The Bifengxia Giant Panda Base, a branch of China Conservation and Research Centre for Giant Panda, is located in the lush forests of Bifengxia Scenic Area in the city of Ya’an, Sichuan Province. Covering an area of more than 430 hectares, it is home to more than 60 giant pandas.   

After years of continuous construction, it now has well-equipped infrastructure and has become a panda paradise with multiple functions including the feeding, breeding and rescue of giant pandas, as well as publicity and education related to panda protection. Six functional sections, including a bamboo planting area, are set up to serve these purposes. 

The base has been constructed in a way that it is well integrated into the natural environment: The mountain, forests, bamboo groves and waters create a perfectly stimulating environment for wild pandas. These and the companionship of researchers have provided an all-round guarantee for the continuous growth of the panda population.  

On 10 May, ChinAfrica visited the base and recorded a few moments of an ordinary day of the giant pandas and workers taking care of them.  

A panda named Xiao Lu enjoys a bamboo shoot. Bamboo shoots contain rich water, sugar and nutrients and are pandas’ favourite food in spring and summer

The geographical and climatic conditions in Bifengxia are very suitable for the growth of giant pandas

Fresh bamboo shoots are transported to the panda base every morning, and bread made from corn flour, wheat flour, soybean flour, oatmeal and other ingredients is also on the menu for pandas

Fresh bamboo shoots are transported to the panda base every morning, and bread made from corn flour, wheat flour, soybean flour, oatmeal and other ingredients is also on the menu for pandas

A worker feeds carrots to baby pandas, who need special care as their digestive system is not yet fully developed

Pandas walk out of their shed to start a day of fun

A worker cleans up panda droppings on a hillside

A worker cleans bamboo leaves and twigs after the pandas’ meal. These will be used as raw materials for papermaking