1-Day Wolong Panda Volunteer Program Tour

Itinerary

06:30 AM - 07:00 AM: Hotel Pickup and Scenic Drive to Wolong

• Your day begins with a pickup from your Chengdu hotel by a friendly, English-speaking guide holding a sign reading "Your Panda Adventure."

• Enjoy a comfortable 2.5-hour drive (approximately 130 km) to Wolong National Nature Reserve, passing through the scenic Sichuan countryside. Your guide will share insights about the region, its biodiversity, and the significance of Wolong as the "Hometown of Pandas."

08:30 AM - 09:00 AM: Arrival and Orientation

• Arrive at Wolong Shenshuping Panda Base, home to over 30 giant pandas.

• Complete necessary procedures: sign safety agreements and health commitment forms, receive your volunteer uniform (jumpsuit and gloves), and attend a brief pre-work training session to learn about panda care, safety protocols, and the day’s activities.

• Note: Volunteers must be aged 8–70 and in good health. No perfume, cologne, or nail polish is allowed, and closed-toe shoes are required.

09:00 AM - 10:30 AM: Bamboo Preparation and Panda Feeding Observation

• Under the guidance of professional panda keepers, assist in preparing bamboo by washing and cracking bamboo shoots, a staple of the pandas’ diet.

• Observe panda keepers as they feed the pandas, gaining insights into their dietary needs and behaviors. Note that direct feeding by volunteers is not permitted for safety reasons.

10:30 AM - 11:30 AM: Explore the Panda Base

• Take a guided tour of the panda base, observing pandas of various ages, from playful cubs to solitary adults, in their naturalistic enclosures.

• Visit the “Panda Kindergarten” (exclusive to Wolong), where young pandas play on a jungle gym, offering a delightful view of their antics.

• Photography is allowed in open areas, but respect the pandas’ space by avoiding loud noises or sudden movements.

11:30 AM - 12:30 PM: Lunch Break

• Enjoy a hearty lunch at the base’s canteen, featuring authentic Sichuan dishes such as spicy noodles, mapo tofu, or stir-fried vegetables, providing a taste of local culture.

• Use this time to relax and reflect on your morning with the pandas.

12:30 PM - 01:30 PM: Panda Snack Preparation

• Participate in making “Wowotou” (steamed corn buns), a nutritious treat for the pandas, under the guidance of base staff.

• Learn about the pandas’ diet and digestive system, deepening your understanding of their care.

01:30 PM - 02:30 PM: Educational Documentary and Museum Visit

• Watch an engaging documentary about the life cycle of giant pandas, their conservation challenges, and the efforts at Wolong to protect this endangered species.

• Visit the Wolong Giant Panda Museum to explore exhibits on panda habitats, behaviors, and the history of conservation efforts in the region.

02:30 PM - 03:00 PM: Final Panda Visit and Certificate Ceremony

• Enjoy a final stroll through the panda base to observe the pandas in their enclosures, capturing memorable moments (photography permitted in designated areas).

• Return your volunteer uniform and receive a certificate of participation, recognizing your contribution to panda conservation.

03:00 PM - 05:30 PM: Return to Chengdu

• Board the vehicle for the 2.5-hour return journey to Chengdu, accompanied by your guide, who will share additional stories about Sichuan’s culture and wildlife.

• Arrive back at your Chengdu hotel around 5:30 PM, concluding your unforgettable panda volunteer experience.