Project Overview
Overview
Ever wanted to live alongside one of the world's most adored animals?
This is a unique chance to get up-close and personal to the precious Giant Panda in the remote Chinese wilderness. Life is rarely black and white… unless you're a Giant Panda on the brink of extinction. With an already low world population in decline there are certainly no grey areas in this conservation project, so do your bit and ‘panda’ to their every need! Based in majestic surroundings at the foot of the Qingling mountains, you'll also have the chance to work with other fascinating species indigenous to China such as the Golden Monkey, Crested Ibis and the sheep-like Takin.
Trip Highlights:
Spending time with Giant Panda's - wow!
Experiencing China - a huge and mind blowing country
Learning some Chinese. Not as difficult as you may think(!) and richly rewarding
Itinerary & Details
What does the conservation project do?
At this project you will be working in a Chinese conservation centre that aims to preserve some of the world's most endangered species. These include: Giant Pandas, Golden Monkeys, the Crested Ibis, the Takin; which is a large sheep-like creature that lives only in China and Bhutan, as well as the Sika, which is similar in appearance to a deer. The Golden Monkeys and the crested Ibis are both indigenous to China.
Why does the project need volunteers?
The world's total population of wild Giant Pandas stands at about 1,000, which are mainly distributed in Shaanxi and Sichuan provinces of China. In Shaanxi, there are about 270 giant pandas living in Panda Reservations. At the centre where you will be working they are currently looking after and monitoring fifteen giant pandas.
You can also help the staff with their English, which is important so that they can attract more tourists and generate an increase in revenue at the centre, this can then pay for research and looking after the pandas. The project staff also want to improve and practice their English, so that they can attend international conferences about animal conservation.
Your role as a volunteer
There's a wide range of activities which you'll be able to choose from to ensure you get the most from your trip! Daily duties have been developed by previous volunteers working together with the staff at the centre and the in country coordinator to maximize your experience and learning opportunities. You will be able to specify which animals in particular you want to work with. Please note that the Pandas are kept in enclosures in the park with access to greenery, however the park is not a safari park.
Typical tasks include:
Cleaning animal enclosures and waterholes. This allows you to get up close and personal with the wide variety of animals at the centre. As well as a number of endangered species, there are other animals, including black deer, lesser pandas (red pandas), monkeys, peacocks as well as other animals.
Feeding the animals and observing their behaviour during feeding and cleaning times.
General maintenance activities at the park including plant control and fencing.
You may also become involved in helping to keep the website updated and designing pamphlets for foreign tourists.
Depending on the numbers of foreign tourists visiting the park, you may be asked to lead tours.
Helping local staff to develop their conversational English.
There is also the opportunity to teach some English phrases at the local Lou Guantai School; nursery rhymes and basic English phrases are particularly popular. The staff at the centre will organize a trip into the mountains either by foot or on horse, weather permitting. Basic Chinese lessons can be arranged for you if required. You will be asked to teach conversational English to the staff to enable them to communicate with the tourists, and to help them work towards being able to attend international endangered animal conferences and translate journals.
The skills you need
A CV is required for confirmation from the project and the minimum age for this project is 21. You need to be a mature and responsible person, with good communication skills. You also need to use your initiative at the project and be prepared to get stuck in and help out with a wide range of tasks, including cleaning. You need to be quite independent and confident too, as the project is in a remote location with limited facilities and you will attract attention as a foreigner.
You need to be aware that sometimes Chinese people say what they think you want to hear rather than speaking frankly, to save face and to try and please you! A negotiation and compromise is always preferable to confrontation. You will find that you need to use your initiative and be proactive on the project as your colleagues may not be that forthcoming in telling you exactly what needs to be done and when.
Accommodation included
You will be staying in on-site accommodation at the park on a shared room basis, with a chance to watch the pandas from your bedroom window! Meals will be taken at a local restaurant.
Please note that your first three nights accommodation will be in Xi`an, either at the volunteer apartment or at a local guesthouse, before transferring to your main accommodation for the project.
Project resources and advice
The project will aim to provide any materials or equipment such as boots, gloves and overcoats. However, shoe sizes differ so you may prefer to bring your own wellington boots and gloves! Wellington boots are essential for when it's raining.
*SPECIAL POINTS*: Take old clothes that you don't mind getting dirty; comfortable khaki is preferable, while comfy hiking shoes are essential. Bring a hat in the summer as the sun is extremely strong and hot!
*IMPORTANT NOTE*: In order to protect the Pandas from any infections, the project has requested that you provide a medical note from your doctor when you arrive, confirming that you are fit and well and are not carrying any infectious diseases. Please send this into our office a month prior to your arrival and take it with you to the project.
Local facilities
You will be working in a very remote location, which is about 1.5 to 2 hours away from Xi'an city centre. The area is very rural so DON'T expect a raving nightlife, restaurants and shops!
Ideas for your spare time
There are beautiful reserves up in the hills to trek in and you may wish to bring reading materials or an activity to occupy yourself with in the evenings. There are hot springs nearby and you may also want to do some horse riding during your spare time.
There is very limited public transport but you may be able to ride with project staff into Xi'an at weekends so that you can see the sensational local sights (terracotta warriors, Chinese Gardens, historic Muslim Quarter, City wall, bell tower and Pagodas), get internet access and explore! The region you'll be staying in is at the northern foot of Mount Zhongnan - 15 kilometers southeast of the seat of Zhouzhi County, Shaanxi Province. The area is backed by mountains and overlooks a river. The surrounding forests are very lush and beautiful and are great for walking in and are full of Chinese pine, juniper trees and bamboo.
Please check the website http://pandacentre.bebo.com/ for more information about the centre.
Food included
You'll be provided with all your meals each day from a nearby restaurant.
Things that you will need to organize yourself
- Flights to China: i-to-i can secure preferential rates, please ask us
- Travel insurance: i-to-i can secure preferential rates, please ask us
- Visa
- In-country transport (except your airport pickup on arrival date)
- Tours, trips and add-ons: i-to-i can secure preferential rates, please ask us
- Extra food and equipment
Stories
Jean Buck gives this project 10/10
Here is what Jean had to say:
What were the highlights of your trip?
To spend time at close range with one of the most endangered species of the world.
Was there a part of the project that changed the way you look at the world or affected you in some way?
"justice flows from living in a state of harmony with the natural world around us" ... this Daoist philosophy in Lougantai - home of the Panda Sanctuary - and a Daoist stronghold. This struck a chord with me.
Do you have 3 top tips for future travellers?
1. Take on the work assigned to you happily; do not try to out-do or take over the job from those in charge. Try to work as a team.
2. Read up on China and absorb as much information as possible before travelling in order to understand their way of life.
3.. Food in the local volunteer restaurant is good but you must go without : potatoes; milk; cakes, biscuits, chocolate; coffee, cheese, sugar, cereals and more!! Pack a few bars! I lost several pounds and felt very fit on my return! The diet suited me
Give Us Up To 10 Words That Sum Up Your Experience: For example - "A life changing experience!"
One of the most amazing experiences of my lifetime. Rewarding and thought provoking!
Is there anything that would have made your experience better?
Having more knowledge of the area before departure
Natasha Page gives this project 10/10
Here is what Natasha had to say:
What were the highlights of your trip?
Seeing the pandas, experiencing different parts of china, making new friends
Was there a part of the project that changed the way you look at the world or affected you in some way?
The poverty and the division between rich and poor, city and country.
Do you have 3 top tips for future travellers?
1. Taje warm clothes even if it is meant to be warm!
2. Try and learn some language basics
3. Take some small gifts fromhome
Is there anything that would have made your experience better?
knowing more info before i went. i was not told that i would be at the volunteer house in Xi'an for the weekend before going to LouGuanTai or that I could return there at the weekend. I think this needs to be added to the pre-departure information or even the advertising information.
Patti Jenkins gives this project 10/10
Here is what Patti had to say:
What were the highlights of your trip?
Of course, the pandas were the highlight! I never thought I'd have the opportunity to work this closely with these charismatic, wonderful animals.
Was there a part of the project that changed the way you look at the world or affected you in some way?
Living in an area of China far from the typical tourist areas made me realize how gracious and hospital people can be, even without a common spoken language.
Do you have 3 top tips for future travellers?
1. Learn a few Chinese phrases.
2. Enjoy the people and the animals.
3. Interact, even if the only common language is a smile.
Give Us Up To 10 Words That Sum Up Your Experience: For example - "A life changing experience!"
This trip was an unbelievable opportunity to experience a rare community of people and animals.
Is there anything that would have made your experience better?
My only wish is that something in the orientation material would have told me that there are no community towels in the volunteer house in Xi'an, AND that bath towels are for some reason not available for purchase. I wasn't able to bathe until I went towel shopping in Xi'an.
Greg Rodwell gives this project 10/10
Here is what Greg had to say:
What were the highlights of your trip?
Pretty much all of it, the people I met, both the volunteers and people I worked with at my placement were fantastic. I had a brilliant time, with good opportunities to do a lot of touristy sight seeing as well as experiencing life as a local.
Was there a part of the project that changed the way you look at the world or affected you in some way?
I would say that I learnt more from the other volunteers I met, rather than the project itself, but that was all part of the brilliant experience.
Do you have 3 top tips for future travellers?
1. Be confident, you've got no reason not to be. Ask questions, explore, try things you wouldn't normally try, open doors you're not sure whether or not should be opened.
2. Go with an open mind, see above!
3. Keep smiling, sometimes things don't always go as you want or as you expect, but always make the most out of a bad situation (not that I had any bad situations when I was there!).
Give Us Up To 10 Words That Sum Up Your Experience: For example - "A life changing experience!"
Exciting, interesting, confidence building, friendship making, challenging, an amazing experience.
Is there anything that would have made your experience better?
More opportunities at the panda reservation park, the jobs were limited and this is explained on the website and I was aware of this, but I'm sure there could be so many more opportunites for volunteers to get involved in, making the stay more worthwhile.
Tara Basioli gives this project 10/10
Here is what Tara had to say:
What were the highlights of your trip?
Seeing the Pandas, the people. the scenery and experiencing the culture.
Was there a part of the project that changed the way you look at the world or affected you in some way?
The Chinese culture and way of life. We spend too much time rushing around and thinking that we need all the material objects in our lives tht we could actually live without.
Do you have 3 top tips for future travellers?
Go with an open mind. Don't expect them to live the way we do. And just enjoy the experience of a different culture and way of life.
Give Us Up To 10 Words That Sum Up Your Experience: For example - "A life changing experience!"
Life altering and an experience I will never forget.
Is there anything that would have made your experience better?
Having a prcedures manual or some form of information about the daily routine given to us or explained when we arrived at the project. Perhaps an orientation tour by one of the employees of the project or an i-to-i representative.
Ela Turker gives this project 10/10
Here is what Ela had to say:
What were the highlights of your trip?
Spending time looking after pandas, and being given the opportunity to get so close to them.
Having the opportunity to use my teaching qualifications to provide English lessons to the staff at the project.
Learning to speak and write some Chinese.
Exploring the incredibly beautiful Chinese countryside!
Was there a part of the project that changed the way you look at the world or affected you in some way?
I believe the people at the Shaanxi Panda Project are hard-working and dedicated and showed me that although they have incredibly limited finances they do their utmost to care and provide for the animals they have rescued.
Do you have 3 top tips for future travellers?
Take your own toilet paper everywhere!
Try all the food as they most unusual food was often the tastiest.
Prepare for all weather eventualities (especially in the countryside!).
Give Us Up To 10 Words That Sum Up Your Experience: For example - "A life changing experience!"
A brilliant and priceless experience with many happy memories!
Is there anything that would have made your experience better?
A more personal service from i-to-i in England, providing you with details of what to take on the trip before we had left for our travels would have been handy. Greater attention could have been paid to our travel arrangements which stated we were already travelling in Japan before arriving at the project. Also we clearly stated that we were an engaged couple which nobody seemed to pick up on especially with regards to accommodation arrangements.
The Chinese team were personable, very helpful and always available, providing useful information before we left for our extensive travels, also the in-country volunteers house was great accommodation. At the project the accommodation was however very poor and could have been greatly improved upon, we do however that steps are being undertaken to improve conditions for volunteers.
Janet Hughes gives this project 10/10
Here is what Janet had to say:
What were the highlights of your trip?
Actually working with the pandas was amazing, being so close and being able to observe them. Each panda had a different character and was unique. The keepers were a pleasure to work with and were very friendly.
Was there a part of the project that changed the way you look at the world or affected you in some way?
The different way of live and the standard of living of the locals has affected how I see things. Despite the fact that they had very few material belongings they were all very happy and smiley. They spent hours making little nick nacs to sell to the tourist fo just a few pence..
Do you have 3 top tips for future travellers?
Take plenty of cheap trousers and tops so you can throw them away after use.
Enjoy and savour your time with the pandas, it goes so quickley, 2 weeks is not enough.
Ensure you have a couple of pais of waterproof gloves, they get very smelly and make you hands stink, so take plenty of hand wipes as well,
Give Us Up To 10 Words That Sum Up Your Experience: For example - "A life changing experience!"
Feel very privileged to have worked so closely with the pandas.
Is there anything that would have made your experience better?
Less rain!!!
Joanne Wainwright gives this project 10/10
Here is what Joanne had to say:
What were the highlights of your trip?
Working with the pandas and getting up close and personal with them. Also, I thoroughly enjoyed living in a small Chinese village where I was able to test my Chinese language skills. Horseriding in the Qingling mountains was also an amazing experience and one I couldn't wait to tell my friends and family about. Finally, I met some amazing people in China and they really made my trip worthwhile.
Was there a part of the project that changed the way you look at the world or affected you in some way?
Yes, all of it. I had to work hard to clean up after the pandas and make sure they had enough bamboo and water. However, the lovely people I worked with whom this was their job, worked exceptionally hard with few days off and very little pay. It made me realise just how lucky I am to have what I have.
Do you have 3 top tips for future travellers?
I would say learn as much Chinese as you can before going because I had to use Chinese more than I thought, but it was fun.
Get stuck in and help out with as many tasks as you can because they are so nice and they wouldn't mind if you didn't do any work, they were just happy that you were there with them.
Have fun!
Give Us Up To 10 Words That Sum Up Your Experience: For example - "A life changing experience!"
An experience that made me a better person!
Is there anything that would have made your experience better?
Nothing, I had a truley amazing experience and i-to-i were fantastic!
Katharine Brown gives this project 10/10
Here is what Katharine had to say:
What were the highlights of your trip?
It was very hard work, but I enjoyed every minute of it. Miss Xu the panda keeper I worked with was fantastic, she worked so hard and really loved the 3 pandas she looked after. Everywhere was spotlessly clean and the 3 pandas were very happy.
Mr. Deng's restaurant is wonderful.
Was there a part of the project that changed the way you look at the world or affected you in some way?
I was very happy at the way the pandas were looked after, but I was distressed when I saw the small space the 4 black bears were kept in. I asked if I could adopt the 4 bears and I am going to send some mon ey each month for them. The keepers have told things they need. If anyone wants to help please contact me.
Do you have 3 top tips for future travellers?
Take some books, cards and other things to keep you amused when not working.
Take some antiseptic gel to clean your hands.
Take toilet paper to the panda place.
Give Us Up To 10 Words That Sum Up Your Experience: For example - "A life changing experience!"
An experience I wish everyone could experience.
Is there anything that would have made your experience better?
I went in the winter and it was bitterly cold. Although the bedrooms were nice and warm, the sitting room was freezing.
Daniel Taylor gives this project 10/10
Here is what Daniel had to say:
What were the highlights of your trip?
The experience of being so close to the pandas and also how as a white person you were quite a novelty
Do you have 3 top tips for future travellers?
Be aware that none of the money you pay goes to the project.
Take a small phrase book.
Know that the Chinese public have a different outlook to animals
Is there anything that would have made your experience better?
If some of the money went back to the project.
If there is more you could do to help, for example clearing debris from the site to enable possible future developments or encouraging the teaching of English to the staff.
Donna Sankey gives this project 10/10
Here is what Donna had to say:
What were the highlights of your trip?
Being able to work so closely with the Panda cubs, there were just amazing and will be missed soooooo much :(
Do you have 3 top tips for future travellers?
ENJOY YOURSELF! Be prepared that the living conditions for all other animals other than the Pandas are pritty poor, this is not the fault of the keepers who clearly love the animals,please bear in mind that China has a lot of catching up to do in relation to animal welfare standards, and slowly the Sanctuary and China are changing. Time, Education and money is needed. Also there is a local bus that goes from the bottom of the village back to Xian,ask the Panda staff ,its a bit bumpy, but for the price its worth it, my taxi back to xian cost £38!! for an hour and a half, the bus cost £3 for two hours, you then have to get a taxi to the accomadation in xian £2, much more fun, cheaper and adventurous!!!
Give Us Up To 10 Words That Sum Up Your Experience: For example - "A life changing experience!"
FANTASTIC and BRILLIANT would definatly do it again. Just take tea/coffee and whitner as there is a kettle in each room ( and cups thanks to Dan!!!)
Is there anything that would have made your experience better?
Having more time there!!! It being made more clear that non of your money goes towards your project, it "goes into one big pot" which isnt what I personally wanted. Take your own dvds, non work!!!! If you dont like spiders and bugs.....good luck cos the cleaner isnt great!!!
charlotte atkins gives this project 9/10
Here is what charlotte had to say:
What were the highlights of your trip?
being up close with pandas on a daily basis, having so much time to explore the reserve and seeing all the sights in xi'an and how friendly everyone is.
Was there a part of the project that changed the way you look at the world or affected you in some way?
yes, as china is still a developing country seeing certain things really made me challenge my way of life-how i spend my money, how i approach challenges in life. and ultimately made me want to give more financially and of myself to charities and good works.
Do you have 3 top tips for future travellers?
-be prepared for crazy taxi drivers!
-bring lots of toilet paper
-be open minded
Give Us Up To 10 Words That Sum Up Your Experience: For example - "A life changing experience!"
a life changing experience that has changed me forever
Is there anything that would have made your experience better?
probably not losing my suitcase when i got there (although the in country team were fantastic and i got it back a few hours later), not sleeping on the top bunk bed as i kept thinking i would fall off!
Tracey Watts gives this project 9/10
Here is what Tracey had to say:
What were the highlights of your trip?
Hanging out with the pandas. Weekends back in Xian at the volunteer house with the other volunteers.
Was there a part of the project that changed the way you look at the world or affected you in some way?
I really enjoyed volunteering. It added a "feel good" factor to my trip. Instead of apologising to everyone when I got back for being able to go on holidays when they couldn't - most people were happy that I went this time!
Do you have 3 top tips for future travellers?
Enjoy every minute of it because it is over in a flash.
Do everything - sleep when you get home.
Take lots of photos & then take some more!
Give Us Up To 10 Words That Sum Up Your Experience: For example - "A life changing experience!"
A once in a lifetime opportunity.
Is there anything that would have made your experience better?
Apart from the first 3 days I was by myself at the pandas. As a female in a town & hotel where no english is spoken it was quite a daunting experience. I really enjoyed coming back to the volunteer house on the weekend but I did feel quite left out during the week. I was told that I could call the team at any time but I still felt on my own for the most part. I had some issues with broken toilets etc in the hotel that I sms'd about but never knew what the outcome was.... When I left there was a message from the in country leader ( who had gone on holidays) saying goodbye to each person that was leaving, but I was not listed... I had only seen her twice so understand why, but that is just an eg of being left out. I think if a volunteer is ever by themselves at the pandas there should be a phone call each night or every second night just to check in with them.
Maggie Knewstub gives this project 9/10
Here is what Maggie had to say:
What were the highlights of your trip?
About my 'babies'- the panda's. How amaing they are, and each with a different personality.
The site of the Centre is beautiful, and obiously going to expand.
Xi'an was great, I could stay there for months.
Was there a part of the project that changed the way you look at the world or affected you in some way?
The quality of life for the pandas is exemplary, they want for nothing, it's so sad that they have to be in reserves or rescue centres.
I hope that the care of the other animals there will be raised to the same standard.
Do you have 3 top tips for future travellers?
Remember, these cute bears are wild animals, very cute and irrisistable, but wild
Make the most of your time there, and with the animals,
DON'T drink the firwater!
Take t-bags and milk if you want a cuppa,
Try Mr Dengh's Eggplant in claypot!
Give Us Up To 10 Words That Sum Up Your Experience: For example - "A life changing experience!"
I would love to finish my TEFL course, be fully qualified and come back, to teach, to see my babies.
It would be wonderful to work with young students, and instill in them a love of nature, and need for conservation.It's all going to be up to them.
Is there anything that would have made your experience better?
There were problems with cleaning at the panda house.
There were a few communication problems with our first points of contact when in situ.
My keeper(though I am sure was a very nice man -as not the least bit interested in communicating in any way, Chines or English. I tried everything. Perhaps he was just shy, but it was hard work trying toget him speaking at all.
Marjolein Alting gives this project 8/10
Here is what Marjolein had to say:
What were the highlights of your trip?
the panda's!
Was there a part of the project that changed the way you look at the world or affected you in some way?
I do not need all the luxury I have at home (although I enjoy it)
Do you have 3 top tips for future travellers?
Learn some of the language before you go.
Give Us Up To 10 Words That Sum Up Your Experience: For example - "A life changing experience!"
A unique opportunity to learn everything about the giant panda.
Is there anything that would have made your experience better?
Some knowledge of the Chinese language
Amy Wong gives this project 8/10
Here is what Amy had to say:
What were the highlights of your trip?
One of the many highlights of the panda conservation project is being able to get so close to such amazing creatures and learn about the daily upkeep of the giant pandas, and also getting to know their own individual characters. I also enjoyed meeting all the different volunteers and having the support of the i-to-i in-country team. It was also great to have the opportunity to explore the historic city of Xi'an.
Was there a part of the project that changed the way you look at the world or affected you in some way?
I think the way the local people react to foreign people surprises me and also how they view and treat animals.
Do you have 3 top tips for future travellers?
Pack wisely - check the weather forecasts before you set off and make sure you take appropriate clothing.Exchange some local currency before you go, so you won't be penniless when you arrive waiting for banks to open, and don't rely on finding an ATM on every street corner.Try and learn some of the local language. Don't expect everyone to speak English.
Give Us Up To 10 Words That Sum Up Your Experience: For example - "A life changing experience!"
Panda-tastic! Makes you hungry to do more volunteering.
Is there anything that would have made your experience better?
I was under the impression that the panda keepers were keen to practise their English but I was a bit disappointed that they seemed so reluctant to speak more than a few basic words. I would have liked to have helped them improve their English conversation skills.
Nicholas Chang gives this project 7/10
Here is what Nicholas had to say:
What were the highlights of your trip?
taking care of pandas, eating great food, meeting fellow volunteers
Is there anything that would have made your experience better?
an additional project to work on at the Panda conservation center during down time (inbetween feedings).
Cynthia Hartley gives this project 7/10
Here is what Cynthia had to say:
What were the highlights of your trip?
Working with the pandas and also with my particular panda keeper who was a young man who spoke and understood a good deal of English.
Although I went to China to spend time with the pandas it was the time with Chinese people that really means the most. It was an excellent crosscultural experience and a wonderful opportunity to see an incredible country up close and personal.
The flexibility of our incountry support was fantastic helping with broader planning to experience the country.
Was there a part of the project that changed the way you look at the world or affected you in some way?
The discomfort I experienced due to the pollution has spurred me on to action in a political way. We must all work at improving the physical qualities for the children we are bringing into the world.
Do you have 3 top tips for future travellers?
Be prepared to speak at least a bit of the language before arrival. And, don't forget the dictionary at any cost.
Come prepared to be wide open and flexible in your attitudes.
Give Us Up To 10 Words That Sum Up Your Experience: For example - "A life changing experience!"
The village life is an incredible opportunity to experience the real China.
Is there anything that would have made your experience better?
I would have appreciated more time with the pandas working with animal behavior, training, etc.
The physical conditions in the housing at Lou Guantai were not good at our arrival and the person charged with keeping the space clean and confortable needed much more guidance and supervision than she had.
