Bifengxia Panda Base Travel Guide
Highlights, Roles, and Travel Information
The Bifengxia Panda Base is one of the key branches of the China Giant Panda Conservation and Research Center and is located in Ya'an, Sichuan Province, known as the "hometown of pandas." Located approximately two hours by car from downtown Chengdu, the base boasts a rich natural environment surrounded by mountain gorges, providing pandas with an environment closer to the wild and allowing them to live freely. The biggest attraction here is the fact that Xiangxiang (Xiang Xiang), a giant panda born and raised in Japan and beloved as a national idol, returned to Japan in 2023 and is now living a peaceful life here. For Japanese fans, the base is an irreplaceable sanctuary where they can see Xiangxiang's energetic appearance up close.
1. Main Highlights
🐼 Observation points for Xiangxiang (Shanshan) and her friends
In the vast area of Bifeng Gorge, you can see many pandas, including Xiangxiang.
• Xiang Xiang (Shanshan) Exclusive Area:
Upon her return from Japan, Xiang Xiang is being carefully cared for and protected within the base. Out of consideration for her Japanese fans, when her condition is relatively stable and she is available for public viewing, you may be able to observe her adorable feeding and resting habits. It will be a special experience to observe how her innocent behavior, once exhibited at Ueno Zoo, has changed, or remains the same, in the natural environment of China.
• Panda Kindergarten:
Bifengxia is also dedicated to breeding and raising pandas, and if you're lucky, you might be able to see the adorable, curious and lively baby pandas.
• Shirakuma-tsubo and Kaikien area:
Xiangxiang is not the only panda kept here. Visitors can see pandas of all ages, including the "returned pandas" from overseas, relaxing in the lush grounds.
2. Roles and Stories
📜 The story of Hekihokyo and Koko
• Xiang Xiang returns home from Japan: Xiang Xiang was born at Ueno Zoo in 2017. Her name was chosen through a public contest and she grew up receiving the deep love and affection of the people of Japan. In accordance with a breeding agreement, Xiang Xiang was safely returned to China in 2023 and is now slowly getting used to life in China in her new environment of Bifengxia, receiving warm care from the zookeepers.
• An important base for panda conservation: Bifengxia is not just an exhibition facility, but a comprehensive conservation facility that integrates panda breeding, research into reintroduction, and public education. Its naturally blessed location also serves as a living teaching material for promoting the importance of protecting panda habitats.
3. Useful Information Before Your Visit
Address：Bifengxia Scenic Area, Yucheng District, Ya'an City, Sichuan Province, China
Opening Hours：April 1st - October 31st: 8:30am - 5:00pm
11/1-3/31：9:00-16:30
Closed：None (Open daily throughout the year)
Admission Tickets：Adults: 100 NTD (connecting ticket to Bifengxia Scenic Area available). Volunteer programs require reservations and incur additional fees.
Access：It is about a 2-hour drive from the center of Chengdu and about 30 minutes from Ya'an.
4. Visiting Etiquette and Important Notes
• Regarding Xiang Xiang's availability: Xiang Xiang is a protected panda. Depending on her physical condition and adaptation to the environment, her availability may be suspended or her availability may be limited. We strongly recommend checking the latest information before visiting.
• Please observe quietly: Please observe the pandas quietly and without making loud noises so as not to startle them, especially Xiangxiang. Let's show the good manners of the Japanese people.
• No flash photography: Pandas have sensitive eyes, so please do not take photos using flash.
• Wear comfortable walking shoes: Bifeng Gorge is located in a natural canyon, so the walking distances are long and include stairs and slopes. Comfortable walking shoes are essential.
5. Pandaland Trip's Original Tour Services
At Pandaland Trip, we respond to the passionate desire of people in Japan to meet Xiang Xiang and provide unique services to make your trip comfortable and memorable.
• Check the latest information on Xiangxiang in advance: Before your visit, we will work closely with the local authorities to confirm the opening status of Xiangxiang and the best times to view it.
• Expert guide deeply knowledgeable about Xiang Xiang: A specialist who understands Xiang Xiang’s background, personality, and life after returning to China provides detailed and engaging explanations in your native language—transforming this from simple panda sightseeing into a truly meaningful “reunion” with her.
• An efficient itinerary that takes crowds into consideration: We will adjust the schedule to coincide with Xiangxiang's opening hours and the times when she is most active, allowing you to enjoy the experience while avoiding crowds as much as possible.
• Plans combining the panda base with the natural beauty of Bifengxia: We also offer plans to combine a tour of the panda base with the Bifengxia Scenic Area, where you can enjoy the beautiful canyon scenery.
• Complete support in your native language: From transfers from Chengdu and ticket arrangements to on-site guidance, every step of the journey is fully supported in your native language, ensuring peace of mind even when visiting regional destinations for the first time.
To truly witness how beloved Xiang Xiang is living today and feel her presence amid China’s beautiful natural surroundings, a Pandaland Trip guided tour with support in your native language is the ideal choice.Your guide, who is filled with love for Xiang Xiang and panda conservation, will guide you through this emotional reunion journey.
