📝 Detailed information
🏢 About the local organisation
Green Lion
💼 What the programme involves
You'll be joining us at the Bifengxia Giant Panda base, a branch of the China Conservation & Research Center for the Giant Panda and one of the largest of its kind. It started working in 2003 and suddenly grew in 2008 when Pandas were relocated here from Wolong Panda base, which was devastated in an earthquake that year.
But since this move, the panda population here has more than doubled - which is an amazing achievement. A big share of pandas which you see anywhere in the world has originally come from this panda reserve! The panda base is now looking to releasing the panda into the wild, fulfilling its long term ambition.
What will you get up to?
You will be involved in working about 4-6 hours a day side by side with panda caretakers by preparing food for the pandas such as apples, panda bread, carrots and of course their favourite bamboo, providing them food you have put together, cleaning their enclosures and ensuring they are secure in their environment.
Please note: The keepers usually feed the Panda twice in the afternoon. However, this would depend on the individual condition of each Giant Panda and also other circumstances. We cannot guarantee the feeding times and also cannot ensure that every participant would be able to feed a Panda. Feeding tasks are assigned exclusively by the keepers.
Occasionally, you might also be asked to conduct some research of the panda's habits and medical health so that we may extend our knowledge and experience in caring for this highly endangered species.
As a participant in this special program, you will also have the luxury of being able to walk around the panda reserve, something other visitors usually have to pay for. You'll be able to see the panda nursery (approx. July to September), animal rescue, educational facilities, and much more. But please do not wander too far into the forest, and make sure to strictly obey the panda caretaker's directions at all times for the panda's safety as well as your own safety!
You will be required to be committed to your work, but let the panda caretaker or coordinator know if you cannot keep to the schedule ahead of time and you'll have a great time with these incredible, beautiful creatures.
But remember: Pandas are wild animals and naturally lazy and and will need some time to relax on their own!
That's why we offer plenty of Chinese lessons & cultural activities during their resting times, which you can take part in at your leisure. Some activities that you will take part in are:
- Chinese language lessons (Daily 16:00-18:00 upon request)
- Mahjong (Chinese chess)
- Chinese calligraphy
- Papercraft
- Dumpling making
- And more!
🏠 Accommodation on site
About the Accommodation
Your room will be in a hostel located in the center of Chengdu city. It features colourful accommodation and offers a tour desk, a garden, a shared lounge, a bar and a restaurant.
There is also a desk, electric kettle, hairdryer and the bathroom comes with free toiletries and slippers.
Food Arrangements
Your meals will typically be Chinese dishes common of the local area, comprising mainly rice, noodles and vegetables with some meat.
📍 About the location
Location
Chengdu is the capital of Sichuan Province of China and also one among the three most populous cities in Western China. Chengdu is one of the most important economic, financial, commercial, cultural, transportation and communication centers in Western China.
Chengdu also had the reputation of being ranked among one of the most livable cities in China, with bustling streets, new magnificent buildings, historical towns, beautiful monasteries.
Sights & Surroundings
Like any major city, Chengdu has a lot to offer in terms of things to do and see. Although a guidebook can tell you everything you would need to know, here are a few ideas we recommend:
Jinli Street
This is a commercial pedestrian street described as being representative of the city. Here you will find plenty of shops and street food
Wuhou Temple
Located near to Jinli street, this temple complex provides the perfect antidote to the hustle and bustle found so close.
Mount Qingcheng
One of the most famous Taoist mountains in China at the top of which you will find Laojun Pavilion.
ℹ️ Additional information
Open all year, starting on Mondays, every week, participation fee 805 € for 1 week. Participation in this project is limited to one week.