Panda Valley or Panda Sanctuary in Dujiangyan: Where to Visit and What to Expect

For panda lovers, visiting Dujiangyan’s Panda Valley (熊猫谷) and Panda Sanctuary (中华大熊猫苑) is a must-do activity when in Chengdu. Both of these unique panda-themed destinations offer visitors an opportunity to get up close to China’s most beloved national treasure. Whether you’re interested in a peaceful, scenic environment to observe pandas in their natural habitats or you want to take part in hands-on experiences like becoming a panda volunteer, this guide will help you navigate these two incredible panda parks and understand what each offers. Read on for everything you need to know about the Panda Valley and Panda Sanctuary, including how to get there, ticket prices, and essential tips to make the most of your visit.

Transportation and Tickets

Panda Valley

• Address: 408 Yutang Section, Huanshan Tourist Road, Dujiangyan City
• Getting There:
  • By Car: Approximately 1.5 hours from Chengdu city center
  • Public Transport: Take metro line 2 or 6 to Xipu Station, then transfer to a high-speed train to Lidui Park Station (25 minutes). From there, take a taxi to Panda Valley (around 10 minutes).
• Ticket Price: 55 RMB
• Opening Hours: 7:30 AM – 6:00 PM (last entry at 5:00 PM)

Panda Sanctuary (formerly Panda Paradise)

• Address: Shiqiao Village, Qingcheng Mountain Town, Dujiangyan City
• Getting There:
  • By Car: Around 1.5 hours from Chengdu city center
  • Public Transport: Take metro line 2 or 6 to Xipu Station, then transfer to a high-speed train to Qingcheng Mountain Station (30 minutes). From the station, take bus 102 to Panda Paradise Station.
• Ticket Price: 58 RMB
• Opening Hours: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM (last entry at 4:30 PM)

Environment and Features

Panda Valley

1. Layout and Size: Panda Valley is set in a scenic valley, though not as large as some other panda sanctuaries. It includes several areas like the Breeding House, Panda Villas 1, 2, and 3, a red panda free-range zone, and San Sheng Temple. Most enclosures are surrounded by glass walls, making it an excellent choice for families with children.
2. Panda Population: There are around 15 giant pandas in the park (including famous ones like Oreo, Meilan, Yong Yong, Cheng Feng, and Cheng Lang). During summer months, pandas tend to stay indoors due to the heat, so your best chances of seeing them active are in the morning. A typical visit takes around 2-3 hours.
3. Red Pandas: The red pandas are more interactive and approachable. They can often be seen on the elevated walkways, and feeding times occur at 9:00 AM and around 2:00 PM. Visitors can get a close look, but keep in mind that touching the pandas is strictly prohibited.
4. Child-Friendly: The park does not have a shuttle service, but it is very accessible on foot with barrier-free pathways for those with strollers. For small children who get tired, you can rent a “stroller scooter” at the entrance for 30 RMB, making it easier to navigate the park.

Panda Sanctuary

1. Larger and More Spacious: Panda Sanctuary, formerly known as Panda Paradise, is a much larger park with more varied landscapes and several panda enclosures. The park is home to around 20 giant pandas, including some younger pandas under two years old, unlike Panda Valley, which focuses only on adults. The park also offers more panoramic views of the pandas’ naturalistic enclosures.
2. Age-Appropriate Facilities: The park is built on uneven terrain with many stairs, which may be challenging for younger children or those with mobility issues. However, the park provides a shuttle bus for 15 RMB to help visitors navigate the longer stretches. The outdoor enclosures have higher stone fences, which might be difficult for very young children to see over.
3. Less Crowded: Panda Sanctuary feels more spacious, especially in areas like Diequan Garden, where there are many pandas and the views are unobstructed. This park is less crowded than Panda Valley, providing a more relaxed experience. However, the environment is not as aesthetically pleasing as Panda Valley.
4. Facilities: At Panda Valley, you can find luggage storage at the entrance, where you can drop off your belongings. At Panda Sanctuary, you’ll need to go to the right side of the visitor center to store your luggage. There, you can also pick it up on your way out.

Additional Tips and Considerations

1. Arrive Early: Pandas are most active in the morning. If you want to see them moving around and playing, make sure to arrive early, ideally by 8:30 AM. After that, they tend to nap, especially in the hotter afternoons.
2. Maintain Silence: While visiting the parks, it’s important to stay quiet and respectful of the pandas’ natural behavior. Avoid feeding them or throwing things into their enclosures.
3. Best Time for Young Pandas: If you’re hoping to see the younger pandas, try to visit Panda Valley around 8:30 AM. Feeding sessions usually start at 9:00 AM, which is when pandas are most active and playful.
4. Recommended Time to Spend: Plan to spend around 2-3 hours at either Panda Valley or Panda Sanctuary. Afterward, you can explore the nearby ancient Dujiangyan city and try local Chengdu snacks. If you still have energy, head over to the Dujiangyan Irrigation System for a cultural experience.
5. Panda Volunteer Program: If you’re interested in a more interactive experience, the Panda Sanctuary offers a volunteer program where visitors over the age of 8 can help with cleaning enclosures, chopping bamboo, feeding pandas, and learning about panda conservation. The program costs between 899 and 980 RMB, and reservations are required. Be cautious about booking through third-party agencies, as some may not be legitimate.

Summary of the Key Differences

Here’s a table summarizing the key differences between Panda Valley and Panda Sanctuary in Dujiangyan: