Location & Transportation

The Chengdu Giant Panda Breeding Research Base - Moon Maternity Ward For Giant Pandas is nestled within the sprawling panda reserve, located at No. 1375, Panda Avenue, North 3rd Ring Road, Chengdu, Sichuan Province. To get there, take Metro Line 3 to Panda Avenue Station (Exit A), then walk or grab a quick taxi—it’s just a 10-minute ride from downtown Chengdu. If you’re coming from the airport, a taxi will take about 40 minutes. The base opens daily at 7:30 AM, so plan to arrive early to avoid crowds!

Natural Scenery: A Panda Haven

The Moon Maternity Ward is a circular sanctuary split between indoor and outdoor spaces. Think of it as a cozy nursery where pregnant pandas wait for their cubs, and tiny panda babies (usually 3-4 months old) grow up. The outdoor area is shaded by dense, low-lying trees—perfect for playful pandas to climb, nap, or scratch their backs on. You’ll often spot a fluffy cub flipping onto its back for a rub or snoozing in a tree stump. Unlike the sunnier Sun Maternity Ward, this spot feels quieter and more wooded, giving it a “hidden gem” vibe.

Human-Made Magic: Care & Design

This isn’t just a zoo—it’s a panda breeding wonderland! The Moon Maternity Ward is designed to mimic a wild panda’s habitat. Staff carefully monitor pregnant pandas and newborns, ensuring they’re safe from stress. During my visit, I saw caregivers gently cleaning enclosures while pandas lounged nearby, totally unphased. It’s heartwarming to see how much the team prioritizes the pandas’ well-being.

Facilities for Visitors

The base has everything you need: clear signs in English, clean restrooms, and shaded resting areas. Tickets cost around ¥55 (about $8) and can be bought online to skip lines. Once inside, follow the “Moon Maternity Ward” signs—they’re impossible to miss. There’s also a small café with pandas-shaped cookies and tea, plus a gift shop stocked with panda-themed souvenirs. Pro tip: Rent the audio guide for fun facts about panda behavior!

The Ultimate Panda Experience

Visiting the Moon Maternity Ward is like stepping into a panda reality TV show. Here’s what to expect:

  • Baby pandas galore: These little ones are at their peak cuteness—some wrestle with bamboo, others yawn dramatically or tumble off logs.
  • Daily “Meet the Newborns” session: Around 2–4 PM daily, staff bring new arrivals out for a brief debut. Fall (breeding season) is prime time, as moms often have fresh cubs.
  • Upclose (but respectful) views: The round enclosure lets you see pandas from all angles. Keep your distance and avoid flash photography—pandas hate bright lights!

Insider Tips

  • Best time to visit: Early morning (pandas are active) or late afternoon (fewer crowds).
  • Stay long enough: Plan 2–3 hours here; pandas move slowly, and you’ll want time to observe their quirks.
  • Dress comfy: Wear layers—it can get chilly in the shade or humid under the sun.

The Chengdu Giant Panda Breeding Research Base - Moon Maternity Ward For Giant Pandas isn’t just a tourist spot—it’s a chance to support conservation while snagging adorable photo ops. Whether you’re a panda obsessive or a casual visitor, this place will make you go “awwww” (and maybe tear up a little). Trust me, you’ll leave with hearts eyes and a camera full of fluffy memories!