Tours/Chengdu/Unique One-Day Tour: A Close Encounter with Red Pandas
Unique One-Day Tour: A Close Encounter with Red Pandas
5.0(13)Chengdu6 hours
VIATOR5.0(2)TRIPADVISOR5.0(11)
+4 photos
At a glance
Duration
6 hours
Price from
$300 / person
Location
Chengdu, China
Rating
5.0 / 5 · 13 reviews
Languages
EN
Group
Private
Cancellation
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
Hotel pickup
Available
Confirmation
Instant
Ticket
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Operator
Real North Adventure
Description
Begin your day by delving into the fascinating world of giant pandas.
Spend the quiet morning hours observing their daily routines and learning about their habits in a setting far less crowded than the main Chengdu Panda Base — offering a more peaceful and personal experience.
In the afternoon, step into the red pandas’ charming habitat for an up-close encounter. Observe these playful creatures as they explore their surroundings. Take photos, learn about their behavior and diet, and gain a deeper appreciation for these delightful animals.
This day offers a rare and heartwarming journey into the lives of both giant and red pandas — a truly unforgettable wildlife experience.
Schedule & prices
Runs
Every day
Start times
7:30 AM and 8:00 AM
Next available
Thu, Oct 15
Adult
$300
Prices are per person when two book together; a solo traveller pays $420.
Larger groups pay less per person.
From the operator’s live schedule on Viator, checked Oct 13.
Tour Options
Unique One-Day Tour: A Close Encounter with Red Pandas
Pickup included
Itinerary
Dujiangyan Panda Park
Admission included240 min
Your guide will contact you the day before to confirm the pick-up time, which is around 7:30 AM from your hotel.
Start your day early with a visit to the Dujiangyan Panda Park, where you can spend the morning observing the beautiful giant and red pandas. Since pandas are most active for just a few hours each day, it’s essential to wake up early to catch them at their liveliest. The giant panda, a symbol of national pride and one of the world’s most endangered animals, can be seen here amidst extensive conservation efforts. Spend three hours with these amazing creatures, watching them play, munch on bamboo, and climb trees in a setting that closely resembles their natural habitat.
Dujiangyan Panda Base
Admission included120 min
After lunch, visit the Red Panda Habitat for a memorable encounter. Step into their living area and observe these adorable creatures up close as they climb, explore, and interact with each other in their natural-style environment.
Take photos, watch their playful behaviors, and learn about their habits, diet, and ongoing conservation efforts. This experience offers a unique opportunity to connect with and gain a deeper understanding of these captivating animals.
What's included
Included
Hotel pickup and drop-off
English-speaking tour guide
All entrance tickets as noted in the tour's itinerary
Lunch at a local restaurant
Private air-conditioned car
Not included
Gratuities
Personal expense
Pickup Locations & Times
We will be waiting for you in the hotel lobby, holding a piece of paper with your name on it
Traveller Ratings
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
5.0
13 reviews
5
13
4
0
3
0
2
0
1
0
How it compares in Chengdu
Rated higher than 78% of 64 reviewed tours in Chengdu
No. 44 by number of reviews among 778 tours in Chengdu
Excurgo comparison of 778 Viator tours, recalculated daily.
Important Information
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Please do not wear perfume, as the pandas may be sensitive to strong scents.
Please wear long pants.
Please do not wear sandals or open-toed shoes. We recommend wearing fully enclosed shoes that cover your feet. The pandas may also be curious and try to sniff your feet, so fully covered shoes are strongly recommended.
Cancellation
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
1+ days before100% refund
0–1 days before0% refund
Frequently asked questions
How long does Unique One-Day Tour: A Close Encounter with Red Pandas take?
Unique One-Day Tour: A Close Encounter with Red Pandas lasts about 6 hours. The itinerary has 2 stops.
How much does Unique One-Day Tour: A Close Encounter with Red Pandas cost?
Prices start at $300 per person for this Chengdu experience, booked through Viator with the price shown before checkout. That is the per-person price when two book together; a solo traveller pays $420. There is 1 booking option, so the final price depends on the option you choose.
What days does Unique One-Day Tour: A Close Encounter with Red Pandas run?
According to the operator’s current schedule, it runs every day, starting at 7:30 AM and 8:00 AM.
Can I cancel Unique One-Day Tour: A Close Encounter with Red Pandas for free?
Yes. Cancel at least 1 day before the start for a full refund. Later cancellations are non-refundable.
Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, pickup is offered. We will be waiting for you in the hotel lobby, holding a piece of paper with your name on it Pickup points include Hilton Garden Inn Chengdu Chunxi Road Center, Chopin Short-term Rent Apartmen.
What languages is Unique One-Day Tour: A Close Encounter with Red Pandas offered in?
The experience is available in EN.
Is this a private or a group tour?
It is a private experience: only your party takes part. Up to 15 travellers can book together.
Will my booking be confirmed immediately?
Yes, bookings are confirmed instantly.
Is Unique One-Day Tour: A Close Encounter with Red Pandas worth it?
Travellers rate it 5.0 out of 5 across 13 reviews on Viator and Tripadvisor; it is run by Real North Adventure.
Reviews(13)
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
K
kimmJ2039FD
October 6, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Jason was fantastic
This experience was amazing and our guide Jason was awesome! He was very knowledgeable and patient particularly with our young son. Jason went out of his way to make sure we had the best experience possible. We would definitely recommend him and we look forward to returning to do more.
Operator response
Thank you so much for your wonderful review and kind words! We’re delighted to hear that you and your family had such an amazing experience with us. Jason will be very happy to know that his knowledge, patience, and attention to detail helped make your trip enjoyable, especially for your young son.
At Real North Adventure, we are committed to providing personalized and memorable travel experiences for every guest. Your recommendation means a lot to our entire team, and we would be absolutely delighted to welcome you back to China for more adventures in the future!
J
Joanna_M
October 1, 2026 · via Viator
An unforgettable day with the little and big pandas😍
We were very lucky to be accompanied by Jason, an extraordinary tour guide. From beginning to end, he took excellent care of us and did everything to ensure we had an unforgettable and wonderful day. His extensive knowledge, his friendliness, and his always positive manner made the tour something very special. He was attentive at all times, addressed our wishes, and ensured that we felt completely comfortable and well taken care of.
Thanks to his dedication, his professionalism, and his warm personality, we were able to gather many special impressions and enjoy the day to the fullest. You can feel that the well-being of his guests is truly close to his heart.
We can recommend him without reservation and thank him sincerely for this wonderful experience. 🙏😍 A tour guide who goes far beyond the usual and gives his guests unforgettable memories.
Operator response
Liebe Gäste,
vielen herzlichen Dank für diese wunderbare und so detaillierte Bewertung! Es freut uns ungemein zu lesen, dass Ihr Tag mit Jason so unvergesslich war.
Wir sind sehr stolz darauf, Jason in unserem Team zu haben. Ihr Lob für sein Engagement, sein Wissen und seine herzliche Art werden wir selbstverständlich gerne an ihn weitergeben – das wird ihn sicher sehr freuen!
Es ist unser größtes Ziel, unseren Gästen nicht nur eine Tour, sondern ein echtes Erlebnis zu bieten. Dass wir das bei Ihnen geschafft haben, ist die schönste Bestätigung für unsere Arbeit.
Wir wünschen Ihnen alles Gute und hoffen, Sie bald wieder bei einer unserer Touren begrüßen zu dürfen!
Herzliche Grüße,
Team von Real North Adventure
5
504seweryns
September 5, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Amazing experience
The tour was amazing. And our guide Jason was very helpful, polite and patient. He gave us a lot of information as well. Both Giant and Red Pandas were fantastic. The lunch was great. And the last but not least the car was superb comfortable and our driver did a very good job.
Operator response
Thank you so much for your kind words and wonderful review! We’re very happy to hear that you had a great time and enjoyed the pandas, lunch, and our service. It was a pleasure having you with us. Wishing you a fantastic journey ahead, and we hope to see you again in China someday!
B
brinttonp
August 28, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Giant Panda and Red Panda Experience
Sophie my guide was great. Sophie had reached out to me the day before to be sure I was prepared and what to expect. She guided me brilliantly through the Panda center. She knew where I should be to the get best views and pictures. This was very important when viewing the 3 month old pandas. We had a great lunch followed with a ride to the private red panda reserve. The reserve had close to 60 red pandas. Awesome to have such close interaction with the beautiful animals.
Sophie made the experience quite special.
Operator response
Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We’re delighted to hear that Sophie made your panda experience so special and that you enjoyed both the panda center and the private red panda reserve. We truly appreciate your kind words and hope to welcome you back to Chengdu again someday!
P
piotrr263
July 8, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
A day with pandas
Unique and captivating experience. Jason and his colleague spent most of the day showing us the pandas, both giant white and red. We went to a location further in the mountains that the Chengdu Research Base. This means less crowds and more chance to see the animals. And they delivered! Plenty of close observations of both species and then an even closer encounter with the red pandas in their sanctuary.
We learned a lot about the animals themselves and about the conservation efforts, habits and history. Jason is a real encyclopedia of knowledge about pandas! After the tour, they even agreed to drop us off at the train station, which was very convenient. We recommend Jason and his company wholeheartedly!
Operator response
Thank you so much for your wonderful review and for taking the time to share your experience!
It was truly a pleasure spending the day with you. We're delighted to hear that you enjoyed seeing both the giant pandas and the red pandas, and that choosing the quieter mountain location made your visit even more special. Knowing that you learned more about panda conservation and had such memorable close encounters means a lot to us.
Thank you as well for your kind words about my knowledge—it really encourages us to continue sharing our passion for pandas and China with travelers from around the world.
We're also happy that dropping you off at the train station made your journey a little easier.
Thank you again for your trust and your wholehearted recommendation. We hope to welcome you back to China one day.
Wishing you and your family all the best, safe travels, and happiness always!
M
MattcothM
May 24, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Magical time with the red pandas
We had such a fantastic experience with our guide Jason and driver Kevin. This was a VIP trip all the way, from thoughtful pastries to massage seats and karaoke in the car! The panda base is amazing, but the experience with the red pandas is really magical, you get very close and have the time just with your party, as opposed to all the crowds. Was slightly hesitant for the price, but it was SO worth it. Highly recommend.
Operator response
Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We are truly happy to hear that you had such a fantastic experience with Jason and Kevin. It means a lot to us that you enjoyed all the little details during the trip, from the pastries to the massage seats and karaoke.
We’re especially glad that the red panda experience was memorable for you. Having a quieter and more personal interaction away from the crowds is exactly the experience we hope to create for our guests.
Thank you again for your trust and recommendation. It was a pleasure hosting you, and we hope to welcome you back to China again in the future!
L
Lori_H
May 4, 2026 · via Viator
Unforgettable experience in Chengdu
We had a wonderful 5 star experience- from booking, pre trip planning and the days experiences. Jason was most genuine, polished and experienced. He made sure every step of our journey was positive. Interacting with the red pandas was priceless. On top of this, the driver and SUV were first class!
Operator response
Thank you so much for your kind words! We’re thrilled to hear that you had a wonderful experience and enjoyed every part of your journey. It was our pleasure to make your trip smooth and memorable. Our team truly appreciate your feedback, and we’re glad you enjoyed the red pandas and the SUV service. We hope to welcome you again for more amazing experiences in the future!
A
annarI3098LZ
April 12, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Once in a lifetime experience for red panda lovers
If you love red pandas (and giant pandas) this tour is a must. Pick-up at our hotel went smoothly and our guide Jason and our driver welcomed us in a very comfortable car and already shared a lot of interesting information with us. The first stop at the giant panda base was a great start. It wasn‘t very crowded despite being Saturday and the arrival time was ideal to see the pandas in action. Jason also chose a fantastic local lunch spot for us!
In the afternoon, we went to the red panda base which was a once in a lifetime experience. You can watch them up close, walk through their forest habitat and later even feed them with some apples and take pictures with them. Amazing! We were pretty much alone at the base which made it even more special.
You will not regret booking this tour with Jason & team!
Thank you again for everything! 🐼
Operator response
Thank you so much for your wonderful review!
It truly means a lot to us to hear that you had such a memorable experience. We’re delighted that you enjoyed both the giant panda visit and the special time with the red pandas—especially having those peaceful moments so close to them, which really makes it unique.
I’m also very happy to know that the timing, transportation, and lunch arrangements all met your expectations. It was our pleasure to share the day with you and make everything as smooth and enjoyable as possible.
Your kind words are greatly appreciated and are a big encouragement for our whole team.
We hope to have the chance to welcome you again on another adventure in China in the future! 🐼
J
Janaenay
December 25, 2025 · via Tripadvisor
Perfect day
I had a great time with my tour guide Michelle visiting the Giant panda center and then experiencing the red pandas up close afterwards. It was amazing to see these animals in real life and the day was well thought out itinerary wise. Both Michelle and our driver were fun, professional and kind. Highly recommend this excursion!
Operator response
Thank you very much for your kind review! We’re so happy you enjoyed the panda visit and the red panda experience. It means a lot to hear your positive feedback about Michelle and our driver. Thank you for the recommendation, and we hope to see you again in the future!
A
alekx3eu
December 18, 2025 · via Tripadvisor
Amazing experience in discovering Red Pandas (and Pandas)
It has been an amazing day of visiting the Pandas in a less crowded base with the ability of enjoying in relax. After an amazing lunch with typical local cuisine, the highlight of the trip: The red panda base.
Never seen so many red pandas in a beautiful park resembling their habitat and also we got up and close with them (even climbing on my lap)
The guides have been great also adding a Quick coffee stop to a local place along the road. All in all a great experience and looking forward doing it again!
Operator response
Thank you very much for your kind review!
We’re delighted to hear you enjoyed the relaxed panda experience, the local lunch, and especially the red panda base.
It’s great to know our guide and the coffee stop added to your day.
We truly appreciate your support and look forward to welcoming you again in the future! 😊
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Tour
Duration
Rating
Price
Unique One-Day Tour: A Close Encounter with Red Pandas