Though the Panda has become well known across the world, it is actually a species that is native to Central China. Formerly found in relative numbers in the Sichuan, Shaanxi and Gansu provinces in Central China, Pandas have migrated from these areas due to rapid urbanisation and deforestation in the country. As a result, the Giant Panda in particular has been given a Conservation Reliant Endangered species, and is bred in captivity in places such as the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding and repopulation efforts are quite difficult due to its low birth rate as well as the rapid loss of its natural habitat. Therefore, seeing the Giant Pandas is really an activity that should not be missed when staying in a hotel such as Citadines South Chengdu in China.
The Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding is one place to visit which is open throughout the year. Due to its accessibility via bus, taxi and the Metro, making your way to the Research Base from Chengdu accommodation is convenient. The Research Base focuses on educational tourism and rather than allowing patrons to observe the pandas in captivity, the Base is complete with wild bamboo forests and woods, rivers and even caves and lakes in order to mimic the natural environment of the Giant Panda. Further, in addition to the Giant Panda community that exists in captivity, the Research Base is also home to swans, peacocks, butterflies as well as Red Pandas.
The Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding is further looking to establishing and opening an exhibition centre as a Giant Panda Museum in order to raise awareness of its endangered status. While tourists can observe the Pandas in a habitat simulating its own, it is expected that they move quietly and do not disrupt the animals. Thus, the Research Base is a truly unique initiative that not only works towards preserving this gentle species but also focuses on awareness.
Pushpitha Wijesinghe is an experienced independent freelance writer. He specializes in providing a wide variety of content and articles related to the travel hospitality industry.
