The homecoming of the giant panda Fu Bao has led to considerable interest among people. Aside from the Shanghai Zoo, where else can you see big pandas nearby?
Suzhou, Jiangsu Province
Suzhou Taihu Lake Wetland Park
Suzhou Taihu Lake Wetland Park is beautiful, where serenity meets the cuteness of pandas. Imagine this: a circular boat route dotted with five docks, where one of them has quite the little surprise. Now, here's the scoop two panda celebrities, Xin Yue and Zhu Yun, reside at the prestigious Giant Panda Science Facility just a wink away from the Wanghu Dock.
Step into the Giant Panda Science Hall, a sprawling 3,900 square meter haven that's more luxe apartment than enclosure. There's room to stretch – with one outdoor and two indoor activity spaces, no less. The décor? Chic yet rustic, featuring play platforms of varying heights, crafted from the finest wood and stone, all under the watchful eye of climate control. It's the Ritz-Carlton for pandas!
Xin Yue and Zhu Yun hail from the famed Ya'an Giant Panda Base in Sichuan. Xin Yue, our 2003-born belle, is quite the charmer, often spotted playfully sticking out her tongue. Zhu Yun, the cool matriarch born in 2002, has the wisdom of motherhood with three cubs to her credit, often seen thoughtfully pursing her lips.
Don't let their calm demeanor fool you – these ladies boast a repertoire of talents from tree climbing to awe-inspiring acrobatics that will leave you enchanted. As they munch on bamboo or partake in what can only be described as 'panda meditation,' they capture hearts with effortless grace.
Visiting hours:
The doors swing open at 9 AM and close at 5 PM sharp – no sneaking in after 4:30 PM, I'm afraid. Fancy a visit?
Address:
Set your course to 1 Xiupin Street.
Tickets:
Oh, and keep your wallets at the ready: it's 60 yuan for the grown-ups and a sweet deal of 30 yuan for the kiddos and our esteemed elders over 70.
Transportation
Shanghai to Suzhou
(Minimum 21 minutes by high-speed railway)
Nanjing, Jiangsu Province
Ziqing Lake Wildlife World
Step right up and enter the enchanted world of Ziqing Lake Wildlife World, nestled in the heart of Tangshan, Nanjing! This veritable Garden of Eden is ruled by none other than the esteemed residents of the Giant Panda Pavilion – seven fluffy ambassadors of charm: Nuan Nuan, Tuan Zi, Shen Wei, and the delightful "Fuqi Family" consisting of Fu Hu, Fu Bao, Fu Feng, and Fu Ban.
Let's start with our lady of leisure, Nuan Nuan. Born under the Malaysian sun on August 18, 2015, this "Sleeping Goddess" is a true-blue diva. After a stint at the National Zoo in Malaysia, she made her grand entrance to Nanjing in August 2019, carrying with her the title of "little princess." Known for her penchant for solitude and epic naps, Nuan Nuan has gracefully stepped into her role here at Ziqing Lake. Even from afar, her Malaysian caretakers couldn't resist a birthday video call to shower her with love and birthday cheers, rekindling fond memories and shared smiles across continents.
Not to be outdone, Shen Wei and Tuan Zi hail from the lush confines of the Bifengxia Base. This dynamic duo is known for their playful antics and panda pizzazz that captivate all who wander into their realm.
And let's not forget the "Fuqi Family," recently returned from their Austrian adventure, adding a dash of international mystique to their homecoming.
The pavilion itself is a dreamland, featuring both cozy indoor spaces and expansive outdoor playgrounds. Each panda enjoys the luxury of their own plush villa, ranging from 550 to 600 square meters, equipped with all the panda essentials – swings, slides, tires, and the like, because what's a panda paradise without a little fun?
Visiting Hours:
The doors open at the crack of dawn at 9 AM and close at 5 PM, but make sure to swing by before the last admission at 3:30 PM.
Address:
You'll find this haven of happiness at 8 Huanzheng Rd N.
Tickets:
Tickets are a steal at 129 yuan for adults and 75 yuan for those charming children and seasoned seniors above 70.
Transportation:
Shanghai to Nanjing
(Minimum 59 minutes by high-speed railway)
Yancheng, Jiangsu Province
Dafenggang Zoo
Welcome to the fabulous world of Yun Er and Zhen Sheng, the dazzling duo that calls Dafenggang Zoo their plush playground. Since their grand entrance on August 5, 2020, these panda prodigies have been nothing short of showstoppers!
Zhen Sheng, our graceful lady, was born on August 3, 2017, at the revered Bifengxia Base in Ya'an. A true artist of the arboreal, she has a penchant for climbing to new heights–literally! Her favorite pastime? Scaling trees with the elegance of a seasoned climber, capturing the hearts of all who witness her sky-high antics.
Not to be outshone, the charming Yun'er, born on May 20, 2017, at the Hetaoping Base, brings his own flair to the duo. This male panda is not just a pretty face; his repertoire of skills includes masterful tree climbing, intricate footwork, and acrobatics that are sure to dazzle and delight.
Their abode? Nothing less than opulent. Spanning an impressive 27,500 square meters, the Dafenggang Zoo's panda paradise is a marvel. The 2,600 square meter activity area is a utopia split between luxurious indoor comforts – including a cozy resting room and an inviting leisure viewing area–and an expansive outdoor playground designed to cater to their every whim.
Visiting Hours:
The gates are open from 9 AM to 5 PM daily, but be sure to slip in before the last entry at 4:30 PM.
Address:
Set your GPS for 8 Qingdaogang Rd
Tickets: Tickets are 95 yuan each. Not bad at all!
Transportation
Shanghai to Yancheng
( Minimum 1 hour and 54 minutes by high-speed railway)
Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province
Hangzhou Safari Park
Welcome to the lush realms of Hangzhou Safari Park, home to the illustrious Li Li and the sprightly Ban Ban – two giant pandas whose charm is as boundless as their appetite for bamboo!
Li Li, the serene matriarch of the duo, is 17 years old, an age which, in panda terms, equates to the wisdom and grace of over 50 human years. She has been gracing Hangzhou with her presence since September 2012. Meanwhile, the youthful Ban Ban, at just 6 years old, has been frolicking among the bamboo since her arrival in March 2021. Both are proud alumni of the China Conservation and Research Center for Giant Pandas.
The bamboo diet here is a gourmet affair, sourced exclusively from the verdant fields of Anji. It's not just any bamboo that makes the cut – it has to be the right age, the right type, and grown under the perfect conditions. In spring, it's a feast of Xiao Shun bamboo, bitter bamboo, and tender early shoots. Only bamboo that has seen three full years of sun and shadow is deemed worthy of these panda palates, slightly cracked to ease the wear on those precious panda teeth.
The journey of the bamboo from field to feeding time is a meticulous process, as described by Ma Xiaofei from the park. Wrapped in water-soaked shade netting to keep it cool and crisp, the bamboo travels for about an hour before reaching its dedicated fresh-keeping zone at the park, which can hold up to a whopping 1,000 kg of bamboo.
As for the daily dining details? Li Li, our elder stateswoman, typically enjoys around 6 kilos of bamboo shoots daily, while the younger Ban Ban nibbles on about 4 kilos. But that's not all – these pandas also partake in a curated selection of bread, apples, carrots, and essential vitamins and minerals to keep them in tip-top shape.
Visiting hours: 9:30am-4:30pm (No admission after 4pm)
Address: 1 Jiulong Avenue 九龙大道1号
Tickets: 220 yuan (for adults); 140 yuan (for children)
Transportation:
Shanghai to Hangzhou (About 45 minutes by high-speed railway)
Anji County, Zhejiang Province
China Bamboo Expo Park
Absolutely! Anji County in Huzhou City is renowned for its lush bamboo, which is as much a local emblem as it is a staple diet for pandas. It's this verdant abundance that makes Anji a perfect retreat for these cherished creatures.
The expansive pavilion set here serves as a world-class display hub for four giant pandas. More than a mere viewing spot, it's a dynamic venue where visitors can immerse themselves in a variety of panda-themed activities. From the vibrant panda carnivals that celebrate these beloved animals, to creative painting contests, engaging quizzes, family-oriented tours, and insightful panda classes, the pavilion offers a rich tapestry of experiences that delight and educate. This center stands as a testament to the cultural and natural synergy of Anji, providing a unique window into the world of one of nature's most endearing ambassadors.
Opening time: 8am-5pm in summer (No admission after 4:30pm); 8am-4:30pm in winter (No admission after 4pm)
Address: No.1 Zhuboyuan Rd 竹博园路1号
Tickets: 80 yuan (for adults); 40 yuan (for children)
Transportation:
Shanghai to Anji
(Minimum 2 hours and 10 minutes)
