The Mianyang Base of the China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda in southwest China's Sichuan Province opened to public for trial operations on Monday, currently housing 20 giant pandas.
Located in Guloushan Ecological Park of the Mianyang Science and Technology City New Area, the base spans approximately 120 hectares and can accommodate a maximum of 22,000 visitors daily.
It features 54 specialized enclosures for giant pandas, comprising 39 near-natural enclosures, five free-range enclosures, six breeding enclosures, and four disease control and rescue enclosures. This comprehensive setup establishes a full-life cycle service system for giant pandas, covering breeding, cub rearing, adult display, as well as disease control and rescue operations.
The 20 pandas, ranging in age from sub-adults to seniors, moved into their new home in early November.
To further promote ecological diversity, the base has also built enclosures for companion species such as red pandas, golden snub-nosed monkeys, sika deer, and takins.
Situated in northern Sichuan Province, Mianyang is a key area for wild giant panda conservation. China's fourth national giant panda survey show that the region is home to 418 wild pandas. It is considered as one of the most important regions for giant panda conservation, with a large and dense wild population, strong genetic diversity and high-quality habitats.
New giant panda base opens to public for trial operations in southwest China's Sichuan Province
