The construction of Beijing’s conservation base for giant pandas began on December 19. Located on the western bank of Qinglong Lake in Fangshan District in southwest Beijing, it is set to cover over 100 hectares and includes multiple functions such as giant panda breeding and scientific research.  

The base is expected to go into operation in 2024 and house 50 giant pandas as well as animals found in their natural habitat in large bamboo forests. As a move to increase the species’ population, the base will make the most of the capital’s scientific resources, promote the animal’s ex-situ conservation, and create a demonstration zone for endangered species protection. 

According to experts, giant pandas used to live in Fangshan District as a leg bone of a giant panda was found at the district’s Peking Man Site in the town of Zhoukoudian. 

Qinglong Lake features an excellent environment consisting of mountains, water, forests and grasslands, which can be developed into a nice living space for giant pandas. The construction will follow the principle of minimizing human intervention in the natural environment.  

Copyedited by Elsbeth van Paridon  

Comments to liqing@cicgamericas.com