Planning to See Pandas? Don't Go to the Wrong Spot in Chengdu!
By Chuan-X Panda
Published: Mar. 17, 2026 16: 00 PM
On March 18, 2026, the Chengdu Panda Ocean Park began its trial operation. This ocean park is the first large-scale comprehensive ocean park in China that integrates modern marine ecology, the ancient Shu freshwater world, and an ancient marine research and education base. Shaped like a blue "Phoenix Tail Conch" quietly resting by the lake, it is located within the Beihu Ecological Park in the Chengdu Panda International Tourism Resort in Chengdu. It features elements of ancient Shu civilization and adorable marine creatures. The park is home to over 15,000 rare creatures, including marine animals (such as sea lions, beluga whales, and dolphins), amphibians (such as giant salamanders and Siamese crocodiles), and terrestrial animals (such as raccoons, meerkats, and red pandas). However, it does not have giant pandas.
So, can you see pandas at the Chengdu Panda Ocean Park?
The answer is: No, you cannot see giant pandas there.
WHY IS THE CHENGDU PANDA OCEAN PARK NAMED AFTER PANDAS?
· Firstly, the ocean park is adjacent to the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. Located in the core area of Beihu Ecological Park within the Chengdu Panda International Tourism Resort, it is only about 1.5 kilometers in a straight line from the Chengdu Panda Base, approximately a 5-minute drive away. This creates a synergistic effect with the panda IP of the Chengdu Panda Base, allowing tourists to conveniently visit both locations and enrich their travel experience.
· Secondly, naming it after Chengdu's identity as the "Hometown of Pandas" gives it a distinct urban character. Chengdu, known as the "Panda Hometown," leverages the culturally influential symbol of the giant panda. This strategy capitalizes on the city's iconic status, enhancing recognition among domestic and international tourists, expanding its market appeal, and aligning with the city's overall cultural tourism identity.
Therefore, if you come to Chengdu wanting to see giant pandas, here are 👉👉 6 recommended giant panda bases/centers. But please, do not mistakenly go to the Chengdu Panda Ocean Park thinking it also houses giant pandas! However, if you are also interested in seeing marine animals and learning about ancient Shu culture, the Chengdu Panda Ocean Park is a great choice, and you can conveniently visit the Chengdu Panda Base along the way.
Tips:
1. Chengdu Panda Ocean Park Address: No. 188, Guanghu Road, Beihu Ecological Park, Chenghua District, Chengdu City, Sichuan Province, China.
2. Official Opening Date: May 1, 2026. The official reservation platform is yet to be announced.