TIME IN CHINA >> Attractions >> Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding
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Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding

The giant panda is beloved by people from all over the world. It is a symbol of world biodiversity conservation, peace and friendship. The giant panda is also nature's gift to Chengdu and the province of Sichuan. It is a special and highly valued resource in Chengdu. All local and foreign visitors enjoy the beauty of giant pandas. They are also deeply concerned with the current status and future of giant pandas.

 
Giant pandas in Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding live in large naturalistic habitats, which help the visitor to understand how these animals live in the wild. It is an excellent recreational area and a highlight of any visit to Chengdu.
 
Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding is located in the northern suburb of Chengdu on Futou Hill. It is 10 km from downtown Chengdu, and can be reached by the Panda Road. It was founded in 1987, with six giant pandas rescued from the wild. Today (2007) the captive population has increased to 62 individuals from that founding population of only six.
 
The Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding (hereafter Chengdu Panda Base) is a non-profit organization engaged in wildlife research, captive breeding, conservation education, and educational tourism. It is one of the important centers in China for the captive conservation of giant pandas.
 
The current goal is to increase the captive population of giant pandas. The ultimate goal is to reintroduce giant pandas to the wild. To achieve this goal certain pandas will be raised in such a way as to provide them with the necessary skills to survive in the wild. Reintroduction of captive animals to the wild will both increase the number of individuals and the genetic diversity of the wild population. The Research Base hopes to help ensure the survival of giant pandas and increase the chances for giant pandas to coexist with humankind.
 
Many types of bamboo, trees, and flowers thrive at the Research Base. Several species of birds also make their home there. The human-made structures have been designed to blend well with the natural scenery. Endangered species such as giant pandas, red pandas, and black-necked cranes reproduce well at the Research Base.
 
Also located at the Research Base is the Giant Panda Museum which provides interesting educational information about a variety of species native to China. The Giant Panda Museum was established in 1992. This is the only museum in the world which focuses entirely on the critically endangered giant panda. In addition to the Giant Panda Museum, a Butterfly and Vertebrate Museum have also recently been opened. These three separate museums work collectively to educate visitors. The three separate museums work collectively to educate visitors. The three museums occupy a total area 12,450 preserved specimens from 2140 species of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish, insects, and fossils. Many of the species on exhibit are books from China and other countries. This is a comprehensive museum which educates visitors on full range of tropics including: biodiversity, conservation, reproduction, and wildlife husbandry.
 
The Research Base has welcomed many levels of government officials and over 100,000 visitors from China and scientific achievements of the Research Base have been highly praised by visitors.

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