Historically, the cost to hold a baby panda in Chengdu was approximately 2,000 RMB (about $300 to $320 USD) for a session lasting roughly one to two minutes, with the fee often considered a donation toward panda conservation. However, most recent reports indicate that direct physical interaction, such as holding or hugging pandas, has been suspended or banned at major facilities like the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding and the Dujiangyan Panda Base, particularly following the COVID-19 pandemic. While some centers previously offered "Keeper for a Day" volunteer programs that allowed for closer proximity or supervised feeding for fees ranging from 1,000 to 3,000 RMB, current visitor experiences are generally limited to observation only. It is highly recommended to contact the specific panda base directly or check for official government updates before visiting, as these interactive programs are rare and often require advance booking and specific health certifications.