China is home to the majority of the world’s giant pandas, and many zoos and research bases across the country offer visitors the chance to see these beloved creatures up close. Here’s a guide to some of the best places in China where you can visit and observe giant pandas in their habitats.
Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding
Located in Sichuan Province, the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding is one of the largest and most well-known panda conservation centers in the world. With a population of over 215 pandas, it is home to the largest captive giant panda breeding program. Some of the standout pandas at the center include:
- Hua Hua (花花): Known for her distinctive round body and short, fluffy fur, Hua Hua has become famous for her adorable appearance and unique, triangular sitting posture.
- Qi Yi (奇一): This panda is instantly recognizable due to a tuft of white fur on top of her head, making her a favorite among visitors.
- He Ye (和叶), Lun Hui (轮辉), Fu Duo Duo (福多多): These playful and lively pandas are often seen in the panda villas, where they enjoy interacting with each other and visitors.
In addition to these pandas, the center is home to over 200 more, including Jing Jing (晶晶) and Zhi Yu (徵羽), who are also beloved by the public for their charming personalities.
Beijing Zoo
Beijing Zoo is home to 11 giant pandas, including some long-time residents and newer additions. Notable pandas here include:
- Gu Gu (古古): Known as the “security captain” due to his protective and sometimes stubborn personality, Gu Gu is the oldest panda at the zoo. He is gentle but will fight for his dignity when needed.
- Ya Ya (丫丫): Born at Beijing Zoo, Ya Ya spent many years in the United States before returning to China to enjoy a peaceful retirement.
- Meng Meng (萌萌): A motherly figure, Meng Meng is famous for her strong maternal instincts, though many of her babies, such as Meng Da (萌大), Meng Er (萌二), and Meng Lan (萌兰), didn’t live with her for long.
- Meng Da (萌大): A humorous and slightly aloof panda, Meng Da is known for his ability to stand on his head while urinating, often in response to visitor’s provocations.
- Meng Er (萌二): With a face resembling a hamster, Meng Er enjoys climbing and fiercely biting bamboo.
- Meng Lan (萌兰): A charming panda with a sunny disposition, Meng Lan has won the hearts of many visitors with his playful antics.
- Meng Bao (萌宝) and Meng Yu (萌玉): These two lively sisters are often seen interacting with each other. Meng Bao was once suspected of being a male panda, often teasing her quieter sister, Meng Yu.
- Fu Xing (福星): Known for his impressive acting skills, Fu Xing is famous for his large body and distinctive pink-colored fur.
- Dian Dian (点点): A panda that represents the introverted “homebody” personality in the panda world, Dian Dian is shy and tends to stay in the backyards of the zoo.
- Bai Tian (白天): With striking eyes and a tuft of white fur on his head, Bai Tian is particularly elegant when eating.
Guangzhou Chimelong Safari Park
This zoo is home to a variety of giant pandas, including several famous individuals such as:
- Mei Qing (梅清): Known for her elegant black-and-white fur and sharp ears, Mei Qing resembles the famous Lady Mei (梅贵妃) from Chinese folklore.
- Long Long (隆隆): With his round face, cute “Mickey Mouse” ears, heart-shaped nose, and smiling lips, Long Long is an adorable panda beloved by many.
- Qin Qin (亲亲): A white and clean panda with long legs inherited from her father, Qin Qin stands out among other pandas.
- Ai Ai (爱爱): With one large and one small ear, and a patch of white fur on the left ear, Ai Ai is a naturally cute panda.
- Guo Qing (国庆): Easily recognizable by a tuft of fur on her head, Guo Qing has a characteristic habit of raising her ears when eating.
- Long Zai (隆仔): With a rounded forehead resembling the “Longevity Star,” Long Zai is particularly endearing to visitors.
- Ju Xiao (菊笑): Known for her large, round ears and a slightly hunched back, Ju Xiao is small but always wears a smile.
- Meng Meng (萌萌): This Meng Meng is distinct from the one at Beijing Zoo, possessing a “Mickey Mouse” head, fair skin, and delicate features.
- Ku Ku (酷酷): Ku Ku has a five-sided face with yellowish fur and a relatively short chin, giving her a unique appearance.
- Yue Yue (悦悦): Yue Yue is known for her fluffy face and smiling lips, with her distinctive white eyelashes being the most notable feature.
Chongqing Zoo
Chongqing Zoo ranks among the top in China for the number of giant pandas (with over 20 individuals), offering ample opportunities to observe these magnificent creatures in a beautiful setting. Some notable pandas here include: Lan Xiang (兰香), Yu Ke (渝可), Yu Ai (渝爱), Er Shun (二顺), and Mang Zai (莽仔).
Shanghai Zoo
Shanghai Zoo is home to two giant pandas, He Feng (和风) and Xing Guang (星光), both born in 2016 to different mothers. He Feng (和风) stands out due to the unique white “socks” on his back feet, which make him easily identifiable. Xing Guang (星光) with her distinctive panda baby lineage, adds a touch of sweetness to the zoo.
Hangzhou Zoo
At Hangzhou Zoo, you can find two giant pandas:
- Chun Sheng (春生): Known for his fondness for sleeping, Chun Sheng often naps with his head hanging off platforms, making him a favorite among visitors.
- Xiang Guo (香果): Energetic and playful, Xiang Guo is known for her graceful eating habits and lively personality.
Conclusion
In conclusion, as the giant panda population continues to recover, the number of zoos housing these beloved creatures is steadily increasing across China. Today, nearly every province in the country offers the opportunity to see giant pandas, with the primary difference being the number of pandas each location houses. This widespread presence not only reflects the success of conservation efforts but also highlights the growing accessibility for people to experience these iconic animals firsthand.