Pandamooda Expeditions: The Quest for the Brown Panda

Introduction

Most travelers go to Chengdu to see black and white pandas behind glass. True explorers go to Qinling.

Deep in the Shaanxi province of China lies the ancient Qinling Mountain range, the natural divide between North and South China. It is home to the Golden Monkey, the Takin, the Crested Ibis, and the "Holy Grail" of wildlife photography: The Qinling Brown Panda.

We have designed the ultimate pilgrimage for panda lovers. From the historic streets of Xi'an to the bamboo forests of Foping, this is how you meet Qizai—the only captive brown panda in the world.

The Itinerary 

Day 1: The Gateway to History (Xi'an)

  • Arrival: Land in Xi'an, the starting point of the Silk Road.

  • Acclimatization: Check into a boutique hotel in the city center.

  • Highlight: Visit the Terracotta Warriors to understand the land that has protected these pandas for centuries.

  • Dinner: Traditional Biang Biang Noodles.

Day 2: Meeting the Legend (Qizai)

  • Morning: A private transfer to the Qinling Four Treasures Science Park (near Zhouzhi). This is currently the only place on Earth where you are guaranteed to see a brown panda.

  • The Encounter: Meet Qizai. Unlike regular pandas, Qizai has sepia-colored fur and a gentle nature. Watch him crunch on carrots and lounge in his dedicated enclosure.

  • Photography: This is your best chance for close up shots. No hiking gear required today, just your camera.

Day 3: Into the Wild (Foping Nature Reserve)

  • Transport: Board the high speed bullet train that cuts through the mountains to Foping Station.

  • The Habitat: Enter the Panda Valley (Xiongmao Gu). Foping has the highest density of wild pandas in China.

  • The Hike: A moderate 4 hour guided hike through lush bamboo forests.

  • Wildlife: While seeing a wild brown panda is rare, you will likely spot wild giant pandas, golden monkeys, and colorful pheasants in their natural home.

Day 4: The Misty Peaks & Return

  • Morning: A final meditation or tea ceremony in the mountains, breathing in the purest air in China.

  • Afternoon: Return train to Xi'an for your departure.

Trip Details 

  • Duration: 4 Days / 3 Nights

  • Difficulty: Moderate (Some hiking involved)

  • Group Size: Strictly limited to 6 people per expedition.

  • Estimated Cost: $5,900  USD per person (Includes private guides, permits, high-speed train, and boutique accommodation).

JOIN THE WAITLIST NOW!

Can't Join Us in 2026?

We understand. Flying to China, getting a visa, and hiking through mountains requires time and a significant budget.

But you don't have to travel 7,000 miles to experience the magic of the Brown Panda.

At Pandamooda, we have captured the spirit of Qizai in our Official Realistic Brown Panda Plush.

  • 1:1 Accuracy: Matches the exact sepia tones of Qizai's fur.

  • Zero Jet Lag: Delivered straight to your doorstep.

  • Forever Companion: Soft, huggable, and always there for you.

It’s the perfect way to bring a piece of the Qinling Mountains into your home—for less than the cost of a airport taxi.