu. Meals: D
The airport pick-up. Based on the time you arrive, you can plan some city tour programs by yourself such as visiting People’s Park to experience the typical laid-back lifestyles of Chengdu or visiting Jinli Street to feel the bustling shopping street with all types of shops selling unique local souvenirs and an array of food stands offering different delicious local take-away food.
At night, we will hold Panda-themed Welcome Dinner and introduce this itinerary. In the dinner, you will get to know each member of the team and sample a variety of dishes with elements of Chengdu and pandas.
Overnight: Chengdu
Day 2. Chengdu-Dujiangyan. (64km 1.5h) Meals: BLD
After enjoying an early breakfast at your hotel, we will take you to the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. This innovative facility is home to the largest captive panda population in the world. During our stay at the center, you can watch these delightful animals relaxing in naturalistic enclosures. Then, we will pay a visit to Giant Panda Museum(closed on Monday). You will conduct a detailed study and understanding of relevant knowledge such as the evolution of giant pandas, their associated animals, breeding and reproduction, and panda communication. There are a great number of human - machine interactions you can have in the museum.
In the late afternoon, we will head to Dujiangyan.
Overnight: Dujiangyan
Day 3. Panda Volunteer in Dujiangyan. Meals: BLD
In the morning, we will depart from our hotel to Dujiangyan Panda Base. We will visit the Dujiangyan Panda Base of CCRCGP(China Conservation and Research Center for Giant Pandas) with the option of participating in a Panda Volunteer Program. On this day,you will have the opportunity to help panda keepers chop bamboo, make delicious steamed buns for giant pandas, learn about the relevant knowledge of how keepers feed the giant pandas, and trim bamboo leaves for the elderly giant pandas.
In the evening, we will go to Nanqiao to enjoy the night view and experience the slow life in Dujiangyan. The architectural style of Nanqiao is unique, featuring a distinct national style and rich local flavor. It is not only a practical bridge but also a fine work of art. The night view of Nanqiao is especially beautiful. When the lights are on, the whole bridge looks magnificent and splendid, shining in harmony with the river water, thus forming a beautiful picture.
Overnight: Dujiangyan
Day 4. Dujiangyan-Labahe. (238km 3h) Meals: BLD
In the morning, we will head to the Red Panda Forest Park in Dujiangyan.Red Panda Forest Park consists of six major sections: the Red Panda Wild Release Exploration and Tracking Garden, the Red Panda Scientific Research and Breeding Isolation Hall, the Red Panda Behavior Desensitization Training Camp, the Red Panda Family Life Display Area, the Red Panda Outdoor Interesting Popular Science Garden, and the Red Panda-themed Leisure Restaurant. Here, you will have the opportunity to observe red pandas up close and get to know about their daily life and routines.
After lunch, we will head to Labahe Nature Reserve.Labahe is a natural gene pool of wild rare animals and plants. The scenery within the scenic area is beautiful and the air is pleasant. It is an important part of the Giant Panda National Park. In Labahe Nature Reserve, there are known to be 46 species of mammals, 164 species of birds, 7 species of fish, and 14 species of reptiles. Among them, there are a total of 32 species of wild animals under first- and second-class national key protection, such as giant pandas, takins, golden monkeys, red pandas, sambar deer, leopards, and Sichuan-Shaanxi taimen.
Overnight: Labahe
Day 5. Explore in Labahe. Meals: BLD
Hiking in the Labahe Nature Reserve and searching for Red Panda and its companion animals. Labahe Nature Reserve is one of the best places in the world to see wild Red Panda in their habitat. In Labahe, we can also search for mammals like Sambar, Tibetan Macaque, Chinese Goral, Leopard Cat, Sichuan Takin, Chinese Serow, and Hog Badger. Also, we will get a chance to see some beautiful birds like Lady Amherst's Pheasant and Fulvous Parrotbill.
At night, we will go on a night tour near the hotel. You will have the opportunity to see wild animals such as sambar deer, red and white giant flying squirrels and so on.
Overnight: Labahe
Day 6. Labahe-Bifengxia Panda Base(103km 2h)-Chengdu(156km 2.5h). Meals: BLD
In the morning, we will drive to Bifengxia Panda Base.Bifengxia Giant Panda Base is located in the Bifengxia Scenic Area in Yucheng District, Ya'an City, Sichuan Province. It is a panda paradise integrating functions such as giant panda rearing, breeding, rescue, and publicity and education. It is also one of the important bases of the China Giant Panda Conservation and Research Center. Currently, more than 60 giant pandas live there, including Beibei the giant panda that used to live in the United States, Lin Bing the giant panda that used to live in Thailand, and Xiangxiang who returned from Japan.
In the afternoon, we will come back to Chengdu. After a short rest in the hotel, we will hold a farewell dinner, and during the dinner, we will summarize the itinerary and distribute exclusive panda souvenirs.
Overnight: Chengdu
Day 7. Chengdu departure. Meals: B
On the final day of the itinerary, our team will escort you to the airport or train station to depart from Chengdu on time.
Notes:
1. If you need help in arranging a flight to Chengdu from other major cities of China such as Beijing, Shanghai, Xian, or a departure flight from Chengdu, please feel free to contact us, we are more than happy to provide any support we can to facilitate your trip planning.
2. The overnight altitudes and driving hours listed in the itinerary are just for your rough reference.
3. Giant Panda Museum do not open on Monday. So be sure to skip a Monday trip to Giant Panda Museum.
Dates & Prices
1. Dates
10th to 16th Mar, 2025,2026
4th to 10th Nov., 2025,2026
AbsolutePanda can tailor-make this trip according to your time and interest.
2. Prices
The AbsolutePanda team works hard to provide the highest quality tour experiences at a fair price. However, after working in the travel industry for more than 20 years, our team knows that no two travelers are alike in terms of their travel style, personal interest, choice of guides and preferences in restaurants and hotels. For AbsolutePanda, our client’s satisfaction is a top priority. To meet the needs of different clients and ensure they enjoy a trip suited to their preferences, you are welcome to email with specific requests ranging from trip themes, guides, the quality of vehicles, accommodations, and restaurants. Our group trip price has the following includes and excludes below.
To ensure our guest the best trip, we set our minimum departure number at four and the maximum departure number at eight. That means the group size is 4 to 8 participants.
The cost for a group of 4 to 8 people:
1800 USD/PAX
Single supplement:
230 USD/PAX
The cost includes:
1. Well-chosen vehicles based on the size of the group for the trip with fuel, tolls, airport pick-up and drop-off included in the price;
2. An English-speaking guide for the whole trip;
3. Meals as indicated by BLD (B for breakfast, L for Lunch and D for dinner)in the itinerary. Picnic lunch when photograph in the field;
4. Complimentary water and snacks during the trip;
5. Entrance fee for the sites listed in the itinerary;
6. China Domestic Travel Insurance;
7. Hotels arranged during this trip;
8. Panda Volunteer Program in Dujiangyan.
The cost excludes:
1. Alcoholic drinks during the meal;
2. Extra charges due to change of itinerary from client-side or factors beyond the control of AbsolutePanda such as natural disaster and governmental policy change;
3. Discretionary tips to the guide and driver;
4. All personal expenses, such as laundry service or for personal shopping;
5. Train ticket or airfare to or out of Chengdu;
6. Any items not listed in the itinerary as included;
7. Entrance fee, car rental, or meals during your free time trip;
8. Single supplement;
9. Extra nights in Chengdu.
Notes:
1. The prices above are not applicable during any Chinese festivals and holidays. We recommend you to avoid travelling during Chinese festivals and holidays for a better experience.
2. For travelers who hope to tailor-make the day programs with their specific travel preferences in mind (transportation, hotels, special privileges, and famous local experts), tailor-making a tour is the best way to ensure your desires are met. Please contact us with your specific needs and we will make an itinerary based on your expectations. Once you confirm, we work out the cost and send it to you. Please feel free to ask any questions to learn more.
3. Please note that guides with specialized knowledge are not always available, especially during our peak tour season (April to October). If you are in the process of planning a trip, please contact us as early as possible so that we will block the date of our expert guide for you.
With your precious trust on us, we will definitely do our utmost to make your trip most enjoyable!
Accommodations
AbsolutePanda firmly believes travel is an art. To ensure every trip with us is a great travel art for our clients, the AbsolutePanda team does all we can to consider every possible detail. The choice of hotels is an essential part of making a great trip. After many years of running a travel business, we have built up our network of cooperative hotels at different levels. We understand people are different in the choice of hotels when they travel. If you want to use some specific hotels, please feel free to let us know, we are delighted to book it for you at a competitive price to make the hotel choice better meet your taste, budget and travel style. We can either reserve a hotel with competitive price for you or simply include the hotel into your trip cost if possible. You are welcome to contact us and tell us your requests, we will do our best to create the best travel itinerary for your private use.
If you need help with hotel booking in other big cities of China at different styles and luxury levels (International-brand Hotels, Local Brand Hotels, Economical Hotels), please feel free to email our team at info@absolutepanda.com.
FAQs
1. Where do wild pandas live? What are the current situation of panda habitats?
Giant pandas live in temperate bamboo forests in high mountains of the wild panda habitats. These panda habitats are distributed in 3 provinces, Sichuan, Shaanxi, and Gansu. They are found in five major areas in China, namely Minshan Mountains, Qionglai Mountains, Xiangling Mountains, Liangshan Mountains, and Qinling Mountains. Giant panda used to live in a much bigger area than it is now. Because of the ice age in the Quaternary period and human activities, now panda habitat has shrunk into much narrower areas, mostly the high mountains and deep valleys in the eastern edge of the Qinghai-Tibet plateau as shown in the map below.
2. Will we have a chance to see wild pandas on this tour?
While Sichuan is famed as a province accommodating the most substantial portion of the wild panda population (74.4%), it should be noted that spotting a wild panda is quite slim due to the small population and unique lifestyle of pandas mostly living inside the bamboo forest. While panda viewings in Labahe have been reported almost every year by both visitors and rangers, it is really hard to predict for a particular trip. For us, we will do our best to show you all the possible attractions we see inside this panda habitat and make your trip full of wonderful memories. Pandas live in the place we are going to visit, and we just enjoy everything we have blessed to see there.
3. If we want to arrive Chengdu in advance or spend more days here after the tour, can AbsolutePanda arrange that for us?
Yes, absolutely. We are more than happy to help our guest to book services and arrange day tours of Chengdu. Please check our website for more day tour options and send us your requirements. We can tailor-make a suitable tour plan for you.
Email us if you have any questions. Read our FAQ
Testimonials
What an amazing experience!
We just returned from a trip to China. Our time with Absolute Panda was the highlight of our trip! We were nervous about finding a company online, and paying for services out of the country. AbsolutePanda was completely honest with us. They were affordable.We had pretty specific interests. The staff at AbsolutePanda helped us through the planning process. They created something perfect for our family! They spent months offering free advice, suggestions, and help. They were flexible with the itinerary. Once in the country, we were treated well. They asked for and supported dietary requests. We got to try a great variety of healthy and delicious food. We had as much bottled water and snacks as we liked. All meals were included in the price. We received small gifts. The company owner checked in, to make sure we were doing ok. We felt like royalty! We stayed at beautiful, and clean accommodations, “off the beaten path.” We went to small mountain towns. They were gorgeous.Our guide, Bella, was exceptional! She was kind, friendly, interesting, reliable, and lots of fun. She spoke very good English. She had an extensive knowledge of local wildlife, as well as history, culture, and everything else we asked. Bella was able to identify any bird or creature she saw, by Chinese and English name. She has great eyes. She could spot wildlife in the distance, that were hard to see even with binoculars. She took us on hikes that matched our skill levels. We saw wild monkeys, gorals, muntjacs, and tons of beautiful birds. We were in highly competent hands. While we were in China, Sichuan had (unprecedented) heavy rains. Some roads were closed, due to mudslides and flooding. Despite this, we were able to travel the areas we wished. AbsolutePanda kept a close eye on conditions. They changed the travel plan/method multiple times, so we could be safe. They got us there still. The drivers were amazing, and I felt comfortable. We changed our own plans in China. This was due to unexpected medical issues we had there. AbsolutePanda worked with us, even with last minute adjustments. They were supportive, helpful, and flexible. They made sure each member of our family was well cared for. Our safety and well-being mattered to them. I can’t recommend AbsolutePanda highly enough! They gave us the trip of a lifetime!
--Suzucchini
Welcome to email us and be our guests to write the feedback for us. Testimonial of AbsolutePanda
Videos & Photos
Sichuan is the "Kingdom of Giant Panda".
Giant panda in Dujiangyan Panda Base.
Wild Red Panda in Panda Habitat.
Sambar in Labahe.
Accidentally encountered Lady Amherst's Pheasant.
Welcome to email us and share your trip photo with us. Photo Album of AbsolutePanda
