China's ambitious efforts to protect its iconic giant pandas reached a new milestone this week as the Mianyang base of the China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda began trial operations on December 29, 2025. Spanning 120 hectares of bamboo-rich terrain in Sichuan province, the $150 million facility represents the most advanced integration of wildlife conservation and public education in Asia.
The new base features 54 climate-controlled enclosures designed to mimic natural habitats, currently housing 20 relocated pandas that have successfully adapted to their environment after November's carefully monitored transfer. With capacity for 22,000 daily visitors, the facility combines cutting-edge veterinary hospitals, breeding research labs, and interactive educational displays showcasing China's four-decade panda conservation success story.
"This isn't just a sanctuary – it's a living laboratory," explained lead zoologist Dr. Wei Lin during a press tour. "Our new DNA sequencing center allows us to maintain genetic diversity, while the rescue operations wing can respond to wildlife emergencies across southwest China."
The launch comes as China reports a 17% increase in wild panda populations since 2020, with conservation technology developed in Sichuan now being shared through international partnerships. Tourism analysts predict the base could attract over 5 million annual visitors, boosting local economies while raising global awareness about biodiversity preservation.
