Spend a day volunteering with pandas at the Dujiangyan research base, then hike the shaded trails and Taoist shrines of Mount Qingcheng. This self-guided tour from Chengdu blends hands-on conservation work with history-rich mountain walking.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
You step into Sichuan light before dawn: the city skyline slips away and the road threads through rice paddies as your driver steers toward Dujiangyan. By mid-morning the air takes on green notes — bamboo and damp earth — and the research center’s enclosures come into view, where keepers brief you and hand over simple tools.
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
8 hours
Fitness Level
Moderate fitness—comfortable walking, stair climbing and standing for volunteer tasks; able to handle an 8‑hour day.
Wildlife
History
Dujiangyan city sits beside an ancient irrigation system built in 256 BCE that transformed Sichuan’s plains; Mount Qingcheng is a seminal site in Taoist history with temples dating back centuries.
Conservation
The volunteer program supports on-site husbandry and behavioral research—follow staff guidance, avoid disturbing animals, and minimize single-use plastics to reduce your footprint.
Reserve your spot on the 1-Day Self-Guided Dujiangyan Tour: Panda Volunteer Program and Mount Qingcheng today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Book morning pickup
Traffic and site schedules favor an early start—expect a 1.5-hour drive from Chengdu and arrive at the Panda Base before 9:00 AM.
Wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes
Panda enclosures require non-slip footwear for safety; Qingcheng’s trails include stone steps and wet sections.
Bring a refillable water bottle
You’ll be moving between sites for several hours—water sources are limited on trails and at the research center.
Carry small cash or mobile pay
Temple donations, snacks and local toilets may not accept international cards—WeChat/Alipay or RMB cash are useful.
Sturdy hiking shoes
Provide traction on wet stone steps at Qingcheng and safe footing at the panda base.
Refillable water bottle (1–1.5L)
Keeps you hydrated during volunteer shifts and mountain walks; water stations are limited.
Light rain jacket
Spring showers and mountain mist make a compact waterproof layer handy.
spring
Small daypack
Carries water, snacks, camera and any purchases without getting in the way of volunteer tasks.