Ya’an Bifengxia Panda Base was opened in 2003 as the world’s largest giant panda eco-park. Situated 150 kilometers from Chengdu, it is a branch of the China Giant Panda Research and Conservation Centre in Wolong. Following the May 2008 Sichuan earthquake which caused significant damage to Wolong, most of the pandas were moved to Bifengxia. Since then, it has successfully borne 25 new panda babies.
Bifengxia Panda Base is arguably the best place to see pandas in the natural scenery they inhabit. Extending to about 60 square kilometres, Bifengxia has been long famous for its forest coverage, waterfalls, river and breathtaking landscapes. Now that it is China's latest giant panda protection base, Bifengxia has a new role to play in altering the destiny of the endangered species.
In our trip we will not only visit this breathtaking nature reserve on a mere sightseeing trip. What is most amazing is that we get to participate as a volunteer in it. We will follow the crew at the Base to do their daily work. Under their guidance, we will clean the panda rooms, prepare their feed, wash bamboo for pandas, etc. It will be a close encounter of the intimate kind with this lovely creature.
Highlights
Work with giant pandas and photo-taking with pandas on lap
Scenic Hailuogou National Glacier Forest Park
Included
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All accommodations: In Shangli, guesthouse in a traditional Chinese architecture. The rest, are 3-4 star hotels.
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Full transport arrangement & airport transfers in both 4WD & mini-bus / van with driver
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All meals (Chinese) on tour: Breakfasts in hotel, lunches and dinners in the local restaurants.
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Entrance fees to parks and tour sites
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English speaking guide service
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Volunteer work placement
- Program coordination
- Work attire rentals
- Picture opportunities holding the endangered panda
- Certification of volunteer hours and donation contributions
Excluded
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International airfares between Singapore & Chengdu
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China Entry Visa: only required of Singaporeans for trips of 15 days or more. For all other nationals, entry visas are likely requirements.
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Tipping & gratuities to guide & local staff
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Extra hotel expense such as laundry, IDD calls, drinks in the room, etc
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Extra expenses and/of additional days caused due to unexpected events (delays, porterage because of landslides and other natural events.)
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Personal travel insurance & pre-trip medical immunizations
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All expenses of a personal nature
Best Season:
Mar-May; Sep-Oct
Duration:
8 days
Dates :
10 - 17 Mar 12
31 Mar - 7 Apr 12
26 May - 2 Jun 12
Maximum Altitude:
3000m Hailuogou
Group Size :
Land Price
2 - 3 persons
S$1,600
4 - 5 persons
S$1,240
6 - 9 persons
S$1,080
Child (8-12 years)
S$50 less
Min 2 persons
Child minimum age 8 years old
Return international airfare to Chengdu can be arranged on behalf
Depart for Bifengxia Nature Reserve. Guided by the keepers, we will do our voluntary work. The standard package is only 2 full days of work. We have the option of extending this on a per day basis so that you can have more time to observe these gentle giants, as well as to make further contributions to their lives.
Day 5 – 7
We bid farewell to our new friends and start the sightseeing part of this trip to Hailuogou National Glacier Forest Park to enjoy the grand view of the Glacier Cascade, Kangding, and an unique cultural experience of paying a visit to a local Tibetan family before arriving back in Chengdu.
Day 8
Chengdu - Singapore
Objective of Conservation Conservation projects are designed to broaden awareness of environmental issues worldwide and to introduce people to the challenges of balancing human needs with the need to conserve biological diversity. The projects provide a framework for people from various backgrounds to address topics in conservation and sustainable resource management through supervised field experiences in habitat restoration, public education, data collection, scientific research and endangered species preservation such as panda bears in Sichuan Province.
What will you do as a volunteer?
Volunteers will assist at the Base and work 6-7 hours a day depending on the time of year.
Volunteer service might include but is not limited to:
cleaning panda areas and enclosures
preparing food for the pandas such as carrots, apples, panda bread and their nutritional biscuits,
participating in feeding
carrying lots of bamboo
and assisting vets at the panda hospital located at the Base.
Individuals may also work to collect data, assist with research studies and panda behavior observation. During their stay, in addition to these activities, volunteers have the chance to play with and hold panda cubs and hike the beautiful mountains surrounding the Bifengxia Nature Reserve.
