The opening of Chengdu's Giant Panda Breeding & Research Center in 1993 was a major step for wildlife protection for both China and the world.  The research & breeding taking place here represent the leading efforts worldwide to preserve  and protect the Giant Panda, as less than 1000 are believed to still remain in the wild.  The economic and environmental demands required by China's enormous population often infringe on the natural habitats of its endangered species.  Sichuan, along with neighboring Shaanxi and Gansu provinces, marks the home of the Giant Panda.  Thanks to the Panda Base Sichuan should remain home to the panda permanently.

Over 40 pandas of all ages currently reside at the base, which covers an area of 92 square acres just northeast of Chengdu.  Opportunities to witness pandas of all ages chomp on bamboo, cuddle with peers, and climb about their playgrounds are ample.  The grounds also include a museum, movie theater, bamboo gardens, and some red pandas (a distant cousin of the giant panda).

Visit the Giant Panda Base on an Overland China journey:
Treasures of Southwest China
Secrets of Sichuan
Bountiful Sichuan:Pristine Environments
Gongga Shan: King of Kham
Hike the Hengduans Sichuan's Endless Peaks