Wolong Panda Base Volunteering Program from Chengdu

Chengdu , China

Wolong Panda Base Volunteering Program from Chengdu

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(3 reviews)

10h

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About this experience

Celebrated as the home to giant pandas and a precious bio-gene bank, Wolong National Nature Reserve is truly a kingdom of pandas for exploration. By taking our tour as panda volunteer, you will be guided by professional panda keepers, and learn how to take care of lovely pandas. The engaging interaction with pandas during the brief one-day visit will make you a qualified panda caretaker.

Available options

Private Tour

Private Tour.<br/>Pickup included

What's included

English-speaking tour guide

Bottled water

Lunch

Private tour Hotel pickup and drop-off

Private tour car or van

Panda Base Volunteering Program fee (Adults)

Travel Insurance

Detailed itinerary

07:00 Your tour guide and driver will pick you up from your hotel within the 3rd ring of Chengdu and drive to the Wolong Panda Base to check into the volunteer program.

8:30am Clean the panda enclosures and prepare the food
Panda keepers need to supply fresh bamboo to these national treasures three times each day. The pandas usually eat only 30% of the bamboo, wasting 70% of it.

10:00am–11:00am Take a break and tour around the panda base
Have a relaxing walk in the well-paved base and listen to the legendary stories of these pandas.

11:30am–1:00pm Have lunch and a rest in the base

1:00pm–2:00pm Watch a panda movie that lasts for about 40 minutes
You will see a special documentary about how the shy pandas mate, give birth, grow up, and are returned to the wild.

2:00pm–3:30pm More cleaning, and making panda's cakes

3:30pm–4:00pm Get a certificate, and drive back to Chengdu

What's not included

Volunteering fee for Child (0-12 years old) and Senior (66-80 years old)

Gratuities

Available languages

Guide guide

CMN EN

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0

1 reviews

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4★

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Tripadvisor 5.0

2 reviews

5★

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1★

Important information

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

The age restriction of Volunteering Program is between 12 and 65 years old. If your children are under 12 years old, they are still able to attend, and will be chaperoned accordingly

Please advise if you would like to take pictures with the pandas in the special requirements, and you will need to pay RMB1800 to Wolong Panda Base directly when you are there

Please note: Program could be modified based on the health of the pandas

There is a daily limit of 20 volunteers for the Panda Keeper Program, so please reserve in advance and ensure your vacancy.

In order to ensure the health of Giant Pandas, do not spray perfume and paint nail polish, do not wear exaggerated ornaments, do not wear slippers, on the volunteering day. Wear sneakers.

Passport name and number is required at time of booking for all participants for Travel Insurance

Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking

Important notes

• The age restriction of Volunteering Program is between 12 and 65 years old. If your children are under 12 years old, they are still able to attend, and will be chaperoned accordingly.
• After booking, tour operator will send Health Form required by the Panda Base to client to fill in.
• After confirming clients' booking, please attach the pictures of all travellers' passports. Or write the full name, passport number, birth date and sex on your passport.
• In order to ensure the health of Giant Pandas, do not spray perfume and paint nail polish, do not wear exaggerated ornaments, do not wear slippers, on the volunteering day. Wear sneakers.

About Chengdu

Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan province, is renowned as the home of the giant panda and famous for its rich history, spicy cuisine, and vibrant culture. This ancient city offers a unique blend of traditional charm and modern urban development, with lush tea houses, bustling markets, and stunning natural landscapes.

Top Attractions

Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding

This world-renowned research base is home to over 120 giant pandas. Visitors can observe these adorable creatures up close and learn about conservation efforts.

Nature 2-3 hours ¥55

Jinli Ancient Street

A well-preserved ancient street with traditional architecture, local snacks, and cultural performances. It's a great place to experience Sichuan's rich history and culture.

Historical 1-2 hours Free (shopping and food at additional cost)

Wenshu Monastery

One of the oldest and best-preserved Buddhist monasteries in China. It's known for its peaceful atmosphere, beautiful architecture, and vegetarian cuisine.

Religious 1-2 hours Free (donations welcome)

Dujiangyan Irrigation System

An ancient irrigation system built over 2,000 years ago. It's a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a testament to ancient Chinese engineering.

Historical Half day ¥80

Chengdu Panda Base

A research and breeding center for giant pandas. Visitors can see pandas in a natural setting and learn about conservation efforts.

Nature 2-3 hours ¥55

Must-Try Local Dishes

Mapo Tofu

A spicy tofu dish with minced meat, typically pork or beef, and fermented black beans. It's known for its numbing spiciness.

Dinner Vegetarian versions available.

Dan Dan Noodles

Noodles topped with a spicy sauce made from chili oil, Sichuan pepper, minced pork, and scallions. It's a popular street food.

Lunch/Dinner Can be made vegetarian.

Hot Pot

A communal dining experience where diners cook raw ingredients in a shared pot of boiling broth. Sichuan hot pot is known for its spicy broth.

Dinner Vegetarian and non-vegetarian options available.

Sichuan Dumplings

Steamed or boiled dumplings filled with minced pork, shrimp, or vegetables. They're often served with a spicy dipping sauce.

Lunch/Dinner Vegetarian options available.

Popular Activities

Hiking Mountain biking Rock climbing Tea house visits Spa treatments Park picnics Museum visits Temple tours

Best Time to Visit

March to May, September to November

Spring and autumn offer pleasant weather, making it ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing. The city is less crowded during these periods compared to summer.

15-25°C 59-77°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Mandarin
Widely spoken: Sichuanese, English (limited)
English: Limited

Currency

Renminbi (RMB) (CNY)

Time Zone

CST (UTC+8)

Electricity

220VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Chengdu is generally safe for travelers, with low crime rates. However, as with any major city, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to protect yourself and your belongings.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure
• Use licensed taxis
• Be cautious of strangers offering help or services

Getting there

By air

Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport • 16 km from city center
Chengdu Tianfu International Airport • 45 km from city center

By train

Chengdu Railway Station, Chengdu East Railway Station

By bus

Chengdu Long-Distance Bus Station, Chengdu North Long-Distance Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

The metro system is efficient and covers most of the city. It's a convenient and affordable way to get around.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Didi Chuxing

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Jinli Ancient Street Wuhou Shrine Chunxi Road Kuanzhai Alley

Day trips

Mount Qingcheng

60 km from Chengdu • Full day

A scenic mountain known for its beautiful landscapes, ancient temples, and hiking trails. It's a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a great escape from the city.

Leshan Giant Buddha

130 km from Chengdu • Full day

A massive stone statue of Buddha carved into a cliff face during the Tang Dynasty. It's a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a remarkable feat of ancient engineering.

Jiuzhaigou Valley

340 km from Chengdu • Overnight

A stunning national park known for its colorful lakes, waterfalls, and diverse wildlife. It's a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a popular destination for nature lovers.

Festivals

Sichuan Festival • Late August Lantern Festival • February (Lunar calendar) Chengdu International Non-violence Week • October

Pro tips

Learn a few basic Mandarin phrases to enhance your experience and interact with locals.
Try the local street food, but be cautious and choose busy stalls with high turnover.
Visit the Chengdu Panda Base early in the morning to see the pandas at their most active.
Explore the city's tea houses and experience the rich tea culture of Sichuan.
Take a day trip to Mount Qingcheng or Jiuzhaigou Valley for a stunning natural experience.