China Giant Panda Conservation
2 – 4 Weeks
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS



Play a part in helping to save pandas from extinction
Work closely with panda keepers and the pandas!
Immerse yourself with the Chinese way of life
TRIP SUMMARY
Pandas are one of the most endangered animals in the world, and this conservation
project is a fantastic opportunity to observe and help these amazing creatures.
Located within a beautiful mountain region of the Wolong Nature Reserve, 150
kilometres from Chengdu City, you’ll be working closely with the pandas! This is the
largest Panda base in China, and the care you provide will genuinely help the Panda
reserve to protect these animals from extinction.
Full training will be given and typical activities included cleaning the pandas' living
areas and preparing food and feeding them. You may also be asked to conduct
some research into their habits and health, to extend the knowledge and caring
activities for this highly endangered species.
Arrival and Orientation:
Location: Chengdu City,
On arrival you will be picked up from Chengdu airport by one of our English speaking
coordinators. You’ll be transferred to Chengdu City where you will stay the night in a
hostel. This transfer will take approximately 30-40 minutes. You’ll then have the rest
of the day and evening to rest and recover from your journey.
After a morning’s rest the following day, you’ll have a tour of Chengdu city which
includes local markets, parks, the business quarter and the famous ancient
pedestrian street of Kuan-zhai Alley.
You will be required to have a medical examination by Chengdu Medical Authorities
on this day, which is a precaution to ensure that the pandas remain safe and healthy.
A member of the in-country team will be there to assist you. The examination costs
467 RMB (approximately 60 Euros) and should be paid to staff in-country. Please
ensure that you bring 5 passport size photos, as these will be required at the
examination.
There will be a welcome dinner in one of the city’s restaurants in the evening.
The following morning (typically a Tuesday) you will be transferred to the Panda
Reserve by bus which takes approximately 3 hours.
After lunch at the panda base, you’ll have a brief and introduction to the work you’ll
be doing. You’ll be issued with your uniform and volunteer card and anything else
that you need during your time at the reserve. The next morning, you’ll meet and get
to know the panda keepers whom you’ll be assisting and have a guided tour of the
base.
Later on, you’ll have dinner at the hostel restaurant
Daily Schedule:
Location: Panda Base
The schedule may vary from week to week depending on the needs of the project,
so it is important that you are flexible and follow all instructions given to you by the
Panda keepers who are helping you.
General duties include:




Ensure that the pandas are secure and safe in their environment
Cleaning panda pens and surrounding area
Preparing food such as apples, panda bread, carrots and bamboo
Chopping and carrying bamboo
Following Weeks
Depending on how many weeks you choose to spend on this programme, you will
continue with the great conservation work you've started and will follow a similar
routine.
Departure:
Your programme will finish on a Saturday and you'll be transferred to Chengdu
airport or Chengdu City at 9:00am. We do recommend that you book your flight after
3pm.
Free Time and Weekends:
Location: Panda Base
Panda base is on a mountain, so do not expect the bright lights, clubs and bars of a
large city! There will be a fair bit of free time once all of your daily duties are finished
– after all, pandas like their own space!
There are a number of things you could do to keep you occupied, such as;





Visit the local market and ancient bridge in Ya’an city
Play Table Tennis, Mah-jong and Chinese Chess
Take part in free Chinese language lessons from 4pm – 6pm daily
Go trekking (there are many famous waterfalls in the mountain close to the
reserve, set in peaceful and beautifal natural scenery and mountain fresh air)
Also, you’ll have a free pass to access all areas of the Panda Reserve.
During the weekends, you'll be able to go further afield. A member of the incountry team will be happy to help you organise trips to Hot Spring Resort, a
Cruise on Yangtze River, the City of Ya'an or to the Sichuan Opera with
traditional 'face changing' masks.
Accommodation:
When staying in Chengdu City for your first two nights, your accommodation will be
in a hostel with 4-6 beds and a shared bathroom.
The accommodation is in the Panda base, which is very large and enclosed in the
mountains. You’ll be staying in a recently renovated hostel within the reserve in a
twin rooms with a TV, 24 hour hot water and asian style toilet.
There is a bar in the hostel which is popular for parties, movies and purchasing cold
drinks.
Laundry facilities are available for a small charge (20 CNY each time)
There are free WI-FI facilities at the accommodation.
Meals:
You will be provided with three meals a day - breakfast, lunch and dinner. These will
be Chinese dishes typical of the local area, comprising mainly rice, noodles and
vegetables with some meat.