Editor's note: This article is written by Martin Kabaluapa Kapinga, chief of the country offices management division at WWF International, based on his visit to southwest China in November 2025. Drawing on firsthand observations from Chengdu and surrounding nature reserves, the author reflects on China's efforts in giant panda conservation and biodiversity protection. The views expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the positions of CGTN.

During the week of 19 November 2025, I had the privilege of visiting two remarkable sites in southwest China's Sichuan Province, the Dujiangyan Panda Valley and the Longxi–Hongkou National Nature Reserve – experiences that left me deeply inspired by the dedication to wildlife conservation and ecosystem protection.

Chengdu: Gateway to nature and culture

Chengdu, the vibrant capital of Sichuan Province, is home to over 20 million residents and serves as a major economic and cultural hub in southwest China. Known as the "Land of Abundance," Chengdu blends a rich historical heritage with modern dynamism. It is globally recognized for its culinary traditions – especially Sichuan cuisine – and its role as the epicenter of giant panda conservation.

Dujiangyan Panda Valley: Meeting the icons

My visit to the Dujiangyan Panda Valley was a highlight of the trip. Located about 60 kilometers northwest of Chengdu, this 50-hectare facility focuses on giant panda rehabilitation and reintroduction into the wild. Walking through its semi-natural habitats, I had the unforgettable opportunity to see the iconic giant panda and the elusive red panda – symbols of global conservation. The giant panda is not only a national treasure of China but also the logo of WWF, representing our global commitment to protecting species and ecosystems. The WWF was the first international environmental protection NGO invited to China by the Chinese government in 1980, beginning long-term giant panda conservation efforts.

About Giant Pandas: Giant pandas (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) are instantly recognizable with their striking black-and-white coats. Native to China's mountainous bamboo forests, they are classified as vulnerable, with about 1,900 individuals remaining in the wild. Pandas rely almost exclusively on bamboo as their main food.

About Red Pandas: Red pandas (Ailurus fulgens), often called "firefoxes," are much smaller and arboreal, spending most of their time in trees. They are classified as endangered, with fewer than 10,000 individuals in the wild, threatened by habitat loss and fragmentation.

Sichuan Longxi–Hongkou National Nature Reserve: Guardians of the Forest

This 31,000-hectare reserve shelters rare species such as the golden snub-nosed monkey and Sichuan takin alongside pandas. Here, I met dedicated forest guards who patrol tirelessly to safeguard biodiversity and maintain watershed integrity for communities downstream.

Forest guards are government employees working for the national reserve. They join the main reserve station for 22 consecutive days, living in remote conditions to patrol the area efficiently. This means three weeks away from their families, often in rugged terrain and harsh weather.

Their conservation efforts go beyond patrolling – they actively engage local communities through environmental education programs and involve them as community rangers or guides during patrols, creating a sense of shared responsibility for protecting nature.

Reflections

These visits underscored the importance of collaboration in protecting our planet's natural heritage. From the iconic panda – the face of WWF – to the unsung heroes patrolling the forests, every effort counts in sustaining biodiversity. The WWF's partnerships in China and beyond remain critical to ensuring these ecosystems thrive for generations to come.