CHINA: into the world of the panda

Come join us on a rare expedition into the elusive world of the panda bear

Come and see the wild and amazing world of chinas diverse wildlife

This immersive panda tracking expedition takes place deep within the rugged mountain landscapes of Sichuan Province, one of the last strongholds of the wild giant panda. Designed as a true field-based survey experience rather than a guaranteed wildlife “sighting” trip, this journey prioritizes habitat immersion, ecological understanding, and ethical wildlife observation.

Giant pandas are among the most elusive large mammals on Earth, and encountering one in the wild requires patience, physical effort, and realistic expectations. While sightings are never guaranteed, participants gain rare access to pristine panda habitat while learning to interpret feeding signs, tracks, scat, and other behavioral indicators alongside experienced local guides. The landscapes themselves, the enigmatic bamboo forests, fir and rhododendron zones, alpine meadows, and deep river canyons are extraordinarily biodiverse and rewarding in their own right.

This expedition explores two key panda regions: the Qionglai Mountain Range and the Pingwu–Shuijing area, each offering distinct habitats and elevations. Due to the remoteness of these regions, the itinerary remains flexible, allowing us to adjust plans based on conditions and panda activity in order to maximize time in productive habitats.

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Itinerary

2026 Dates: Feb 28-March 8

2026 Winter trip: TBD

2027 Dates: TBD

Day 1 : Arrival in Chengdu

Arrive in Chengdu, where you will be met at the airport or train terminal and transferred to your hotel. In the evening, gather for a welcome dinner and expedition briefing covering panda ecology, tracking ethics, and the journey ahead.

  • Driving time: 30 minutes

  • Altitude: 500 m

  • Accommodation: Hotel in Chengdu 

    Day 2 : Chengdu to Qionglai Mountain Nature Reserve

    After breakfast, depart from Chengdu and drive through Dujiangyan and Yingxiu, following the Minjiang River valley into the mountains. Upon arrival in the reserve area, we will enjoy an acclimatization hike through low-altitude bamboo forests, focusing on plant diversity and habitat structure.

    • Driving time: 5–6 hours

    • Altitude: 2,500–2,800 m

    • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    • Accommodation: Local homestay

Day 3 : Qionglai Mountains – Low-Altitude Panda Habitat

Spend the day trekking through lower-elevation bamboo and broadleaf forests. Learn to identify panda feeding signs such as bamboo bite marks, stripped stems, and scat. The focus is on slow, methodical movement through prime habitat rather than distance covered.

  • Activity: Full-day hiking

  • Altitude: 2,500–3,000 m

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  • Accommodation: Local homestay

Day 4 | Qionglai Mountains – Mid to High Elevations

Ascend into fir and rhododendron forests, transitioning into higher-elevation ecosystems. Learn to identify wildlife tracks and signs, and observe how habitat changes with altitude. Afternoon exploration may include alpine meadows and forest edges before returning at dusk.

  • Activity: Full-day hiking

  • Altitude: 3,000–3,500 m

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  • Accommodation: Local homestay

    Day 5 : Qionglai Mountains → Chengdu

    Enjoy a relaxed morning hike to consolidate observations from previous days. After lunch, begin the return drive to Chengdu, arriving in the evening.

    • Driving time: ~5–6 hours

    • Altitude: 2,600 m → 500 m

    • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    • Accommodation: Hotel in Chengdu

    Day 6 : Chengdu → Pingwu County (Shuijing Township)

    After breakfast, travel north through Mianyang into the remote mountains of Pingwu County. Arrive in Shuijing Township in the afternoon, followed by a short orientation walk around local villages and canyon landscapes.

    • Driving time: ~6 hours

    • Altitude: ~2,200 m

    • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    • Accommodation: Local homestay

    Day 7 : Shuijing Township – Canyon Panda Habitat

    Explore canyon systems and bamboo forests along streams and valley bottoms. The day is dedicated to searching for panda tracks, feeding signs, and other wildlife indicators within riparian and lower-slope habitats.

    • Activity: Full-day hiking

    • Altitude: 2,500–3,000 m

    • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    • Accommodation: Local homestay

    Day 8 : Shuijing Township – Alpine Panda Habitat

    Climb into higher elevations, moving through fir and rhododendron forests toward alpine meadows. Focus on understanding how pandas and other wildlife utilize these habitats seasonally. Return to the guesthouse in the evening.

    • Activity: Full-day hiking

    • Altitude: 3,000–3,500 m

    • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    • Accommodation: Local homestay

    Day 9 : Shuijing Township → Chengdu

    Enjoy a final morning hike before beginning the return journey to Chengdu. After lunch, continue the drive back to the city, concluding with a farewell dinner.

    • Driving time: ~6 hours

    • Altitude: 2,200 m → 500 m

    • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    • Accommodation: Airport hotel in Chengdu

    Day 10 : Departure from Chengdu

    After breakfast, walk to the terminal for departure. Expedition concludes.

    • Meals: Breakfast

Cost and details

Individual Rate:  USD $3000 Single accomidation: 300$
Deposit: Required for booking: 30%

Price Includes:

All meals during your stay in China
All lodging and transport

Single-tube telescopes/infrared thermal imaging devices for use on expeditions

Chinese Domestic Travel Insurance

Price does NOT include:

Flight to Destination

Personal expenses (including but not limited to telephone charges, laundry fees, etc.)

Alcoholic drinks 
Accommodations outside Churchill (Add-on available)
Gratuities
SOS/ Regular travel insurance (Strongly Recommend)

Frequently asked questions

  • This is a physically demanding tour that requires a lot of hiking in higher elevation regions

  • for photographers

    -Cameras

    400mm+ lens ,Wide-angle lens mono-pod or tripod

    Spare battery

    Lots of memory cards

    All Guests

    For winter trips, bring warm winter clothes and layers.

    For all other trips, long sleeve hiking clothes, pants, and good hiking shoes

  • Yes! The region of China we will be in has over 40% of chinas wildlife diversity in it alone! from golden snug nose moneys, to takirs, red pandas, and more!

  • Meals and snacks will be provided every day as with water needs.

  • While we cannot guarantee Panda sightings due to their elusive nature, we aim to give the best possible chances to see them. with out tours offering 60-70% chances on each expedition to encounter a wild Giant Panda

Book now!