Transportation of Chengdu Giant Panda Research Base Travel Guide

The Chengdu Giant Panda Breeding and Research Base, located at 1375 Xiongda Avenue in Chenghua District, is a globally renowned giant panda conservation and tourism destination. Its transportation network features a comprehensive system with public transport as the primary mode, supplemented by private vehicles and dedicated shuttle routes. Since the full upgrade of bus services in September 2025, the base has introduced a distinctive “6+3+1+1” transportation model, offering multiple options including subway transfers, dedicated shuttle routes, and private vehicle parking. This system caters to both local residents daily visits and cross-junction travel needs for visitors. Below is a detailed breakdown of each transportation option.

Subway travel: the core mode of intercity transport with convenient and efficient transfers

The subway is the prime choice for visiting the Panda Base, with Line 3 serving as the main artery that links multiple commercial districts and transportation hubs in the city. Multiple shuttle buses complement the service, enabling seamless transfers right after exiting the subway—a feature that caters to all types of travelers.

Metro transfer plan:

To address the needs of different park entrances, the metro has introduced three dedicated shuttle bus routes, significantly reducing transfer distances. The specific plan is as follows:

1. West Gate Route: Take Metro Line 3 to the Military District General Hospital Station and exit at Exit B. A 10-meter walk will take you to the Panda Base, where you can transfer to the Panda Base Microbus Line 1 (Route 409) for a direct ride to the West Gate. This shuttle service operates on a “ride-hailing” basis, with comfortable seating at the bus stop. Service hours are 6:45 AM-6:00 PM in summer and 7:15 AM-5:30 PM in winter. The one-way fare is 2 yuan. For the return trip, simply board the shuttle at the West Gate platform to head back to the metro station.
2. Getting to South Gate: If you take Metro Line 3 to Xiongdadao Station, exit at Gate A and walk 10 meters to transfer to Microbus Line 2 (Route 408). Alternatively, exit at Gate D to transfer to Route 408. Both routes run directly to South Gate with a one-way fare of 2 yuan. Their operating hours match those of Route 409, with the last bus at 18:20 in summer and 17:50 in winter. For the return trip, catch the bus at the opposite station. Additionally, you can transfer to Microbus Line 3 (Route 87) from Metro Tongle Road Station to South Gate, offering more transfer options.
3. Additional transfer options: If you take Metro Line 3 to Zoo Station, exit at Gate D and walk 100 meters to catch Bus 655, or exit at Gate A and walk 200 meters to catch Bus 87. Both buses will stop at Panda Base Station after a few stops, and its just a 5-minute walk to South Gate. Bus 655 operates from 6:30 AM to 9:10 PM, while Bus 87 runs from 6:30 AM to 9:00 PM, with both costing 2 yuan.

Intermodal Transfer Plan for Cross-Hub Metro:

For international visitors departing from airports or railway stations, the metro line 3 provides convenient transfers. The route details are as follows:

1. Tianfu International Airport: You can take the Tianfu Airport Bus Line 3 directly to the west gate of the Panda Base. The fare is 15 yuan from 6:00 AM to 11:30 PM, and 25 yuan after 11:30 PM. The station also offers luggage storage and shared power banks. Alternatively, you can take Metro Line 18 to Huoche South Station, transfer to Line 7 to Dumaqiao Station, and then take Line 3 to the destination.
2. Shuangliu International Airport: Take Metro Line 10 to Taipingyuan Station, then transfer to Line 3 to Xiongmao Avenue Station or Military District General Hospital Station, with the entire journey taking approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes.
3. Chengdu East Station: Take Metro Line 7 to Dumaqiao Station and transfer to Line 3. The total distance is approximately 20 kilometers, with a travel time of about 1 hour and 10 minutes.
4. North Railway Station: Take Metro Line 7 to Dumaqiao Station, then transfer to Line 3. The 10.5-kilometer journey takes approximately 48 minutes.

Schematic diagram of Chengdu Metro transportation network

Bus and Scenic Area Direct Bus: Wide Coverage and Strong Directness

Besides the subway shuttle minibus, Chengdu offers multiple regular buses and scenic area shuttle services to the Panda Base, providing both convenient short-distance travel within the city and seamless connections between attractions.

Regular bus routes:

Conventional buses are ideal for travelers visiting nearby areas like the city outskirts or zoos, offering stable routes and affordable fares. Key routes include:

1. Bus Route 198/198A: Departing from Chengdu Zoo Bus Stop, this route takes you directly to the Panda Base Station, with stops at Zhaojue Temple and other locations. Operating from 6:30 AM to 9:00 PM, the fare is 2 yuan, making it ideal for visitors who wish to explore the zoo before heading to the Panda Base.
2. Route 2.655: The transfer line to Metro Zoo Station mentioned earlier also offers a direct route from Xindu Passenger Transport Hub Station to the Panda Base, making it convenient for visitors from the northern part of the city.
3. Bus Routes 3.110 and 659 both terminate at the Military District General Hospital Station on Metro Line 3. Route 110 runs from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM to Yinxingyuan Bus Stop, while Route 659 operates from 7:40 AM to 8:30 PM to Longfu Garden. After alighting at the Cuiwei Road intersection station on Yulou Road, passengers can walk 500 meters to reach Xidamen.

Direct buses to scenic spots:

The scenic area shuttle bus service, designed for tourists, connects multiple popular attractions and eliminates transfer hassles. After optimization in 2025, a total of 6 routes will be launched, with details as follows:

1. Panda Base Direct Line 1: This shuttle service operates between the West Gate of Panda Base and Chunxi Road. Departures for the Panda Base direction are available from 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM, with return trips running from 8:40 AM to 6:00 PM. The fare is 8 yuan, and the route passes through Wenshu Temple, making it ideal for visitors who wish to explore Chunxi Road before heading to the Panda Base.
2. Panda Base Direct Line Line 3: This route runs from the west gate of Panda Base to Kuanzhai Alley East Square, passing through Wenshu Temple along the way, allowing visitors to conveniently reach the scenic area after exploring Kuanzhai Alley.
3. Panda Base Direct Line Line 4: Connecting the Panda Base West Gate to Chengdu East Railway Station, this route passes through Dongjiao Memory. Its ideal for visitors arriving at the station who wish to head straight to the Panda Base, and also allows them to conveniently transfer to the train after visiting.
4. Sanxingdui Tourist Shuttle Line 3: A direct route from the West Gate of the Panda Base to the Sanxingdui Museum, connecting two major popular attractions as a dedicated cultural tourism service.
5. Nanmen Express Trains: The Panda Base Express Line 2 departs from Nanmen, passing through the Natural History Museum, Dongjiao Memory, and the iconic Panda Tower before reaching Chunxi Road. Meanwhile, Line 5 connects Nanmen to Wuhou Temple, passing through Kuanzhai Alley, Peoples Park, and Jinli, linking several renowned southern city attractions to help tourists plan their day trips.
6. Chengxiang Ancient Town Leisure Line: Starting from Chengxiang Ancient Town, this route takes you from Xiongda Avenue Metro Station to the South Gate of Xiongda Base, passing through the Asia-Russia-Europe National Pavilion, serving both tourism and commuting purposes.

Chengdu bus station

Driving: Plan your route and parking to avoid congestion

Self-driving is ideal for family outings or group travel. While highly flexible, it requires advance planning of parking spots and avoidance of traffic control zones. Here are the key tips:

Core autonomous driving routes:

For self-driving tourists traveling in different directions, here are some convenient routes to help you avoid congested areas:

1. City Direction: From downtown, take Liberation Road. For the outbound route, pass through the Chuan-Shaan Overpass and enter Rongdu Avenue. Turn right onto Xiongmao Avenue and proceed straight. Alternatively, take the Third Ring Road to Chengmian Overpass, exit at the first exit, then turn right onto Xiongmao Avenue.
2. Shuangliu Airport Route: Take the Airport Expressway into the city, transfer from Lantian Interchange to Tianfu Interchange and enter the Third Ring Road. After reaching Chengmian Interchange, exit and turn right onto Xiongmao Avenue. The 37-kilometer journey takes approximately 40 minutes.
3. Chengdu East Station route: Take Section 1 of East Third Ring Road, then turn onto Section 4 of North Third Ring Road. Exit at the Chengdu-Mianyang Overpass and proceed to Xiongmao Avenue. The 20-kilometer journey takes approximately 50 minutes.

Parking Guide and Traffic Control:

The area in front of the Panda Base, known as Panda Avenue Square, is designated as a pedestrian zone with 24/7 motorcycle bans. Temporary parking is prohibited along Shulong Road, and self-driving visitors must park in the designated parking lots.

1. Main parking option: We highly recommend Yingying Parking Lot near South Gate, which offers ample parking spaces. Simply enter “Chengdu Giant Panda Breeding and Research Base South Gate Parking Lot” in your navigation app to get there directly.
2. Backup parking: During peak holiday traffic, the lawn parking area south of Xiongda Cuizhu Lane will be opened as a backup option, with traffic police providing on-site parking guidance.
3. Parking fees: Most parking lots around the scenic area currently charge 10-20 yuan per visit, with prices potentially fluctuating during peak seasons. We recommend noting your parking spot after parking to avoid losing your vehicle after your visit.
4. Important note: The west gate has limited parking spaces, so we dont recommend driving there. After your visit, we suggest exiting through the main gate to minimize walking to and from the parking area.

Taxi and ride-hailing: flexible and efficient, ideal for time-sensitive or group travel

Taxis and ride-hailing services cater to travelers who value convenience and avoid transfers, particularly those with luggage. Their pricing and service coverage are as follows:

From Chunxi Road or Chengdu East Station to the Panda Base, a taxi ride costs around 40 yuan and takes 30-40 minutes. The Shuangliu Airport route is about 100 yuan and takes 40 minutes. Tianfu International Airport is farther away, with a taxi fare of approximately 200 yuan. For better value, consider taking the direct shuttle bus service.

Special travel tips

1. Visitor Tips: The Panda Base experiences heavy crowds during holidays and weekends, often causing temporary congestion on public transport. We recommend visiting during off-peak hours, preferably on weekdays.
2. Real-time updates: Check real-time bus and subway schedules, parking availability, and other information through the Chengdu Bus APP, Tianfu Tong mini-program, or the Chengdu Tourism Portal WeChat official account.
3. Facilities: The Xiongda Base West Gate Station on Tianfu Airports Line 3 features a charming customer service center offering luggage storage and complimentary water. Passengers with large luggage can opt for this route first.
4. Fee Notice: The taxi fares and parking charges mentioned in this text are indicative prices. Actual costs may vary due to factors such as traffic congestion and seasonal fluctuations.

Choose China Dragon Travel to Arrange Your Chengdu Panda Trip

For travelers from other regions or those seeking hassle-free and efficient travel, this option offers multiple advantages. Below are detailed benefits of choosing a travel agency from various perspectives:

1. Save time and effort

The Chengdu Panda Base is located in Chengdus Chenghua District, about 10–15 kilometers from the city center. While public transport is available, tourists unfamiliar with local road conditions, language, or transportation systems may face challenges with route planning, ticket purchasing, and handling emergencies. Travel agencies typically offer a one-stop service, covering transportation arrangements, ticket reservations, guided tours, dining recommendations, and even accommodation coordination, allowing visitors to focus on their viewing experience without worrying about the details.

2. Optimize travel schedules to avoid peak times and wrong locations

The panda sanctuary attracts a large number of visitors, especially during holidays and weekends, with popular attractions like the Moon House and Sun House often experiencing long queues. Travel agencies, leveraging their expertise, may arrange early departures, off-peak visits, or recommend less crowded yet equally fascinating areas such as the Panda Villa and Swan Lake, thereby enhancing the overall experience.

3. Safe and convenient transportation, less travel hassle

Travel agencies provide round-trip shuttle services using well-maintained tourist buses with experienced drivers. This eliminates the hassle of transfers for tourists relying on public transport and reduces risks like haggling or detours when taking taxis. For family travelers, seniors, or those with heavy luggage, dedicated shuttle services are particularly important as they effectively reduce physical exertion and travel fatigue.

4. Tickets and services are guaranteed to avoid trouble

Admission tickets for Chengdu Panda Base require advance booking through official channels, especially during peak tourist seasons when tickets are often sold out. Travel agencies typically partner with the base to ensure visitors secure tickets in advance, preventing disappointment due to last-minute shortages. Additionally, in case of weather changes, temporary closures, or other emergencies, travel agencies can provide emergency coordination and solutions such as rescheduling, refunds, or itinerary adjustments, offering visitors a degree of protection.

5. Value-added services and personalized customization

Travel agencies provide value-added services such as complimentary travel accident insurance, drinking water supply, photography assistance, and recommendations for local dining options (e.g., panda-themed restaurants near the base or Chengdu-style snacks). For special needs travelers (e.g., family trips, study tours, or photography enthusiasts), some agencies offer customized services. They can tailor itineraries based on interests and time availability, including panda interaction experiences (additional fees apply and slots are limited) and participation in science education lectures.

6. Suitable for specific groups, boosting travel confidence

For first-time visitors to Chengdu, language barriers (especially for international tourists), solo travelers, seniors, or those with mobility challenges, choosing a travel agency provides greater security and convenience. A tour guide accompanies you throughout the journey, assisting with language communication, route guidance, and medical emergencies, ensuring a worry-free travel experience.

In summary, for travelers seeking an efficient, hassle-free, and immersive experience at Chengdu Panda Base, choosing a reliable travel agency like China Dragon Travel is undoubtedly a wise choice. It not only resolves practical travel issues but also elevates the quality and significance of the visit, making the panda journey truly unforgettable.