The Chengdu to Dujiangyan or Wolong Panda Volunteering Day Tour promises a unique opportunity for panda enthusiasts. With hands-on participation in panda care activities, travelers can enjoy the world of these iconic bears. From preparing meals to cleaning habitats, the day-long experience provides an insider’s look at conservation efforts. Whether exploring the Dujiangyan or Wolong Panda Center, you will enjoy guided tours, scenic drives, and the satisfaction of contributing to a worthy cause. For those seeking a deeper connection with these beloved animals, this tour could be the perfect way to make a meaningful impact.
Good To Know
- A day-long volunteering experience at either the Dujiangyan or Wolong Panda Center, located approximately two hours from Chengdu.
- Hands-on tasks include preparing panda food, cleaning dorms, and observing panda training, with a focus on conservation efforts.
- Buffet lunch provided, and volunteers receive a certificate of participation after the day’s activities.
- Dujiangyan Panda Center offers a more engaging experience for volunteers, while Wolong Panda Center is less crowded with stronger, more active pandas.
- COVID-19 restrictions prohibit holding or interacting with baby pandas, but the tour emphasizes meaningful contributions to panda conservation.
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Tour Overview
The tour offers a day-long experience of volunteering at either the Dujiangyan or Wolong Panda Center, located a 2-hour drive from Chengdu.
Priced from $430 per person, the 8-hour tour includes hotel pickup, guided activities, and return transportation.
Participants can choose between the former rescue center of Dujiangyan or the more remote Wolong, which is home to stronger, more active pandas.
The tour provides ample time for hands-on volunteering tasks like preparing panda food, cleaning dorms, and observing training.
A buffet lunch and a volunteer certificate cap off the engaging day.
Itinerary
The tour kicks off with pickup from the hotel lobby within Chengdu’s 3rd ring road, with an additional fee for locations outside this area.
The 2-hour drive takes guests to either Dujiangyan or Wolong Panda Center. At the center, the 6-hour guided volunteering activities commence, including cleaning panda dorms and learning about conservation efforts.
Guests will prepare panda food, feed the animals, and watch a panda movie. After the activities, the tour returns to Chengdu, a 2-hour drive back.
Throughout the day, an English-speaking guide accompanies the group, providing insights and ensuring a fulfilling panda volunteering experience.
Dujiangyan Panda Center
Situated just a short distance from Chengdu, the Dujiangyan Panda Center stands as a former rescue facility, boasting a cooler climate that’s around 2 degrees lower than the city. While the pandas here may have disabilities or missing limbs, visitors can still take part in a range of engaging volunteer activities. These include preparing panda food, cleaning dorms, and even feeding and training the beloved creatures. To help guide the experience, the center provides an English-speaking guide, as well as a simple buffet lunch similar to what the local keepers enjoy.
| Panda Center Details | ||
|---|---|---|
| Location | Dujiangyan | Wolong |
| Distance from Chengdu | Closer | Further |
| Weather | Cooler (2°C lower) | Cooler (2°C lower) |
| Panda Condition | Disabled/missing limbs | More active/stronger |
Wolong Panda Center
Wolong Panda Center lies further from Chengdu compared to Dujiangyan, but offers a less crowded environment and cooler weather that’s around 2 degrees lower.
It’s home to more active and stronger pandas, including the famous panda Fu Bao.
During the tour, visitors can participate in a range of volunteering activities, such as preparing panda food, cleaning dorms, feeding, and training the pandas.
After the activities, guests can watch a panda movie and enjoy a buffet lunch similar to what the local keepers eat.
At the end of the day, volunteers receive a certificate to commemorate their experience.
Volunteer Activities
During the Panda Volunteering Day Tour, visitors can participate in a range of hands-on activities to support the pandas.
They’ll prepare panda food, clean the dorms, and even feed and train the pandas. Visitors can watch a panda movie and enjoy a buffet lunch similar to what the local keepers eat.
At the end of the day, they’ll receive a volunteer certificate as a memento of their experience.
The activities are suitable for ages 8 to 70, though a health certificate may be required.
While holding baby pandas isn’t currently allowed due to COVID-19 restrictions, the hands-on volunteer work provides a unique opportunity to contribute to panda conservation efforts.
Lunch and Certificate
Visitors can dig into a simple buffet lunch during the Panda Volunteering Day Tour, similar to the meals enjoyed by the local panda keepers.
After the hands-on activities, volunteers will also receive a certificate acknowledging their contribution to panda conservation efforts. This memento serves as a reminder of the meaningful experience.
The tour includes an opportunity to watch a panda-themed movie, providing participants with a deeper understanding of these fascinating creatures and the importance of the conservation work being done.
The combination of hands-on volunteering, lunch, and a certificate creates a well-rounded and fulfilling day for those eager to support the pandas.
Inclusions and Fees
The Panda Volunteering Day Tour includes a private English guide and driver, a simple buffet lunch, entrance ticket, and hotel pickup and drop-off.
There’s an extra fee of 400 RMB for a Spanish, German, or French guide. Plus, the panda keeper volunteer fee is 900 RMB per person.
It’s important to note that holding baby pandas is currently unavailable due to COVID-19 restrictions.
The tour provides a unique opportunity to engage in hands-on activities, such as preparing panda food, cleaning dorms, feeding, and training the pandas, while gaining a deeper understanding of their conservation efforts.
COVID-19 Restrictions
Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the tour currently does not offer the opportunity to hold or interact with baby pandas. This change in protocol is a necessary safety precaution to protect both the visitors and the vulnerable panda cubs. The tour remains focused on volunteering activities such as preparing panda food, cleaning dorms, and observing the adult pandas in their natural habitats. While the hands-on experience with baby pandas is unavailable, the tour still provides an immersive look into panda conservation and the daily care of these endangered animals.
| Restriction | Details |
|---|---|
| No baby panda interaction | For visitor and panda safety |
| Prepare panda food | Volunteer activity |
| Clean panda dorms | Volunteer activity |
| Observe adult pandas | Volunteer activity |
| Tour still available | With focus on conservation |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks to the Panda Center?
Visitors are allowed to bring their own food and drinks to the panda centers. However, it’s recommended to check with the tour operator or panda center about any restrictions or guidelines around outside food and beverages before the visit.
Are There Any Photography Restrictions During the Tour?
There are some photography restrictions during the tour. Visitors can take photos, but they’re not allowed to use flashes or get too close to the pandas. The tour guides will provide specific guidance on appropriate photography.
What Should I Wear for the Volunteer Activities?
For the volunteer activities, one should wear comfortable clothing that’s easy to move in, such as t-shirts, pants, and closed-toe shoes. It’s also a good idea to bring a light jacket as the panda centers can be cooler.
Can I Bring Souvenirs Back From the Panda Center?
Yes, visitors can purchase souvenirs from the panda center’s gift shop. The selection typically includes panda plush toys, t-shirts, keychains, and other items. However, visitors should check if there are any restrictions on the types or quantities of souvenirs they can bring back.
Is There an Age Limit for the Volunteer Activities?
The tour has an age requirement of 8 to 70 years old. A health certificate may be required for participants outside this age range to ensure they can safely participate in the volunteer activities.
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The Sum Up
The Chengdu to Dujiangyan or Wolong Panda Volunteering Day Tour offers an enriching experience for panda enthusiasts. Participants can assist with panda care, observe the animals, and learn about conservation efforts. The tour includes hotel pickup, a buffet lunch, and a certificate of participation, all while being guided by an English-speaking professional. With COVID-19 restrictions in place, the tour provides a unique opportunity to support panda conservation.