Established in prime forest in Yǎ'ān in 2003 for research purposes rather than tourism, the mission of the Yǎ'ān Bìfēngxiá Panda Base expanded in the 2008, following the earthquake that severely damaged its sister reserve, Wòlóng . Bìfēngxiá is now home to 80 pandas, some of which may someday be returned to the wild.
It’s a treat to glimpse any one of the 1600 surviving pandas in the world, but with bustling Chéngdū 150km east, you can get a sense of their natural habitat here. Cubs in the 'panda kindergarten' climb high into the trees in their reasonably pleasant enclosures. Humans can hike along a forested river gorge with waterfalls and generally stunning scenery surrounding the main attraction
The panda centre is 3km away from the ticket office in the main car park where the minibus drops passengers. Pick up a map and store bags for free at the tourist information office. Turn left out of the ticket office then take the free lift (请云梯; qǐngyúntī ) down 50 storeys to the foot of the gorge. Here you can walk on to pick up the free bus or cross the bridge to hike. On foot, it takes about two hours to reach the centre, slightly longer if you picnic or stop at snack stalls along the way. (Skip the regular zoo nearby.)
You can enjoy Bìfēngxiá as an easy day trip from Chéngdū or stay longer for the volunteer program . Ages 12 and up can sign on for a minimum of a day of work (with time to explore the park) sweeping pens, prepping food, and even feeding the pandas. The cost is ¥200 per day, plus one-time ¥150 uniform fee, and volunteers must cover their own costs like food, lodging, and park entry.
Those staying overnight can sleep in the park at Xiǎoxītiān Mínlǚcūn , a basic guesthouse at the end of the gorge hike just before you reach the panda centre. A handful of guesthouses and restaurants are also by the entrance.
