Work is due to be started in the first half of this year to build a new breeding centre for giant pandas, near Dujianyan city.

The 1.35 million square meter centre will have the roads that run through it removed and the area will be planted with bamboo. The cost of the development is expected to be 60 Million Yuan (US$8.8).

The idea is for pandas to live in a semi natural state. Hopefully by the end of the year 5 healthy young giant pandas will be freed in the centre on a trail basis, then in 3-5 years the centre will be opened to visitors.

"The wild-life breeding center will provide space for the giant pandas, prevent infections being passed between groups and guarantee the sustainability of panda groups." said Zhang Zhihe, director of the base.