The Best Places to See Pandas in China

Written by Rebecca, Last updated: Feb 09th, 2026

The giant panda is widely regarded as China's national treasure and a beloved gift to the world. If you are planning to see pandas in China, here are the best places to see them.

Pandas live in Chengdu Breeding CenterPandas live in Chengdu Breeding Center

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A panda climbing a treeA panda climbing a tree

Sichuan Province, the native home of giant pandas, is the best place in China to see them. The Chengdu Panda Base is a world-renowned conservation center with more than 200 pandas. It is also very easy to visit, with public transportation available, and it is only about a 20-minute drive from downtown Chengdu.

Walking through the park, you can see some luxurious panda "villas." Among all the pandas living here, the most famous panda star is Hua Hua, an exceptionally docile and loving panda who has healed many hearts. Hua Hua is shorter than other pandas and looks like a big rice ball. Since the superstar is so adorable, queuing to see Hua Hua can take up to two hours.

There are also other famous pandas to see if you don't want to stand in line. Depending on the season, you may also see newborn cubs and lively red pandas with their distinctive brown-red fur.

The Panda Museum is another choice to learn about their habits and history. There is also a panda souvenir store in the base, which sells panda dolls, hair bows, etc.

A panda in its room in DujiangyanA panda in its room in Dujiangyan

About 1.5 hours' drive from Chengdu, Dujiangyan Panda Park gives you a chance to experience panda conservation in a more hands-on and meaningful way