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Round the World Travel Guide

Photo Essay: Panda Bears in Chengdu

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During my visit to China I made sure to spend a morning with the panda bears in Chengdu, at the Panda Breeding and Research Base.

I don't care who you are, when you walk up to all the panda bears eating, playing, and scratching themselves without a care in the world, you'll be “ooooh'ing” and “aaaah'ing” with the rest of us.

Panda bear
A panda bear takes a break from eating to pose for the cameras.
A pair of panda bears
The panda bear on the left was totally hogging this piece of bamboo...pulling it away from his friend to the right.
Feeding time
Feeding time at the Chengdu Panda Breading and Research Center in Chengdu, China.
Panda bear
This panda bear is taking a break from devouring bamboo to digest. I'm sure it wasn't long before he started gnawing on another piece.
Pair of pandas
To see the pandas in action, it's best to visit the research base in the morning during feeding time.
Red pandas
Red pandas are native to Nepal, Bhutan, and northeastern India.
Close up of a red panda
For about $25, I was able to hold a red panda like this one for a minute or two. I can still remember how it felt to feel his little heart beating rapidly.
Panda cubs
The panda cubs were more playful than their adult counterparts, however they still enjoyed lounging around too.
Bird's eye view of a giant panda
Bird's eye view of a giant panda.
Panda bear eating bamboo
Crunch! A giant panda bear cracks a piece of bamboo with his strong jaws.

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  1. Cool, able to hold the red panda! How big is it? It looks pretty big, but I can’t fully tell from the perspective of the shot. Incredible pictures!

  4. Awww Great pics Dave these little guys are so cute. They always look like they are smiling too!

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