Panda and Kungfu Tour: A Journey into China's Gentle and Mighty Souls

Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding

Must-see: Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, located in the northern suburbs of Chengdu about 10 km from downtown, is one of the world‘s most famous panda conservation facilities. The facility is renowned for the protection and breeding of endangered wild animals unique to China. Spread over sprawling bamboo-covered grounds, it simulates the pandas’ natural habitat with lakes, streams, bamboo forests, and lawns. The chance to come into close contact with giant pandas is a highlight here, allowing visitors to observe their living conditions up close. The Panda Villa area is a preserved rest zone for these gentle giants, where you can watch them napping, eating bamboo, or playfully rolling around.

Insider tips: The base opens at 7:30 AM, and I strongly recommend getting there early—pandas are most active in the morning, and you‘ll beat the crowds. Tickets start from just USD 8.05, and a visit typically takes 3–5 hours. For a truly unique experience, check out the Panda Light Show at the Financial City Twin Towers in the evening—the giant pandas and heart-shaped lights create a magical fusion of Chengdu‘s cute factor and modern city vibe.

Wolong National Nature Reserve

Must-see: Nestled in the mountains about 130 km from Chengdu, Wolong National Nature Reserve is the earliest, largest, and best-known panda reserve in China. Completed in 1963 and placed on the UNESCO Man and Biosphere Reserve Network in 1980, Wolong is the core part of the Sichuan Giant Panda Sanctuaries, a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site. More than 100 giant pandas inhabit the area, representing around 10% of China‘s total panda population. Unlike regular zoos, Wolong provides a natural environment where pandas are not kept in cages—while driving or walking through the reserve, you may come across cute pandas wandering around, eating bamboo, or climbing up tree stubs to put on a show. The reserve is also known as a ‘Bio-gene Bank’ because of its incredible biodiversity, including red pandas, golden monkeys, white-lipped deer, and yew trees.

Personal note: What makes Wolong truly special is how natural and less commercialized it feels. Without huge crowds, all that the reserve offers are undulating hills, murmuring streams, fresh air, and adorable pandas. The Shenshuping Panda Center, rebuilt after the 2008 earthquake with Hong Kong SAR sponsorship, now houses over 90 captive pandas in 59 colony houses, with hi-tech research facilities that are world leaders in panda propagation. It feels like stepping into a hidden sanctuary untouched by the frenzy of modern tourism.

Dujiangyan Panda Base Volunteer Program

Must-see: For those who want more than just observation, the Dujiangyan Panda Base offers a once-in-a-lifetime volunteer experience. Set in Qingchengshan Town, this base focuses on education, research, and conservation, allowing visitors to work alongside panda keepers and contribute to the protection of this vulnerable species.

Personal experience: I signed up for the one-day volunteer program, and it was unforgettable. After an early hotel pickup, I put on my volunteer uniform, signed the paperwork, and got ready to work. The day started with cleaning the enclosure—smashing bamboo for the pandas and, yes, shoveling panda poop (the keepers call it panda pupu with surprising affection). Then came the most rewarding part: observing and recording panda behavior, watching the keepers feed the pandas and conduct behavioral training. After a buffet lunch at the staff canteen, we watched a panda documentary, prepared special food for elderly pandas, and made panda cakes. At the end of the day, I received a volunteer certificate and souvenirs as a thank-you for my hard work and donation.

Note for travelers: Due to post-COVID regulations, participants can no longer feed the pandas directly, but all other behind-the-scenes activities remain the same. The base offers only 60 volunteer spots per day, so early booking is essential.

Shaolin Temple, Henan Province

Must-see: Deep in Henan‘s misty mountains, Shaolin Temple is where kung fu began—mixing centuries-old Buddhist serenity with martial arts might. Nestled at the foot of Mount Song, this ancient complex is not only the legendary birthplace of Chinese kung fu but also a major sanctuary for Zen Buddhist culture. For over 1,500 years, Shaolin Temple has been the spiritual center of Zen Buddhism and martial arts. The temple complex consists of three main parts: the Permanent Residence Compound (Changzhu Yuan), the Pagoda Forest (Ta Lin), and the Chuzu Nunnery along with the Dharma Cave.

Recommended route: Start early and follow the main temple path to the Hall of Heavenly Kings, then wind your way through the courtyard, main shrine, and Monk‘s Residence. The layout follows a typical Han Chinese Buddhist temple design with central axis symmetry—after entering the mountain gate, simply walk straight ahead. Don’t miss the Pagoda Forest, a stone memorial garden for legendary masters. About 260 ancient stupas (pagodas) have been preserved here, some reaching up to 15 meters in height. It‘s a very quiet, photogenic place steeped in history, but remember to keep your voice down as it is a sacred site. Then climb up to the Dharma Cave, the very place where Patriarch Bodhidharma meditated facing a wall for nine years in the 6th century, bringing Chan Buddhism to China.

The Kung Fu Show: A Spectacle of Strength and Discipline

Must-see: The main kung fu performance takes place in a special Wushu hall not far from the main entrance. The daily schedule typically includes five shows at 10:00 AM, 11:30 AM, 2:00 PM, 3:30 PM, and 4:00 PM, though it‘s best to double-check on-site. The spectacle is truly impressive—young boys and adult monks showcase incredible flexibility, strength, and weapon mastery. The show lasts about half an hour, including a few minutes of interaction where visitors can try some basic moves alongside the performers. The kung fu show is something you must see at least once in your life.

Personal observation: There are plenty of seats in the hall, but tour groups snatch them up quickly. I learned that VIP seats for an extra 50 RMB aren‘t the best investment—the regular seating offers just as good a view.

Shaolin Kung Fu Experience Classes

Must-see: For travelers who want to move beyond watching, Shaolin offers authentic kung fu experience classes. You can follow monks to learn basic boxing and forms, understanding the philosophy of Zen-martial arts unity. Shaolin kung fu is a national intangible cultural heritage, representing Chinese martial arts and reflecting the unique cultural spirit of Zen-martial unity.

Practical details: A 2–3 hour class typically costs between 200–400 RMB per person and is suitable for families, couples, solo travelers, and small groups. The best times for training are mornings from 8:00 to 10:00 AM or afternoons from 3:00 to 5:00 PM. For a more immersive experience, the Shaolin Summer Camp runs from June through August 2026, with flexible session lengths from one to four weeks, designed for participants aged 6 to 70.

Personal advice: I spent an afternoon learning basic stances and a simple form from a young monk. The training was tough—my legs were shaking after holding a horse stance for just a few minutes—but the feeling of connecting with a tradition that has been passed down for fifteen centuries was absolutely worth the sore muscles.

Sichuan Cuisine Experience

Must-see: After a day with pandas, treat your taste buds to Sichuan cuisine, one of China’s most famous culinary traditions. From fiery hot pot to mouth-numbing mapo tofu, Sichuan food is an adventure in itself. Join a cooking class at the Sichuan Cuisine Museum, where you can learn to prepare authentic Sichuan dishes like kung pao chicken and dan dan noodles. The experience typically includes a visit to a local market to select fresh ingredients, followed by a hands-on cooking session under the guidance of expert chefs. After your meal, relax with a cup of traditional tea at People‘s Park, where locals play mahjong and practice calligraphy—a perfect glimpse into Chengdu‘s famously laid-back slow life.

Jinli Street and Kuanzhai Alley

Must-see: In Chengdu, wander through Jinli Street, a lively pedestrian lane styled after traditional Sichuan architecture, lined with shops selling handicrafts, snacks, and souvenirs. At night, the street comes alive with red lanterns and street performances. Just a short walk away, Kuanzhai Alley (Wide and Narrow Alleys) offers a preserved look at old Chengdu, with three parallel lanes showcasing Qing Dynasty architecture, boutique shops, teahouses, and local eateries. This is where I spent a peaceful afternoon sipping tea and watching the world go by—pure Chengdu bliss.

Pagoda Forest and Zen Meditation

Must-see: At Shaolin Temple, beyond the kung fu spectacle, take time to explore the Pagoda Forest slowly. Each pagoda tells the story of an eminent monk—the number of tiers indicates the monk’s status, and the shapes vary from round to polygonal. Then, for a truly serene experience, participate in a short meditation session. Some local teahouses near the temple offer Tai Chi workshops with monks, where you can learn gentle movements that combine martial arts with mindfulness.