The Giant Panda Breeding Research Base is the best place to see Chengdu’s most famous residents. The city zoo is very depressing and best avoided but the institute 18km from the town center, houses 12 bears in good conditions.

The panda has long been associated with China, and although they are no longer given as gifts to visiting officials, China’s pandas still face the huge problem of extinction. The Museum here graphically details the bear’s reproductive problems and there is also a large Breeding ground at the site. Researchers here recently announced that they plan to give the pandas the drug Viagra in an attempt to raise numbers. These creatures are notoriously reluctant to breed and scientists hope that by giving the pandas Viagra, they will boost the bear’s sex drive and improve the chances of reproduction.

The center is located on the mountain of Futoushan in the northern suburbs of the city. Staff recommends that the best time to visit is in the morning, between 8.30 and 10am, during feeding time. Outside these hours it’s likely the bears will be indulging in their favorite pastime, sleeping!

Address:Jiefang Lu
How to get there: There are three options for transport to the institute:
a) Cycle from the city. This is a nice bike ride but the 18km may be too much for the unfit!
b) A taxi should cost approximately RMB85 from Chengdu center.
c) Take a tour from the Traffic Hotel. This is a convenient option and at RMB80 (including the entrance charge) is a pretty good deal. Enquire at the hotel for more information.
Opening hours: 8am-6pm.
Cost: RMB30 to enter the complex.