How to Volunteer for Giant Panda Conservation in Chengdu

Volunteering is an excellent way of spending your free time. While giving something back, you can learn a lot and possibly earn a certificate. The Giant Panda Conservation offers you the chance to volunteer and gain a unique experience. There's a range of volunteer programmes, and by participating, you can earn an invaluable set of skills. At the end of every volunteer programme, you'll be given a certificate.

1. Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding

More commonly known as Chengdu Panda Base, Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding is a non-profit conservation and research programme based in Chengdu, China. The programme was initiated in 1987, and it started with just 6 pandas. By 2008, the programme rescued nearly 120 pandas. Its goal is to become a world-class research facility and an education centre. It has become a major tourist spot giving rise to the likes of Ascott Raffles City Chengdu. Volunteering at Chengdu Panda Base exposes you to a vast amount of knowledge. You'll be taught a lot about pandas' behaviour and how to care for them. You'll be assigned to a station, and a station usually has about four pandas.

2. Programme highlights

Volunteers can work closely with the keepers and learn a lot from them. This is a chance to contribute to the effort of keeping these vulnerable animals safe. By volunteering, you gain the opportunity to live close to Chengdu at a Chengdu hotel. Volunteers are offered city tours, and they can participate in a lot of cultural activities; this includes a two-day sightseeing trip. The reserve also offers complimentary Chinese lessons. The centre is home to panda cubs as well. Visitors don't have access to panda cubs, but volunteers do. In order to volunteer, you need to possess good physical fitness, and you should inherently love working with animals.

3. Duties

The programme is usually one week long. A volunteer is tasked with cleaning enclosures, caring for pandas, preparing food and observation. You will have to prepare panda bread, carrots and apples for their meals. Chopping and carrying bamboo is another responsibility. The age limit is 18 to 50. Those below the age of 18 can still participate as long as they have a consent letter from their parents. The programme recruits around 10 international volunteers.

4. Visa

All volunteers need to apply for a visa. You should apply for the programme a few weeks in advance so that you have enough time to get your visa sorted. Accommodation is provided, but if you are with your family, you have to pay for your own accommodation.

5. What's offered by the programme?

Free accommodation is provided as long as you are on your own; you will have to share a hostel room with other volunteers. You are offered three meals a day, and you will be offered food on the day of arrival as well. You can also get an airport transfer from and to your hotel or hostel.

6. What's not offered?

You are responsible for your flight ticket and visa. You have to pay for travel insurance, which is not a requirement, but having travel insurance can save you a lot of trouble. All the other personal expenses should be covered by you.

7. Other activities

Apart from volunteering at the panda reserve, Chengdu offers many other activities. You can visit the hot springs in Zhougong, which is something a lot of volunteers do. Mount Quingcheng is another attraction found around here. You can go on sightseeing tours and go shopping. Leshan Giant Buddha is another attraction you must see during your time here. The town of Shagli offers a lot of sightseeing opportunities too.