Published on Feb, 2018
This had been a dream for several years and the one day volunteer experience at the Dujiangyan Giant Panda Center far exceeded our expectations. Our guide for the day was Snow and she picked us up at the hotel at 7:00 am so that we'd arrive at the Panda Center before 9:00. Our private car was roomy, comfortable, and the driver was extremely safe.
After signing the requisite paperwork and donning blue overalls, we were off on our work detail at one of the giant panda enclosures. Presented with two options, handling the bamboo or picking up panda poop, we chose the bamboo detail. It consisted of picking up bamboo from the panda's last feeding both outside and in an enclosure. After hauling it outside, we broke up new bamboo and placed it out for the panda. Finally, we hosed down the inside enclosure. Other reviews indicate that their work time only lasted about 20 minutes or so - ours was definitely twice that length of time or more - and was probably a bit more strenuous than we anticipated. Folks picking up the panda poop definitely had an easier work experience - and since the pandas have an all vegetarian diet, there is relatively little odor from the panda poop. While we were working, Snow took pictures so we have plenty of images from our day at the site.
After the work detail, we had the opportunity to walk around the Panda Center observing most of the 25 pandas who live there. Being January, during most of the visit we were able to view the pandas all alone in utter quiet - no sounds heard except the occasional birds or pandas themselves - priceless. For lunch we dined with Panda Center workers and other visitors - the meal was perfectly fine - if you are a somewhat cautious or picky eater, China Highlights encourages you to bring your own snacks.
The highlight of the day was getting to individually feed one of the giant pandas once in the morning and again in the afternoon. Before leaving (and assuming you complete your work assignments), you get a certificate from the Panda Center.
This was a spectacular experience and the tour offered through China Highlights and our guide Snow did not disappoint!
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