Volunteer with giant pandas on this incredible project in China, and help to forge a future for these amazing animals.
The Panda Volunteer Experience in China is based within the beautiful Bifengxia mountain range, and its long-term aim is to educate people on why these magnificent animals need our help. Despite a lack of predators in the wild and their status as one of the world's most well known and popular animals, it is estimated that there are as few as 1,800 pandas remaining in the wild. For this reason, panda volunteers at this reserve are so important to the survival of these black and white bears.
The reserve began life in a different location, but after an earthquake destroyed the Hetaoping Panda Reserve, its habitants were moved to the new site at Bifengxia and here things really began to take off! Since the move, the panda population has more than doubled and as a result, there are now 40 pandas in residence that you could encounter here!
The staff at this panda volunteer program need your help, without volunteers they would struggle to complete the daily activities (such as feeding and cleaning) that are so crucial to the site running smoothly. Caring for these animals is an ongoing job, and as a panda volunteer, you will be able to play a vital role in the care for these playful pandas!
So, if you want an authentic yet responsible panda experience, get in touch with our team to be volunteering with these gentle giants in no time!
Please note that this itinerary is subject to change so what follows is a rough guideline.
To secure a place on this project a deposit of $245 is required at the time of booking, with the remaining balance due any time up to 60 days prior to your start date.
(Please note, the maximum age for joining this project is 60 years old)
The Bifengxia Panda Reserve is the largest for panda conservation in the whole of China, but the reserve has had to overcome some major obstacles in its quest to learn more about these gentle giants.
Back in 2008 an earthquake decimated the Hetaoping Panda Reserve where over 100 pandas were located, and as a result a large number of the bears were moved to the Bifengxia site. Here the population of the pandas has more than doubled in that time, and as a result around 70% of pandas worldwide have originally come from this panda reserve.
The aims of the reserve are three fold. They are; to ensure that the rescued and captive panda population is well cared for, to protect the genetic variation of a species of animal which is notoriously difficult when it comes to breeding, and to facilitate sustainable development of the species in general.
As a volunteer on this project you will play a big part in assisting the dedicated panda carers as they go about their daily routines with the bears, and as a result will help the reserve to accomplish all of its aims!
In need of a little pick-me-up? Check out these gorgeous photos taken by the talented Ami Vitale (National Geographic) at the Panda Volunteer Experience in China! Don't forget that you can volunteer with pandas by heading to our project page now!
Read MoreMarch 16th is National Panda Day, so learn more about this adorable yet threatened species by reading our blog!
Read MoreHow up to scratch is your panda knowledge? Fear no more, as The Great Projects have bought you an abundance of fascinating panda facts right here in one blog. These beautiful bears could be seen as the symbol of endangered wildlife, and one way of spreading awareness, is expanding your knowledge in the first place!
Read MoreFor the first two nights of this project (Sunday and Monday), you will be staying at the quaint Mrs Panda Hostel in Chengdu. Rooms are shared with a maximum of 6 people per room. When you arrive at the Bifengxia reserve you will be staying in a comfortable and recently renovated hostel. At this hostel, you will be staying in twin-share rooms. You will also have access to a common room which is popular for movie nights! It may be possible to upgrade rooms, both at the Chengdu hostel and at the reserve. These rooms are dependent on availability, please enquire for further information.
On the day of your arrival, you will need to purchase your own food, but for your remaining stay at the project, your meals are provided. The meals you will receive will be in the traditional Chinese style, comprising mainly of rice, noodles, vegetables and some meat. Some people may find the food a little spicy, so if this is the case please notify your project coordinator! The project can cater for vegans, vegetarians and those with allergies if informed in advance. Drinking water, coffee and Chinese tea will be provided throughout your stay, but if you wish to purchase soft drinks or alcoholic beverages you will have to do this at the bar at an additional small cost!
The work required during this project is not overly-exerting, but it is advised that all participants have a moderate level of fitness. No specific skills or experience are required, just commitment to the project and its aims. You must be prepared to work alongside other members of the team.
The vaccinations required will depend on your medical history. We recommend that you consult with your GP regarding your own immunisation needs. In conjunction with this, we would recommend that you check Fit for Travel’s website.
As this is a sanctuary, you will be able to volunteer with pandas all year round. That said, there are numerous events throughout the year which may make some months more popular:
March - May: this is panda mating season, and as a result the bears may be moved for mating research purposes. Volunteers who visit during this season may be able to help the keepers to move the pandas, though please note that this is not a guarantee. Additionally, strict regulations and security conditions forbid volunteers to take part in the actual mating research.
June - August: this is arguably the most popular time of the year, as it’s panda cub season! Volunteers across these months may be lucky enough to see young pandas at the centre, so if this is something which excites you, be sure to book your place early as spaces fill up fast!
November - February: this is the quietest time of the year, but the benefit of this is that you may get to spend a little extra time with the pandas – after all, the fewer people there are involved, the busier you’ll need to be!
In addition to the above events, Chengdu’s weather may have some bearing on your preferred month of travel. Each season is described below:
Spring: Falling between mid-February and April, Springtime is a beautiful time to visit Chengdu. The city (and its nearby areas) are in full-bloom, and if you’re looking to fill your spare time with things to do, consider witnessing the blossoms at Longquan Mountain and Xinjin County!
Summer: China’s summers are known for being incredibly humid, and Chengdu is no exception. While summer lasts between May and August, it’s July and August which draw the hottest weather and the rainiest days. That said, much of your time at the project may be spent indoors as you prepare food for the pandas, and Jiulong Valley (around 1:45hr away) is a great place to go if you wish to escape the heat of the city.
Autumn: Temperatures drop between September and October, and there may be a lot of rain (particularly in the early days of Autumn). However, temperatures are far more comfortable for working in, and Chengdu’s local natural areas are covered in beautiful red maple and yellow chrysanthemum, so grab your camera and get snapping!
Winter: Wintertime can be very chilly indeed, with temperatures dropping to around 5 °C (41 °F) between the months of November and mid-February. Much like in summer, however, you may find much of your time spent working indoors, and with less tourists around, this is a great opportunity to sneak a few extra peeks at those pandas!
You will need to arrive into Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport on the start date of your project (a Sunday) between 8am and 6pm and you will be transferred to the Mrs Panda Hostel to begin your adventure. Pick up is at the McDonalds café, and your volunteer coordinator will accompany you via an airport bus to the hostel. Chengdu can be reached via a number of larger international airports. If you arrive a day before you are free to make your way to the Mrs Panda Hostel, but please inform us of this before you depart.
When leaving the project please do not book flights before 2pm, as you will not arrive back from panda reserve until 12pm on your last day.
A visa is needed for entry into China, and applications must be made in person at a Visa Application Centre as biometric data (such as scanned fingerprints) are necessary. Visas for British citizens are priced from £85 (additional fees may apply); you can read more about visa fees and application here. If you are not a British citizen, you will either need to speak to your own country’s embassy, or you may be able to find out more information by clicking here. Please note that visa applications should be made well in advance of your time on the project.
The currency in China is the Chinese Yan Renminbi. The exchange rate is around 1CNY = 0.1 GBP, 0.14 USD, 0.13 EUR. For up to date rates please click here.
The whole experience was great and very well organised but I would have to say that being able to feed the pandas was my favourite moment
Helen Whittaker, 2019
My favourite moment was getting to a feed a panda and spending time so close to them. It was so well organised from start to finish and I would highly recommend The Great Projects and the Panda Experience!
Emma Widdows, 2018
It was a great experience. More than I expected. Also my family and friends are glad I did it. I would like to do it again!
Mayumi Uemura, 2017
Feeding the Pandas for the first time is something that I shall never forget. I think the itinerary was just right, you spent a lot of time with Pandas but also you had a good amount of free time to explore and complete the group activities.
Sarah Melody, 2017
The thing I will remember is feeding the Giant Pandas. They were so gentle taking the food from you but you could see how powerful they were!
Michael Clements, 2017
City Tour & Visit To Panda Breeding Centre
Panda Feeding
Scientific Research
Enclosure Cleaning
Cultural Activities
Exploring The Reserve
