Wolong National Nature Reserve
A premier giant panda conservation and research center, offering a chance to see numerous pandas in naturalistic habitats and learn about vital breedi...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pandas are most active
Wolong National Nature Reserve
Best Time
Pandas are most active
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A premier giant panda conservation and research center, offering a chance to see numerous pandas in naturalistic habitats and learn about vital breeding programs.
"The pandas are adorable, but getting there and passing the time is the real challenge!"
🎯 Arrive for Feeding Time
Pandas are most active and playful between 9-11 AM during feeding. Don't miss this window for great viewing!
🚌 Book Bus Tickets Early
The daily bus to Wolong departs at 7 AM and returns at 6:30 PM. Book tickets via WeChat the night before.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Giant Panda Enclosures
Various enclosures throughout the reserve
Witness pandas of all ages, from playful cubs to sleepy adults, in spacious, clean habitats. Feeding times offer the best chance to see them active.
Panda Breeding and Research Center
Main visitor area
Learn about vital panda conservation efforts, breeding programs, and the challenges of reintroducing pandas into the wild.
Wilderness Training Area
Designated training zones
Observe pandas undergoing training for eventual release back into their natural habitat. A unique glimpse into conservation in action.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Panda Sightings
Navigating to Wolong: Plan Ahead
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Arrive for Feeding Time
Pandas are most active and playful between 9-11 AM during feeding. Don't miss this window for great viewing!
🚌 Book Bus Tickets Early
The daily bus to Wolong departs at 7 AM and returns at 6:30 PM. Book tickets via WeChat the night before.
📶 Prepare for No Signal
Mobile signal can be very weak or non-existent. Download offline maps and inform others of your plans beforehand.
🚶♂️ Pack for a Long Day
You'll be there all day if you take the bus. Bring snacks, water, and entertainment as there's not much to do after panda viewing.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Arrive for Feeding Time
Pandas are most active and playful between 9-11 AM during feeding. Don't miss this window for great viewing!
🚌 Book Bus Tickets Early
The daily bus to Wolong departs at 7 AM and returns at 6:30 PM. Book tickets via WeChat the night before.
📶 Prepare for No Signal
Mobile signal can be very weak or non-existent. Download offline maps and inform others of your plans beforehand.
🚶♂️ Pack for a Long Day
You'll be there all day if you take the bus. Bring snacks, water, and entertainment as there's not much to do after panda viewing.
🧥 Dress in Layers
The reserve is cooler than urban areas, especially in summer. Layers are recommended for comfort throughout the day.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the incredible opportunity to see numerous giant pandas, from tiny cubs to adults, in clean and spacious enclosures. The conservation efforts and breeding programs are also highly praised. However, the challenging and time-consuming transportation logistics, coupled with a lack of other activities in the immediate area, are significant drawbacks for many.
"I have mixed feelings about my experience at Wolong Panda Center so I will break my review up into different segments. Hopefully my review will give you an insight on how to get here and fully utilize and enjoy the pandas!
Pandas: 10/10
There are many many enclosures, ranging for little panda cubs with their mothers, to older pandas (20+ years). Pandas are very lazy creatures so the only time to catch them when they are up and about is during feeding time! After that, all they do is sleep so when you get here is important. Park opens at 9am and the pandas are let out of their pens between 9-10. They will eat, play, and tumble until like 11am and after that, everyone sleeps the day away. The enclosures are nice and clean and you can get a very good view of the pandas. Because this reserve is hard to get to, there are also no crowds!
Getting there: 6/10
I give getting here a low rating because we were searching for days on how to get here and could not find any good option. We used baidu and read guidebooks but were getting either 7h bus rides or non-existing bus routes! You can get a taxi one way for probably 400-700 RMB. Later, we found out from xiaohongshu 小红书 that there is now a bus service direct to wolong nature reserve.
Bus service: 6/10
Very convenient, but there is only ONE bus to and fro per day. The bus to Wolong departs from Chunxi Rd (春熙路米瑞购物广场) exactly at 7am. If you booked with a local Chinese number, you will receive a text message the night before with the bus number plate. It takes about 2h to get to Wolong. The ONLY bus out of Wolong is at 6.30pm. So the dilemma is that you have a very convenient direct charter bus to and fro from the reserve but you are stuck there for the whole day when you will be done with watching pandas in 2-3 hours. We ended up sleeping in a small waiting shed to pass time. The cut off time to book the bus tickets is 9pm the night before.
Buying bus tickets: 8/10
If you read Chinese, this will be a piece of cake. I provided the QR code for bus ticket reservation in one of my pics. You will need to scan that QR code using WeChat to book. If you don’t read Chinese, you will need to get someone to help you.
All in all, I had a great time watching the pandas but it was quite painful to be stuck in Wolong the whole day when there wasn’t anything to do in town. Perhaps in a few years, the area will be more developed and vibrant making the whole trip there more worth it bus as of now, the town is still very underdeveloped with not much other sites to see. Also, be prepared to have zero-signal the whole day if you are using a roaming sim/China Unicom."
Alicia Wong
"I was planning to go the beginning of December but I called and they told me that is closed the whole December. The one in the city is always closed for 70 days from November until middle of January. You can go to here bifengxia panda base in Ya’an with a bit of plan."
Pirates Life
"I loved my visit to this place. Baby pandas from 1 year to adult. So cute and fluffy. I like the way they teach you the way to care for pandas and learn about the breading program."
Michelle White
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most convenient way is the direct bus service from Chunxi Road, departing daily at 7 AM and returning at 6:30 PM. This bus takes about 2 hours. Taxis are also an option but can be expensive (400-700 RMB one way). Researching local transport options in advance is highly recommended as routes can be confusing.
Yes, there is a dedicated bus service that runs once daily to and from Wolong. It's crucial to book your tickets in advance, typically via WeChat, the night before your travel.
Taxis are available, but they can be costly, with estimates ranging from 400 to 700 RMB for a one-way trip. This might be a viable option if you're traveling in a group and want more flexibility.
The bus journey to Wolong National Nature Reserve typically takes around 2 hours. This is a significant time commitment, so plan your day accordingly.
While direct routes are limited, some travelers have explored options involving multiple bus transfers. However, these can be time-consuming and complex. The direct bus is generally the most straightforward option.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The park generally opens at 9 AM. It's best to arrive early to catch the pandas during their morning feeding and activity period.
Information on specific entrance fees can vary. It's advisable to check the official website or local tourist information centers for the most up-to-date pricing before your visit.
While general park entry might not always require advance booking, the daily bus service to Wolong does. You need to reserve your bus tickets via WeChat the night before your trip.
Yes, the reserve may have seasonal closures. For instance, it was reported to be closed for the entire month of December in one instance. Always confirm operating dates before planning your visit.
Admission typically grants access to the panda enclosures and educational exhibits. Special programs or guided tours might incur additional fees.
🎫 🐼 Panda Encounters
The prime time to see pandas active is between 9 AM and 11 AM, coinciding with their feeding times. After this, they usually rest.
Wolong National Nature Reserve is home to a significant captive giant panda population, with enclosures designed to house 60-80 pandas. It boasts the largest captive population globally.
Direct interaction with pandas is generally not permitted to ensure their well-being and safety. However, you can observe them closely in their enclosures and learn about them through educational programs.
The reserve is divided into areas for breeding and visiting, wilderness training for captive pandas, and field repatriation studies, making it a comprehensive research and conservation center.
Yes, visitors can see baby pandas from one year old up to adult pandas, offering a delightful experience for all ages.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Currently, the town of Wolong is underdeveloped with limited attractions beyond the panda center. Visitors often find themselves with ample free time after viewing the pandas, so be prepared to pass the day.
If you take the daily bus, you'll be there for the entire day, from morning until late afternoon. It's more of a full-day commitment rather than a quick visit.
The reserve is set amidst lush green hills, offering a cooler climate than urban areas, making it a pleasant escape, especially during summer.
Expect very limited or no mobile signal at Wolong National Nature Reserve. It's advisable to download offline maps and inform others about your connectivity limitations.
Basic facilities are available, but the town's development is ongoing. It's wise to bring your own snacks and water, as dining options might be limited.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Young Children
Ensure children understand that pandas are wild animals and should not be disturbed. The educational aspects of the reserve, focusing on breeding and conservation, can also be engaging for older children interested in wildlife. Given the travel logistics, consider if a full day is suitable for very young children, or if a private taxi might offer more flexibility for shorter visits.
🎒 Budget Travelers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Journey to Wolong: A Traveler's Tale
For those seeking more flexibility, taxis are an option, though they come with a significant price tag, estimated between 400-700 RMB one-way. This highlights the need for careful planning, especially for international visitors who may not have local SIM cards or WeChat readily set up for bookings. The lack of consistent mobile signal further complicates spontaneous arrangements, making advance preparation paramount.
Understanding Panda Behavior and Conservation
The reserve is divided into distinct areas, including breeding and visiting zones, a wilderness training area for pandas destined for reintroduction, and a field repatriation area. This structure underscores Wolong's role as a world-class research facility dedicated to the study, breeding, and eventual release of giant pandas back into their natural habitat. Visitors can learn about these vital conservation efforts through educational programs and by observing the different stages of panda care and training.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit