Asiatic black bear rests its paw on a fallen tree trunk, surrounded by green foliage in a natural sanctuary.

Chengdu bear sanctuary China

A sanctuary of healing and hope

Our sanctuary in Chengdu, southwest China, is Animals Asia’s first and China’s only rescue centre for bears formerly farmed for their bile. 

Hidden among peaceful bamboo forests, it’s a safe haven where hundreds of bears now live free from suffering.

Lush bear sanctuary with ponds, tall trees, and bears relaxing among bamboo-wrapped trunks.
Close-up of a bear sleeping with its paw and long claws resting on a wooden surface.
Asiatic black bear stands upright, holding onto bamboo poles in a sanctuary environment.
Brown bear resting on a rock, gazing ahead in a naturalistic outdoor enclosure.

Healing from pain

Many of the bears arrive traumatised and in poor health, suffering the long-term effects of bile extraction: tumours, organ damage, blindness, broken teeth, amputated limbs. Yet thanks to our vet and bear care teams’ expertise and their own extraordinary resilience, most bears go on to thrive.

Here, they can rediscover what it means to be a bear – playing in the grass, napping in hammocks, and climbing trees.

Asiatic black bear splashes playfully in a pool, sending water droplets flying at a wildlife sanctuary.
Rescued moon bear Sammy enjoying a splash in the pool at our Chengdu sanctuary

'It really touches the heart to see these big black bundles of fur… and know they have been saved from the most horrendous existence they had on a bear farm.'

Key facts about our Chengdu sanctuary

  • Located in Sichuan province, China
  • Home to dozens of rescued bears
  • 15 semi-natural enclosures
  • Onsite bear hospital
  • Herbal medicine garden
  • World-class bear carers and behaviouralists
  • Education Centre and guided visit program
  • Experienced local and international staff.
Asiatic black bear resting on the grass in a sanctuary, surrounded by natural greenery.
Spacious bear sanctuary filled with trees, grassy areas, and wooden play structures for rescued bears.
Asiatic black bear relaxes in a large tub, enjoying a rest in a green sanctuary setting.
Asiatic black bear walks across grassy ground in a wildlife sanctuary, alert and curious.

Inspiring change

Though not open to the public, the sanctuary welcomes a limited number of visitors each year journalists, students, researchers and school groups   who come to learn about bear bile farming and witness the bears’ recovery.

Our Education Centre features powerful displays and recovered farm equipment. We also run outreach programs, workshops and summer camps that promote bear protection and ethical alternatives to bear bile.

Every visitor leaves with a deeper understanding of what these animals endure and the hope that change is possible.