Giant Panda Breeding Research Base

One of Chéngdū's most popular tourist attractions, this reserve, 18km north of the city centre, is the easiest way to catch a glimpse of Sìchuān's most famous residents outside of a zoo. The enclosures here are large and kept in good condition.

Home to nearly 50 giant and red pandas, the base focuses on getting these sexually reluctant creatures to breed; March to May is the 'falling in love period', wink wink. If you visit in autumn or winter, you may see tiny newborns in the nursery.

There's a corny but informative 15-minute film about panda mating habits and an old-fashioned museum has detailed exhibits on panda evolution, habits, habitats and conservation efforts, all with English captions.

Try to visit the base in the morning, when the pandas are most active. Feeding takes place around 9.30am, although you'll see them eating in the late afternoon too. During the middle of the day they spend most of their time sleeping, particularly during the height of midsummer, when they sometimes disappear into their living quarters (air-conditioned, apparently).

Tourist bus 902 (Y2, one hour, frequent services 8am to 4pm) runs here from outside Traffic Inn, and goes past Sim's Cozy Garden Hostel en route. Last bus back is 6pm. All decent youth hostels run trips here, too, which cost more but get you to the base earlier.