3 days Panda Volunteer Program at Bifengxia Panda Center

Bifengxia, a scenic valley in the green mountains of western Sichuan near Ya'an, is home to the Bifengxia Panda Breeding and Research Center. You will spend two days staying with these lovely pandas and also with the panda center staff who have dedicated their lives to giant pandas.

In the morning, take the high-speed train (1.5 hours) to Ya'an with your guide. Upon arrival, transfer to the Bifengxia Panda Center and check into a hotel just outside the center. In the afternoon, your guide will help you register for your following days' volunteer work at the panda center. You will receive a brief training session on how to care for pandas and the guidelines for working with your panda keeper around 3pm.
The rest of the day, explore the Panda Center and hike in Bifengxia Valley, which features waterfalls, streams, and lush green forest (7km/about 2-3 hours hiking).

P.S. For larger groups, we will arrange the transfer from Chengdu to the Bifengxia Panda Center by tourist coach.

In the morning, take the local sightseeing bus to Bifengxia Panda Center and start your volunteering work. The assistant tasks for panda keepers typically include:

8:40 AM - 12:00 PM: Clean the bedrooms and gardens for the giant pandas, wash the bamboo, and carry bamboos.
12:00 PM - 2:00 PM: Lunch at the center, watch some related documentary films about giant pandas, and rest.
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM: Under the guidance of the nutritionist, you will learn how to prepare food for these adorable animals, such as making panda bread and biscuits, and other snacks like carrots and apples.
On the second day from 1:30 PM to 4:00 PM, you will experience to feed the pandas with snacks and be assigned to do other work from your panda keeper.
Sometimes, you may assist scientists in collecting behavioral data and help the veterinary staff with medical care for the pandas upon their request.

While you do volunteering work, there will be time to observe and photograph the pandas.

On the afternoon of Day 3, your guide will assist you in returning the working suits. You will be awarded a volunteer certificate by the panda center and take photos with the center staff.

Afterwards, transfer to Ya'an where you will catch the high speed train to Chengdu, end the trip with WindhorseTour.

P.S. Please be aware that the panda hug experience is no longer available at any of the panda centers.