China Inaugurates New Giant Panda Base in Mianyang, Welcoming 13 Pandas

New Conservation Hub Opens in Sichuan

China has officially commenced trial operations at a new giant panda base located in Mianyang city, Sichuan province, marking a significant expansion of the nation's conservation network. The facility, a new addition to the China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda (CCRCGP), began its trial phase on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, and has welcomed 13 giant pandas to their new home.

The establishment of this base underscores China's ongoing commitment to the protection and study of its iconic native species, further strengthening efforts in breeding, research, and international collaboration.

A State-of-the-Art Sanctuary for Pandas

The newly opened Mianyang base spans an impressive area of approximately 120 hectares and took three years to construct. It is equipped with more than 50 sets of giant panda enclosures, designed to provide a suitable environment for the animals. The 13 pandas now residing at the Mianyang base were relocated from other CCRCGP facilities, specifically the Wolong Shenshuping and Dujiangyan bases.

While the pandas are currently settling into their new surroundings, the base is expected to open to visitors next year, allowing the animals ample time to adapt. Huang Zhi, who leads the operations of the Mianyang base's preparatory team, noted, 'The pandas are a little tense in their new surroundings, but overall they're doing well,' confirming that an experienced team is closely monitoring their transition.

Advancing Giant Panda Conservation Efforts

This new facility expands the CCRCGP to five sites nationwide, playing a crucial role in China's broader strategy for ecosystem and biodiversity protection. The CCRCGP has a remarkable track record, having successfully increased the captive panda population from just six pandas in 1983 to over 380 today.

Mianyang city itself is a vital region for giant panda conservation, boasting a wild giant panda population of 418 individuals, which accounts for approximately 22.4 percent of China's total wild panda population and is the highest number among China's prefecture-level cities. The new base is poised to contribute significantly to both the captive breeding program and the understanding of these vulnerable animals.

Looking Ahead

The inauguration of the Mianyang giant panda base represents a pivotal step in China's long-term vision for giant panda conservation. By providing additional space and resources for breeding, research, and care, the base aims to ensure the continued growth and health of the giant panda population, both in captivity and in the wild, and to foster greater international understanding of these beloved creatures.