Panda Breeding Research Base

As China’s National Treasure, the giant panda is one of the rarest animals in the world. The total number is estimated to be 1,500, including those living in the wild, 80% of which are in Sichuan Province. A breeding center for giant pandas was founded in the north suburbs of Chengdu. It is the only one of its kind in the world that's located in a metropolitan area. In operation since 1990 the research station and breeding ground for both Giant and Lesser Pandas was first opened to the public in 1995. The aim is to promote their numbers and eventually expand the site from the current 36 hectares to a more adequate 230 hectares in the near future. There is also a comprehensive museum and video on the pandas history, breeding and eating habits in English. (58Y entry)