The giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) is endemic to China and is a flagship for wildlife protection. Changes in panda population numbers reflect population dynamics in real-time, and also provide direct information about panda distribution and habitat. Panda population numbers are a basic requirement for giant panda resource surveys, and ensure the effective implementation of conservation measures. This paper reviews the progress of panda population survey methods, including the Direct Counting Method, the Mathematical Model, Distance-Bamboo Stem Fragments Method, and the Molecular Biology Method. In addition, we discuss new methods, such as camera-trapping and the Footprint Identification Technique, used to investigate populations of wild pandas in recent years. This paper reviews possible problems with traditional methods, and examines the prospects for the application of new methods in the future. Suggestions and prospects are proposed for future research into wild populations of giant pandas.