Beijing has signed agreements to build a conservation base for giant pandas in the city's southwestern district Fangshan, aiming for new technological breakthroughs in the rare animal's breeding.

The Beijing panda base under the China Conservation and Research Center for Giant Panda will be located at Qinglonghu town, occupying 133 hectares. It will be built into a demonstration base with the integrating functions of giant panda breeding, scientific research and education.

A cute panda leaning against the tree [Photo via tuchong.com]

According to the city's authorities, Qinglonghu town has the excellent ecological environment for the ex-situ conservation of giant pandas, which will effectively expand the living space of giant pandas.

The base will also give full play to Beijing's advantages in scientific research, talents and other resources to help make new technological breakthroughs in giant panda breeding, rescue and other aspects.

Zou Jinsong, Party chief of Fangshan, said that a headquarters has been established to promote the construction work, and the panda's houses and animal hospital are expected to start being built by the end of the year and to be in full operation by the end of 2024.