The giant panda ( Ailuropoda melanoleuca) is a highly endangered species.  In 2004, it was estimated that there were only 1600 individuals left in the world (researched by the State Forestry Administration of China and WWF).  It is also one of China’s (and the world’s) iconic conservation species and is listed as a First Category Protected Species by the Chinese government.

The giant panda is in the bear family but is in a separate genus, Ailuropoda, all on its own. Pandas have a unique sixth digit, which is actually an enlarged wrist bone and functions much like a thumb allowing them to grip their food. Bamboo is the favored food of the giant panda consisting up to 99% of their diet and consuming 20kg (44lb) on average per day.

Breeding occurs between March and May with the young being borne six months later weighing a mere 85 to 140g (3 to 5 oz). After growing to full size adult male giant pandas can weigh between 85kg and 125kg (154 to 220 lb) while females weigh between 70kg and 100kg (187 to 276 lb).

Changqing National Nature Reserve is one of the best place's in China to view wild giant pandas.  While Sichuan Province has the largest population of giant pandas in the wild and Gansu Province also has this species, the populations are spread over a much larger area.  In Changqing there are 0.34 giant panda/km 2.

It is also easier to view giant pandas in Changqing Reserve than in other nature reserves found within the Qinling Mountains.  This is due to excellent road access within the reserve and prime panda habitat regeneration.

The winter months, between December and February, are the best time to view many species of wildlife in the reserve. Giant pandas do not hibernate in winter, but move down from the higher altitudes into a narrow band of bamboo habitat where the conditions are milder. The snow also makes the job of wildlife tracking much easier for the Reserve’s guides.

With all wildlife viewing there can, unfortunately, be no guarantees.  Changqing does, however, guarantee the best chance of viewing panda in the wild.  And whatever time of year you come, our guides will show you tracks and scats, feeding and sleeping sites, and tell you many tales about the pandas of Changqing.

Click here for more information about our Panda Tour.

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