Dujiangyan Panda Volunteer Day Tour from Chengdu | Private Experience

Summary

Volunteer with Pandas at Dujiangyan Rescue Center

If you want to get close to giant pandas and actually help care for them, this is your chance. You’ll work side by side with real keepers at Dujiangyan Panda Base, learn about conservation firsthand, and even get a little messy—all while making memories you won’t forget.

What’s the experience like?

The morning air felt cool as we left Chengdu—just a hint of mist on the windows during the drive out to Dujiangyan. Our guide, Lily, chatted about local snacks and pointed out the old irrigation canals as we got closer to the mountains. At the panda base, you can actually smell fresh bamboo everywhere. It’s quieter than I expected; just a few keepers in blue uniforms and some soft grunts from the enclosures.

They handed us blue volunteer vests and gloves right away. Cleaning up after pandas isn’t glamorous (there’s a certain earthy smell), but it’s oddly satisfying work. The keepers showed us how to chop carrots and apples for snacks—turns out pandas are picky eaters! We got to watch a young cub tumble around while his mother napped nearby. You’ll also spot red pandas darting between trees if you’re quick. Lunch was a simple buffet in the staff canteen—rice, stir-fried greens, and hot tea that warmed my hands after being outside.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Volunteer at Dujiangyan Panda Center

• Drive from Chengdu to Dujiangyan
• Volunteer with keepers: clean enclosures, prepare food, visit pandas

Top questions

Can kids join as volunteers?

Yes, children can participate with adults. The center provides child-sized gloves and there are lighter tasks suitable for younger helpers.

Is it possible to take photos with the pandas?

You can take photos during your volunteer activities, but direct contact or hugging pandas isn’t allowed for safety reasons.

What should I wear for volunteering?

Wear comfortable clothes you don’t mind getting dirty, plus closed shoes. The center gives you a vest and gloves when you arrive.

What’s included

Your day includes entry to Dujiangyan Panda Center, an English-speaking guide who really knows their stuff, private transport from your hotel in Chengdu (and back), all volunteer fees and donations, lunch in the staff canteen, plus an honorary certificate and small souvenir from the panda center.