"Once, the giant panda roamed mountain lowlands from Myanmar (Burma) through northern Vietnam and much of eastern and southern China,'' reads the UN Works online, "but farming, development and clear-cutting have destroyed the bamboo forests that make up their natural habitat.''
The situation is dire, with an increasing loss of habitat and development as a result of China's burgeoning population, demand for land and resources sector, the UN says.
The wild panda also falls victim to poachers after their fur, despite strict government laws that hand life sentences to those convicted of selling fur on the black market.
The Chengdu Research Base is dedicated to giant panda conservation, with an emphasis on breeding, and research into reproduction, nutrition, medicine and behaviour.
It's best to arrive there early, as crowds of domestic tourists can be large.
When I visit, my Wendy Wu Tours guide leads me away from the hordes to a nursery of panda cubs, with black and white-ish coats. Eight of the cuddly creatures are sprawled out across terraced bamboo platforms among vibrant green vegetation, playing and eating.
One ventures toward the concrete and timber barrier where tourists clamber for the best photograph and stare in awe.
Giant pandas are solitary animals, so when these guys mature they'll be placed in their own enclosures, where they'll divide their time between munching copious amounts of bamboo, sleeping in or against trees and playing.
I explore these other enclosures, which include a "giant panda kindergarten", as well as a red panda compound.
Across the 100-hectare reserve there is also a panda hospital, museum and cinema, and - the piece de resistance - a small building where tourists can have their very own giant panda encounter.
While lining up among a throng of mainly Chinese and American visitors, I fail to hold back tears brought on by the excitement of nursing a cub.
After a half hour wait, during which time I cover myself in a plastic poncho, booties and gloves, it's my turn.
It's an overwhelmingly emotional experience, sitting on a timber bench with your arms wrapped around the belly of a giant panda. They're incredibly beautiful creatures, that are surprisingly heavy at such a young age and have thick sponge-like fur.
Two minutes pass way too quickly and I am forced to say goodbye to this endearing fellow. He's oblivious to my departure, preoccupied with the honey that's been dabbed on his paws by keepers.
Even though it's clear I leave little impression on him, I know he'll stay with me for a lifetime.
Let's just hope he survives a lifetime and his species many more.
IF YOU GO
GETTING THERE:
Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding is in Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan province in southwest China. More information on the facility can be found at panda.org.cn/english.
China Southern Airlines flies from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth and Auckland to the major Chinese cities of Guangzhou, Beijing, Chongqing and Urumqi. The airline will also fly direct between Cairns and Guangzhou from December.
STAYING THERE:
The five-star Sofitel Wanda Chengdu is centrally located on the Jingjiang River. The hotel features an indoor heated pool, spa, sauna, gym, beauty salon and five dining outlets.
PLAYING THERE:
Aside from the giant panda enclosures, the 100-hectare property also features a giant panda hospital, museum, cinema and research centre, as well as a red panda compound.
The cost of holding a giant panda cub and having your photo taken with your own camera is approximately 1300RMB (NZ$256).
- AAP
