Giant Panda Volunteer Experience – Become the Happiest Panda Caretaker
Duration: 7 HOURS
As a giant panda volunteer, step into the heart of a national nature reserve and embark on an extraordinary journey. Observe these rare national treasures up close, discover their daily lives and natural habits, and take part in feeding and habitat maintenance. Under the expert guidance of a professional team, enjoy a safe, unique, and unforgettable experience. Upon completion, you will be awarded the prestigious International Volunteer Certificate, jointly issued by the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), the Chinese government, and the China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda. This is not only a distinguished honor, but also a remarkable journey to deepen your understanding of wildlife conservation, enhance environmental awareness, and create lasting memories.
Popularity
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Price
¥1000 (approx. USD $140) per person
Tour Type
Private & Bespoke
Destination
Dujiangyan / Wolong / Ya’an
Highlights
🐼 Observe giant pandas up close and learn about their dietary changes
🐼 Analyze captive panda nutrition and consider the relationship between humans and animal habitats
🐼 Make “loving buns” for pandas and experience traditional papermaking
🐼 Learn ancient printing techniques and create your own poetry
🐼 Foster children’s environmental awareness and hands-on skills
Best for
✅ Suitable for children aged 8 and above / Age: 8+
✅ Giant panda enthusiasts
✅ Families & children’s educational experiences
✅ Visitors interested in ecology and environmental protection
Itinerary Summary – Panda Valley
The site, also in Dujiangyan City, occupies an area of more than 133 hectares, is nestled in the bordering areas of Chengdu Plain and the mountains in western Sichuan, which boasts an ecological environment similar to the wild habitats of the giant panda.
HOUR
PLACE
HIGHLIGHTS
08:30
Dujiangyan
Gather at the Panda Base entrance on time; the team leader will lead participants into the Science Center
Morning
Dujiangyan
Check-in: Submit documents, sign the volunteer safety agreement, and receive work clothes and gloves.
Science Education: Under the guidance of educators and keepers, clean the park, prepare food for pandas, and break bamboo.
Training Observation: Observe the panda behavior training conducted by keepers (photography is not allowed).
Behavior Observation: Tour the park to learn about pandas’ habits and the meaning behind their behaviors.
Noon
Dujiangyan
Lunch: Enjoy the “Panda Keeper’s Lunch” at the staff canteen.
Rest: After lunch, return to the Science Center to rest and prepare for the afternoon activities.
Afternoon
Dujiangyan
Panda Documentary: Watch a panda documentary to learn about conservation efforts and important research achievements.
Bamboo Leaf Preparation: Prepare bamboo leaves and special food for pandas under guidance.
Steamed Bun Making: Learn the recipe and benefits of steamed buns and make panda steamed buns by hand.
Certificate Ceremony: Conclude with sharing, certificate ceremony, group photos, and return work badges.
14:00
Dujiangyan
End tour
Itinerary Summary – Shenshuping panda base
The panda base has an area of 150 hectares in the mountainous areas with an average altitude of 1700 meters. It boasts a perfect ecological environment and lush vegetation, providing favorable conditions for the life of the giant panda. It is home to a large group of captive giant pandas.
HOUR
PLACE
HIGHLIGHTS
09:30
Wolong
Gather at the Panda Base entrance on time; the team leader will lead participants into the Science Center
Morning
Wolong
Check-in: Submit documents, sign the volunteer safety agreement, and receive work clothes and gloves.
Science Education: Under the guidance of educators and keepers, prepare bamboo food for pandas, break bamboo, and observe keepers conduct panda behavior training (photography not allowed).
Behavior Observation: Tour the park to understand the meaning behind each panda behavior.
Noon
Wolong
Lunch: Enjoy the “Panda Keeper’s Lunch” at the staff canteen.
Rest: After lunch, return to the Science Center to rest and prepare for the afternoon activities.
Afternoon
Wolong
Panda Documentary: Watch a panda documentary to learn about conservation efforts and key research achievements.
Steamed Bun Making: Learn the recipe and benefits of steamed buns and make panda steamed buns by hand.
Certificate Ceremony: Conclude with a sharing session, certificate ceremony, group photos, and return work badges.
14:00
Wolong
End tour
Itinerary Summary – Bifeng Valley Panda Base
Located in the scenic mountains of Ya’an, Bifenggou Panda Base spans about 200 hectares with an average altitude of 1,200 meters. Surrounded by lush forests and clean mountain air, it provides a perfect home for giant pandas to live, play, and grow. The base houses a large group of pandas and offers visitors a unique opportunity to observe these adorable animals up close, while also learning about panda conservation and research.
HOUR
PLACE
HIGHLIGHTS
09:00
Ya’an
Gather at the Panda Base entrance on time; the team leader will lead participants into the Science Center
Morning
Ya’an
Check-in: Submit relevant documents, sign the volunteer safety agreement, store personal belongings, and receive work clothes and gloves. Then, follow the educator to the panda feeding area.
Park Tour: Tour the panda park with the educator, learning panda science facts and interesting stories.
Steamed Bun Making: Learn the recipe and benefits of steamed buns and make panda steamed buns by hand.
Noon
Ya’an
Lunch: Enjoy authentic Sichuan cuisine with staff at the cafeteria.
Afternoon
Ya’an
Panda Documentary: Watch a panda documentary to learn about conservation efforts and key research achievements.
Feces Analysis: Observe and study panda feces up close to learn about wild panda population surveys.
Creative Craft: Use modeling clay to create crafts representing what you’ve learned about pandas.
Science Center Tour: Tour the Panda Science Center with keepers to learn more about giant pandas.
Certificate Ceremony: Conclude with sharing, certificate ceremony, group photos, and return work badges.
15:00
Ya’an
End tour
Panda Volunteer Quick Facts
Included
Excluded
Gallery
