Introduction
If you’re arriving at Chengdu East Railway Station and planning to visit the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding (commonly known as the Panda Base), this guide will help you navigate the metro system and make your journey smooth and hassle-free.
Step 1: Starting from Chengdu East Railway Station
To reach the Panda Base from Chengdu East Station, you’ll need to take Line 7 (Outer Loop) of the Chengdu Metro to Sima Bridge Station first.
- Line 7 (Outer Loop): From Chengdu East Railway Station, board the metro heading towards Sima Bridge Station. The journey to Sima Bridge Station takes approximately 22 minutes.
Step 2: Transfer to Line 3
At Sima Bridge Station, transfer to Line 3 (heading towards Chengdu Medical College). Depending on which gate of the Panda Base you plan to enter, you’ll need to get off at one of the following stations (Panda Avenue or Junqu General Hospital Station):
Panda Avenue Station: (for the South Gate of Panda Base):
- Panda Avenue Station (for the South Gate of Panda Base):
- This is the third stop from Sima Bridge Station.
- Exit the metro from Exit A or D, and walk about 100 meters to find the 408 shuttle bus.
- The shuttle bus costs 2 RMB and takes approximately 5 minutes to reach the South Gate of the Panda Base.
- Booking Tickets: You can book your tickets online through Trip.com at www.trip.com/travel-guide/attraction/chengdu/chengdu-research-base-of-giant-panda-breeding/
Chengdu Junqu General Hospital Station: (for the West Gate of Panda Base):
- Chengdu Junqu General Hospital Station (for the West Gate of Panda Base):
- This is the fourth stop from Sima Bridge Station.
- Exit the metro from Exit B, and walk about 350 meters to find the 409 shuttle bus.
- The shuttle bus costs 2 RMB and takes approximately 10 minutes to reach the West Gate of the Panda Base.
Important Tip: After exiting the metro station, do not be persuaded by unlicensed taxis or tricycle drivers. Follow the signs to find the official shuttle bus pickup point.
Recommended Itineraries at the Panda Base
The Panda Base is vast, and there are several routes you can take depending on your interests and time constraints. Here are some recommended itineraries:
South Gate Route
- Quick Tour (1.5 hours):
- Chengdu Giant Panda Museum → Panda Villa 7 → Panda Villa 5 → Panda Villa 4 → Panda Villa 3 → Sun Giant Panda Nursery House → No.2 Enclosure for Red Pandas.
- Comprehensive Tour (2.5 hours):
- Panda Villa 6 (home to famous pandas like He Hua, He Ye, and Bao Shu) → Sun Giant Panda Nursery House → Panda Villa 1 → Panda Villa 2 (Qi Qi) → Moon Giant Panda Nursery House → Reflecting Sun Giant Panda Pavilion.
West Gate Route
- Quick Tour (1.5 hours):
- Lanyue Pavilion → Jiangyue Pavilion → Mingyue Pavilion → Wangyue Pavilion → Yunyue Pavilion → Qiuyue Pavilion → Shanyue Pavilion.
- Comprehensive Tour (3 hours):
- Adventure Valley → Starry Nursery → Moonlight Nursery → Panda Villa 2 → Sunlight Nursery → Panda Villa 6.
Sightseeing Bus Route
- South To West: South Gate Departure Station—-Sun Giant Panda Nursery House Stop —- Panda Reception Hall Stop—-Bamboo Tower Stop —-Star Giant Panda Nursery House Stop—-Panda Creek Valley Stop—- West Gate Terminal Station
- West To South : West Gate Departure Station—-Panda Creek Valley Stop —-Star Giant Panda Nursery House Stop —- Bamboo Tower Stop—- No.1 Giant Panda Villa Stop—- Sun Giant Panda Nursery House Stop—- South Gate Terminal Station
Additional Tips for Visitors
- Ticket Prices:
- Adult ticket: 55 RMB.
- Sightseeing bus: 30 RMB per person.
- Booking Tickets: You can book your tickets online through Trip.com at www.trip.com/travel-guide/attraction/chengdu/chengdu-research-base-of-giant-panda-breeding/
- Opening Hours:
- Morning entry: 7:30 AM – 12:00 PM.
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