China is expected to build the world's largest giant panda museum in Chengdu, the capital of southwestern Sichuan Province, an official of the Chengdu Giant Panda Breeding and Research Base said Sunday (May 8th).

The 5,000-centiare museum, named China Giant Panda Museum, will be located in the breeding and research base, the official said.

The management of the base has decided on the design of the museum after reviewing designs submitted by domestic and overseas designers.

The museum will serve as a venue for promoting awareness about giant panda protection and the relevant knowledge of giant pandas as a rare species, the official said.

A similar museum was built in the Wolong Giant Panda Nature Reserve in the province in 2002.

As one of the most ancient and endangered species, giant panda is called "national gem" in China. The total population of wild giant pandas at large worldwide stands at about 1,500, dwelling in high mountain areas of China.

China built its first natural preserve for giant pandas and started to ban poaching in the 1950s. The pandas have been placed under state protection in the past 43 years since 1962.

Editor: Wing