In this study, we examine the daily time budgets and activity rhythms of two female giant pandas during their lactation period using continuous recording and focal animal sampling in the Shanghai Wild Animal Park from October 2017 to March 2018. We found that maternal behavior in these two giant pandas was the main activity during the early stage of the lactation period, which accounts for 90% of all behaviors. Furthermore, genetal licking movements and maternal behavior were decreased and other non-maternal behavior such as feeding, resting, moving, grooming showed an increasing tendency across their entire lactation period. We also noticed that the two pandas showed different parental care. The maternal instinct of Qianqian was stronger than that of Sixue, which one has a prolific experience in mother-rearing. Qian qian spent more time on protecting, licking, lactation and interacting of with its cubs than did Si xue at different stages of the lactation period. In conclusion, our study provides a theoretical and scientific basis for the artificial breeding and management of captive giant pandas.