The history of the Qinling Giant Panda Research Center is truly incredible, as it is home to one of the most beloved pandas in the world: Qi Zai. The well-known center, hidden in the Qinling Mountains west of Xi'an, the Qinling Giant Panda Research Center (part of the Qinling Four Rare Animals Science Park) is home to over 30 giant pandas, including Qi Zai's best friend, A Bao. The facility, open since 2014, combines advanced research with ethical tourism, attracting millions for close encounters.
Qinling Giant Panda Research Center: History and Mission
The Qinling Giant Panda Research Center was founded to study the smaller, temperate-adapted Qinling subspecies (Ailuropoda melanoleuca qinlingensis). The center rescued Qi Zai in 2009 from Foping Reserve, curing him of the abandonment by his parents. In 2024, geneticists identified the MC1R gene for his rare brown fur. Today, with more than 100 employees, it monitors reproduction, disease, and wild release, contributing to China's panda population doubling program (from 1,100 to 1,900+ since 2015).
Stars in the Center: Qi Zai and his companions
Qi Zai, born in 2009, is the only active brown-white giant panda in the world. He lives a vibrant life in his villa, where he happily plays, munches on mountains of bamboo, and runs around energetically. His base also hosts other fascinating species, such as golden monkeys, takins, and crested ibises. The feeding sessions, scheduled at 10:30 a.m. and 2:00 p.m., as well as the 3D cinema dedicated to the daily lives of pandas, are not to be missed.
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Main attractions to discover
- Panda Viewing Area Multi-level enclosures with Qi Zai and families; underground tunnel for close-up photos.
- Giant Panda Museum : Interactive exhibits on evolution, genetics, and conservation Qinling.
- Area of the Four Treasures : free golden monkeys, takin in meadows, ibis in aviaries.
- Children's play area: goat feeding, mini-zoo for families.
Panda show at 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM; binocular rental available for details.
Opening hours, tickets and how to get there
Louguantai, Zhouzhi District , a town about 45 km west of Xi'an, nestled in the Qinling Mountains. Here are the opening hours in 2026: from 8.30am to 5.30pm from March to November, while in winter (December-February) it closes at 5pm. tickets They cost 130 CNY for adults and 65 CNY for children, and include the internal shuttle to get you around the park comfortably.
For reach it from Xi'an , Take bus number 327 from the train station (about 2 hours, only 20 CNY) or a taxi (around 200 CNY, faster). Alternatively, combine Metro Line 2 with a local bus. Parking is also available at the entrance for 10 CNY. This location makes the center perfect for a day trip from Xi'an, with spectacular mountain views along the way!
Tips for visiting
If you plan to visit the Qinling Giant Panda Research Center, it's recommended to arrive as early as possible to avoid long lines and find the pandas already awake and active. Photos must be taken without flash, and you must respect the opening hours. As for restaurants, there's a truly incredible option: panda-shaped noodles. Additionally, you can find shops with giant panda merchandise.