Traveling to Chengdu and eager to see pandas without the crowds? This Skip Crowded Dujingyan Panda Tour offers a rare chance to observe pandas in a more natural, peaceful setting, combined with an engaging Red Panda Interactive experience. From the moment we read about this tour, we knew it was designed for those who value authentic animal encounters and personalized attention — and it didn’t disappoint.
What makes this tour stand out? We loved the early morning timing that coincides with pandas’ most active periods, the exclusive access to baby pandas away from the crowds, and the chance to get up close during the Red Panda keeper activity. The only thing to keep in mind is that the 4- to 5-hour duration might feel a little quick for some visitors wanting more time with these adorable creatures.
This tour suits wildlife enthusiasts, families, and those who appreciate well-organized, small-group activities with knowledgeable guides. If you’re after a genuine, less touristy panda experience, this one might be your best bet.
- Good To Know
- What to Expect from the Dujingyan Panda Tour
- The Itinerary in Detail
- Transport and Group Size
- Duration and Cost-Effectiveness
- Why This Tour Is a Big Win
- Authentic Encounters & Exclusive Access
- Knowledgeable Guides Make a Difference
- Hands-On Red Panda Activity
- Convenient and Comfortable Planning
- Potential Drawbacks
- Who Should Book This Tour?
- The Sum Up
- FAQ
- More Tours in Chengdu
- More Tour Reviews in Chengdu
- Looking for something different? Other Chengdu activities we've written about
Good To Know

- Early morning visits maximize panda activity and photo opportunities.
- Exclusive access to baby panda gardens offers more intimate, crowd-free encounters.
- Red Panda keeper activity provides a rare, hands-on experience with these charming animals.
- Professional guides with excellent English skills enhance your understanding and enjoyment.
- Convenient hotel pickup saves time and adds comfort.
- Limited group size ensures a personalized, relaxed experience.
What to Expect from the Dujingyan Panda Tour

This tour offers a well-structured mix of wildlife observation, interactive activities, and authentic insights into panda life. The entire experience revolves around getting close to pandas in a naturalistic setting, away from the crowds that often gather at larger zoos.
Find more activities and experiences we've covered in Chengdu.
The Itinerary in Detail
Start Early at Your Hotel:
A driver arrives around 7:15 am, just before rush hour, to pick you up. This early start is key to avoiding tourist crowds and catching pandas during their most active hours. The drive to Dujiangyan Panda Base takes approximately an hour, giving you a chance to settle in and prepare for what’s ahead.
Arriving at Dujiangyan Panda Base:
By 8:30 am, your guide will have your tickets ready — no lines to queue, making the morning smooth and stress-free. The base is known for its well-organized layout and the chance to see pandas in their morning routine, including feeding time. The guide will lead you along an optimized route, ensuring you see pandas at their liveliest.
Baby Panda Gardens — A Highlight:
One of the most praised parts of this tour is the exclusive access to baby panda gardens, where pandas are kept away from travelers. This means you can get close enough for photo opportunities without background noise or crowds. As one reviewer put it, this visit offers the “best spots for photos” and a more intimate glimpse into panda life.
Red Panda Interactive Activity:
The tour includes a 20-minute session where you enter the red panda habitat and observe their daily activities. What’s more, you’ll actually help the keeper prepare Red Panda Lunch, giving you a rare, hands-on role in their routine. Expect to marvel at their agility and playful behavior as they climb, frolic, and even interact with their environment.
Free Time and Additional Insights:
After the scheduled activities, you have some free time to explore further or take more photos. The tour’s structure is designed to maximize your time with these animals, emphasizing quality over quantity. The knowledgeable guide will share insights about the pandas and red pandas that only true enthusiasts and insiders might know.
Transport and Group Size
The private car and guide ensure comfortable, hassle-free transportation. With a cap of 11 travelers, the group remains small enough for personalized attention, yet large enough for friendly socializing.
Duration and Cost-Effectiveness
This experience lasts around 4 to 5 hours, a perfect length for those with a busy schedule but still eager to enjoy a meaningful animal encounter. At $120 per person, considering the included entrance fees, expert guidance, and exclusive access, this tour offers solid value.
Why This Tour Is a Big Win
- Xian Day Trip Terracotta Warriors and City From Chengdu by Train and Flight
- UNESCO Sites Dujingyan and Mt Qingcheng Day Trip From Chengdu
- Shu Feng Ya Yun Sichuan Opera Ticket
- Tea Village in Lost Town and Buddha 1 Day Tour
- Tuktuk Food Tour Through Chengdus Local Eats
- Private Half-Day Chengdu Panda Breeding Center Tour With Optional Volunteer
Authentic Encounters & Exclusive Access
Unlike larger zoo visits, this tour emphasizes getting close to pandas in a more natural environment. The baby panda gardens are a major highlight, offering a rare opportunity to see these adorable creatures away from crowds.
Knowledgeable Guides Make a Difference
Guests consistently praise the guides, like David, for their friendly manner and wealth of knowledge. Being able to ask questions and receive detailed insights enhances the experience significantly.
Hands-On Red Panda Activity
Few tours offer the chance to prepare red panda lunch or observe keeper routines firsthand, which adds an engaging, educational element. Expect fun moments as you see red pandas climbing and frolicking — all in a setting that feels authentic.
Convenient and Comfortable Planning
With hotel pickup and a streamlined route, this tour minimizes logistical hassles, giving you more time to enjoy the animals. The early start might mean waking up early, but the quiet, crowd-free environment makes it worthwhile.
Potential Drawbacks

While this experience is highly praised, some travelers might find the duration somewhat limited if they’re animal enthusiasts wanting more time. Also, lunch is not included, so you may need to plan for a meal afterward. The tour focuses heavily on pandas and red pandas, so if you’re after a broader zoo experience, this might not be the right fit.
Who Should Book This Tour?

This experience is ideal for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts who want an authentic, quieter encounter with pandas and red pandas. It’s perfect for families with children, solo travelers, or couples looking for a special, educational outing. If you value expert guides and personalized experiences, don’t hesitate to choose this tour.
The Sum Up

For those seeking a genuine, less touristy panda experience in Chengdu, this Skip Crowed Dujingyan Panda Tour offers a rare opportunity to get close to pandas and red pandas in a natural, peaceful environment. The early access, exclusive gardens, and interactive activities make it a memorable adventure. The knowledgeable guides, small group size, and thoughtful organization ensure you’ll have a comfortable, engaging experience.
While the tour doesn’t include meals or extend into a full-day adventure, the quality of encounters and the intimacy of the setting more than compensate. It’s a wonderful choice for travelers who prioritize authentic wildlife experiences over crowds and who want to learn directly from those who care for these animals.
FAQ

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour includes pickup from your hotel, making it easy to start your day stress-free.
How early does the tour start?
The driver will meet you at 7:15 am, with the tour beginning at 7:30 am for optimal panda activity viewing.
How long is the tour?
The entire experience lasts approximately 4 to 5 hours, providing a well-paced visit without feeling rushed.
What is included in the price?
The cost covers entrance fees, a guide with excellent English skills, driver, and hotel transfer.
Are there any optional costs?
Yes, lunch is not included, and any additional activities beyond the itinerary would be extra.
Can I participate if I have mobility issues?
While not explicitly stated, the experience involves walking around the panda bases, which may involve some uneven terrain.
Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, the interactive and educational nature makes it a good choice for families, especially those interested in wildlife.
What makes this tour different from regular panda visits?
It offers exclusive access to baby pandas away from travelers and a unique opportunity to help with red panda routines, providing a more personal experience.
How many people are in a group?
The maximum group size is 11 travelers, ensuring personalized attention.
Is there a refund policy?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance, offering flexibility in case plans change.
This tour combines the joy of close encounters with pandas and red pandas, expert guidance, and the comfort of a small group. It’s a carefully curated experience that will leave animal lovers with memories to cherish and photos to treasure.
More Tours in Chengdu
- Jinsha Site Museum Tour: Experience Ancient Shu civilization
- Chengdu: Private Half-Day Highlights Tour with Local Guide
- Chengdu: Sichuan Cuisine Museum & Bamboo Craft Tour
- Leshan Giant Buddha and Oriental Buddha park one day tour
- Chengdu: Private Panda Tour at Panda Breeding Base
- 2-Day Panda Base plus Leshan Giant Buddha and Emei Mountain Tour
More Tour Reviews in Chengdu
- Jinsha Site Museum Tour: Experience Ancient Shu civilization
- Chengdu: Private Half-Day Highlights Tour with Local Guide
- Chengdu: Sichuan Cuisine Museum & Bamboo Craft Tour
- Chengdu at night
- Half day Chengdu Pickles Making Class with Local Market Visit
- Leshan Giant Buddha and Oriental Buddha park one day tour
Looking for something different? Other Chengdu activities we've written about
- Jinsha Site Museum Tour: Experience Ancient Shu civilization
- Skip Crowed Dujingyan Panda Tour Option Red Panda Interactive
- Chengdu: Private Half-Day Highlights Tour with Local Guide
- Chengdu: Sichuan Cuisine Museum & Bamboo Craft Tour
- Chengdu at night
- Half day Chengdu Pickles Making Class with Local Market Visit
- Leshan Giant Buddha and Oriental Buddha park one day tour
- Chengdu: Private Panda Tour at Panda Breeding Base
- Chengdu Airport (TFU) to Chengdu – Round-Trip Private Transfer
- 2-Day Panda Base plus Leshan Giant Buddha and Emei Mountain Tour
- Private Chengdu Panda Breeding Research Base Ticket and Guide opt
- 4 Day Balang Mountain Zesangla Gongga Sky Garden Sichuan Tour
