Planning a visit to the Chengdu Research Base of Panda Breeding? The easiest and most convenient way to get there from downtown Chengdu is crucial for making the most of your trip. This guide covers 7 smooth and time-saving routes to the panda base, with helpful tips to avoid common mistakes and ensure you enjoy your visit without the hassle. Whether you’re taking public transportation or using a direct shuttle, we’ve got the best options for a seamless panda encounter!
Metro + Shuttle Bus Options
Route 1: Chunxi Road → Panda Base West Gate
- Take Line 3 of the Chengdu Metro and exit at Junquanzong Yiyuan (Military District General Hospital, 军区总医院站) at Exit B. Walk straight for about 500 meters.
- From there, take Bus 409, which will transfer you to the West Gate of the Panda Base. The journey takes about 10 minutes, and the fare is 2 CNY per person. You can pay with Tianfu Tong (天府通), WeChat, or Alipay.
- Important Tip: Don’t get on the bus at the stop to the left after exiting the metro station, and avoid trusting taxis or unlicensed tricycles that may mislead you about the distance or shuttle services.
Route 2: Chunxi Road → Panda Base South Gate
- Take Line 3 of the Chengdu Metro and exit at Panda Avenue (熊猫大道), Exit D.
- From there, board Bus 408, which will take you to the South Gate of the Panda Base in approximately 10 minutes. The fare is also 2 CNY per person.
- Exit A: First bus at 08:00 AM, last bus at 05:00 PM
- Exit D: First bus at 07:00 AM, last bus at 06:00 PM
- Additional Info: Bus 408 may sell small souvenirs like refrigerator magnets (4 pieces for 69 CNY), but they won’t pressure you to buy them.
Tourist Shuttle Buses
Route 1: Chunxi Road → Panda Base West Gate
- Take the shuttle bus from the IFS shopping center (right below the giant panda sculpture) at Chunxi Road. The bus will pass through Tianfu Panda Tower, Wenshu Monastery, and finally, the Panda Base West Gate.
- The first bus departs at 07:40 AM, and the last one leaves at 04:00 PM. The bus will depart as soon as it’s full.
- The ticket price is 10 CNY per person for a one-way ride.
Route 2: Chunxi Road → Panda Base South Gate
- Board the shuttle bus at the Dior entrance on Chunxi Road, which will pass Tianfu Panda Tower, Eastern Memory, Chengdu Natural History Museum, and then the Panda Base South Gate.
- The first bus departs at 09:00 AM, and the last bus leaves at 05:00 PM.
- The one-way ticket price is 8 CNY per person.
Direct Scenic Buses
Route 1: Chunxi Road → Panda Base South Gate
- Take the direct shuttle from Chunxi Road Metro Station, Exit C, to the Panda Base South Gate, passing by famous attractions such as Wide and Narrow Alleys and Beidajie (North Avenue, 北大街).
- The first bus departs at 08:00 AM, and the last bus leaves at 04:00 PM.
- The ticket price is 10 CNY per person for a one-way journey.
Route 2: Crown Plaza Hotel → Panda Base South Gate
- This shuttle departs exclusively from Crown Plaza Hotel (总府皇冠假日酒店), with a direct route to the Panda Base South Gate.
- The bus will not make any stops along the way and takes about 25 minutes.
- The first bus departs at 07:15 AM, and the one-way ticket price is 10 CNY per person.
- Note: Tickets can only be purchased offline, as online booking is not available.
Taxi or Ride-Sharing
If you prefer a more direct and private option, taxis or ride-sharing services like Didi are also available. Simply use your navigation app to enter Panda Base West Gate or South Gate as your destination.
- The journey takes about 30-40 minutes from Chunxi Road.
- The fare is approximately 35 CNY.
Return Journey from Panda Base
From South Gate to Popular Chengdu Attractions:
- After exiting the Panda Base South Gate, you can catch the Panda Bus, which offers a convenient ride to famous spots like Wuhou Shrine, Jinli, Wide and Narrow Alleys, Chunxi Road, and IFS.
- The ticket price is 10 CNY per person.