Holding a panda is no longer possible at the main Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, as all interactive programs there have been suspended due to animal health and safety concerns. While some specialized "volunteer" programs still exist at nearby facilities like the Dujiangyan Panda Base, they have been significantly restricted since 2024. These programs generally focus on conservation tasks such as cleaning enclosures and preparing food rather than direct physical contact. While some travelers previously reported the ability to sit next to a panda for a photo at Dujiangyan for a high fee (approximately 2,000 CNY), recent reports indicate that even these brief interactions are frequently prohibited or strictly limited to touching a panda's back under heavy supervision. Most experts and conservationists now advise against seeking these interactions, as they can cause immense stress and transmit human diseases to the animals.