See dozens of cuddly Panda Bears at the Chengdu Panda Research Station!

The Panda Research Station is a great place to see these endangered animals. It is on the outskirts of Chengdu - about a 30 minute taxi drive from the city centre.

The Research Station is actually a very nice large park with well maintained gardens.

The Panda Bears live in large enclosures and are well looked after.

You get excellent viewing of the Panda Bears over a waist high wall. Inside the wall is a moat to prevent people jumping in.

The Panda Bears have indoor accommodation as well. The “Panda houses” have large glass windows so you can see them indoors as well.

Make sure you see the Panda Nursery.

Here baby Pandas are cared for until they are old enough to join the others out doors.

It is such a lovely scene – several baby Pandas lying in their cots – just like human babies!

There were about six baby Pandas of a few months old when I was there last in November 2008.

You view them looking through big glass windows. There are two or three nurses in a room next to them keeping a watchful eye on these precious creatures.

Unfortunately you cannot take photos and you will be stopped by a gaurd if you try. However it does leave an everlasting impression in your mind.

There are many pandas of different ages - where they are studied and cared for in magnificent surroundings.

You can even hold a baby Panda bear (for an additional fee) for a few minutes - and you are allowed to take photos.

This is the place to be if you like Panda Bears.

Try to see the Panda Bears early in the morning. This is when they are most active. They mostly eat and sleep during the hotter part of the day.

The Panda Bears can keep you amused for a long time.

Some just sit around and eat!

Others will play with each other in trees and cubby houses.

However others are quite inquisitive. They will come right up to the wall and look you in the eye - quite a special moment.

This is a great place to see them and appreciate these beautiful rare creatures.

Apart from the Panda Bears, enjoy the lovely park. The trees and shrubs are magnificent and there is a large lake to walk around as well.

But most of all – remember that the Panda Bear is one of the endangered animals in the world.

According to this National Geographic article on the Giant Panda, there are little more than 1,000 left in the world.

Enjoy the experience!