ChinaThe giant panda is one of the most recognizable animals on the planet. Its black and white coloring, round face, and calm nature have made it a favorite of millions. The giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) lives exclusively in China, in the mountain forests of the Sichuan, Shaanxi, and Gansu provinces. It is a rare, protected species and a symbol of conservation efforts.
More about the panda
Pandas are members of the bear family, but they have a very unusual diet. Despite being biologically carnivores, their diet consists of 99 percent bamboo. An adult panda can eat up to 20 kilograms of bamboo per day. They have powerful jaws and a special "false" bone on their wrist that helps them grip the stalks.
Pandas lead solitary lives, preferring solitude and tranquility. They are active mainly in the morning and evening, spending most of the day foraging for food and resting. Females usually give birth to one cub, rarely two, and care for them very carefully.
Interesting information
Pandas can climb trees, though they appear clumsy. They can swim and even make sounds similar to barks, grunts, and squeals. Each panda has a unique pattern on its face, similar to a human fingerprint.
China uses pandas as "diplomatic ambassadors"—since the 1950s, animals have been transferred to zoos in other countries as a sign of friendship. Currently, most pandas abroad are on loan, and their offspring belong to China.
Facts and figures
– The total population of giant pandas in the wild is about 1864 individuals.
There are more than 600 pandas in captivity.
– Average lifespan is 20 years in the wild and up to 30 years in captivity
– Pandas have become the symbol of the World Wildlife Fund (WWF)
– In 2016, the panda's status was changed from "endangered" to "vulnerable" thanks to China's efforts.
Stories
One of the most famous pandas is Bei Bei, born at the National Zoo in Washington, D.C., in 2015. His birth was an international event, and his return to China in 2019 was accompanied by a ceremony.
In Chengdu, there is a story of a panda named Tuantuan who became a social media star thanks to his "smiling" facial expression.
Tourist places
– Chengdu Giant Panda Breeding Center
The most famous place to meet pandas. Here you can see adults and cubs, and learn about the conservation program. The center is located near the city and is open year-round.
– Wolong National Park (Sichuan)
One of the largest reserves where pandas live in conditions as close to the wild as possible. Scientific research and reintroduction programs are conducted here.
– Panda Center in Chongqing
A lesser known but very cosy centre where you can observe pandas in a relaxed atmosphere.
– Beijing Zoo
It houses several pandas and is a convenient option for those not planning a trip to Sichuan.
Recommendations for tourists
– The best time to visit is spring and autumn, when the weather is comfortable and the pandas are active.
– When visiting the centers, please keep quiet and do not use flash when taking photographs.
– Buy tickets in advance, especially to Chengdu – it’s a popular destination
– Respect the center’s rules: do not feed the animals, do not try to touch them
– If you want volunteer experience, learn about programs at Wolong where you can care for pandas under the supervision of specialists.
– Please note that most centers are open from morning until 17:00 pm, and pandas are most active before noon.
ChinaThe giant panda is one of the most recognizable animals on the planet. Its black and white coloring, round face, and calm nature have made it a favorite of millions. The giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) lives exclusively in China, in the mountain forests of the Sichuan, Shaanxi, and Gansu provinces. It is a rare, protected species and a symbol of conservation efforts.
More about the panda
Pandas are members of the bear family, but they have a very unusual diet. Despite being biologically carnivores, their diet consists of 99 percent bamboo. An adult panda can eat up to 20 kilograms of bamboo per day. They have powerful jaws and a special "false" bone on their wrist that helps them grip the stalks.
Pandas lead solitary lives, preferring solitude and tranquility. They are active mainly in the morning and evening, spending most of the day foraging for food and resting. Females usually give birth to one cub, rarely two, and care for them very carefully.
Interesting information
Pandas can climb trees, though they appear clumsy. They can swim and even make sounds similar to barks, grunts, and squeals. Each panda has a unique pattern on its face, similar to a human fingerprint.
China uses pandas as "diplomatic ambassadors"—since the 1950s, animals have been transferred to zoos in other countries as a sign of friendship. Currently, most pandas abroad are on loan, and their offspring belong to China.
Facts and figures
– The total population of giant pandas in the wild is about 1864 individuals.
There are more than 600 pandas in captivity.
– Average lifespan is 20 years in the wild and up to 30 years in captivity
– Pandas have become the symbol of the World Wildlife Fund (WWF)
– In 2016, the panda's status was changed from "endangered" to "vulnerable" thanks to China's efforts.
Stories
One of the most famous pandas is Bei Bei, born at the National Zoo in Washington, D.C., in 2015. His birth was an international event, and his return to China in 2019 was accompanied by a ceremony.
In Chengdu, there is a story of a panda named Tuantuan who became a social media star thanks to his "smiling" facial expression.
Tourist places
– Chengdu Giant Panda Breeding Center
The most famous place to meet pandas. Here you can see adults and cubs, and learn about the conservation program. The center is located near the city and is open year-round.
– Wolong National Park (Sichuan)
One of the largest reserves where pandas live in conditions as close to the wild as possible. Scientific research and reintroduction programs are conducted here.
– Panda Center in Chongqing
A lesser known but very cosy centre where you can observe pandas in a relaxed atmosphere.
– Beijing Zoo
It houses several pandas and is a convenient option for those not planning a trip to Sichuan.
Recommendations for tourists
– The best time to visit is spring and autumn, when the weather is comfortable and the pandas are active.
– When visiting the centers, please keep quiet and do not use flash when taking photographs.
– Buy tickets in advance, especially to Chengdu – it’s a popular destination
– Respect the center’s rules: do not feed the animals, do not try to touch them
– If you want volunteer experience, learn about programs at Wolong where you can care for pandas under the supervision of specialists.
– Please note that most centers are open from morning until 17:00 pm, and pandas are most active before noon.