The China Panda Conservation Challenge is a 12 day journey that allows participants to travel to China, enjoy amazing experiences and fundraise for Zoos SA's conservation efforts. One of the highlights of the trip is a visit to the Bifengxia Giant Panda Breeding Research Centre in Chengdu; somewhere I have been lucky enough to experience for myself.

Visiting the Bifengxia Giant Panda Breeding Research Centre is one of the trip's highlights!

When seeing Pandas anywhere in the world my initial feeling is always delight at how adorable they are. Although I had seen Pandas in the zoo before, nothing could have prepared me for the utter excitement of seeing these adorable creatures up close and personal. The Chengdu facility itself is incredible, spacious, park-like, and wide open for both the Pandas and the visitors. Because of its design, at some points you can get within five metres of the Pandas themselves which is just incredible!

Eating is definitely a favourite pastime of Giant Pandas!

I now understand why we humans like pandas so much. I mean, they're really endearing and have many human traits that just make them so lovable. All they do is eat, sleep, roll around and poop. The adults sit for three or four hours in the morning sprawled out on their backs peeling bamboo with their human-like paws. They don't get up, the food is placed within arm's reach and otherwise I think they might go hungry. Meanwhile, the tiny cubs play and wrestle while learning to climb trees. Following that all pandas big and small fall asleep in a tree or another suitable location for some rest. It's hard to feel anything but love for these cute creatures and I left genuinely impressed by China's commitment to their sustainability.

Too cute! Baby pandas love to climb.

Another exciting element of the trip is a trek along the magnificent Great Wall of China. The feedback we receive here at Inspired Adventures about this journey is just amazing. Those who take part are often left in awe of the relationships that are built during this experience. One participant wrote, "The element of camaraderie and team spirit was probably my favourite aspect of our Inspired Adventures tour. You can take 14 near strangers, chuck them in a foreign land together and within days they think like a team, act like a family and joke like lifelong friends. It was truly life changing!"

If you've ever been interested in visiting China or have a passion for conservation then the 2012 China Panda Conservation Challenge might interest you. For more information please visit the website or contact Sophie at Inspired Adventures via This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or on 1300 905 188.

Kyle

Inspired Adventures Team