Other Guests

For some reason there were a lot of peacocks on the walkways!

A Long Breakfast

The pandas are not caged. They are given their own grounds filled with bamboo and are separated from the public by a moat and fence. Looks like they were enjoying their breakfast.

Do Not Disturb

As you near the panda’s environment, you are greeted by some cute signs like these.

Entering Panda House

As you enter you are greeted with long walkways shaded by glades of towering bamboo on either side. We went early in the morning at around 8.30, to catch the pandas during their feeding time. Apparently, they eat only in the morning.

Meeting Mr and Mrs Panda

Last weekend I visited the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. A little away from the city, it’s one of the most famous places in the world where you can see giant pandas, including the rare red types.

Spicy Life

After Kuangzai I went to have some of my favorite cold noodles. These are the most common ingredients in cold noodles. Clockwise from above, MSG, vinegar, something similar to soy sauce, salt, chopped green spring onions, soy sauce, stir fried onion bits, chopped red chillies and a red chilli sauce. Spicyyy!! And extremely delicious!

A Long Smoke

This man was smoking an amazingly long pipe. On the right is a closer look at his wares.

Standing Still

Much like the guards of London, this guy was standing stock still surrounded by people clicking his photo. But London wins, because after a few minutes he “came alive,” jabbering something in Chinese.

Visiting Kuangzai

I also visited another reconstructed ancient town named Kuangzai Xiangzi and I liked this much more than Jinli Jie. The streets here were filled with shops, food and drink just like Jinli but this place had a far better feel to it. This woman was selling popular “shou kou” or small snacks. Some are steamed,...

Hugging Trees in Winter

In an age where trees are felled regularly and nature receives the worst treatment at our hands, this was a heartwarming sight once I learnt the reason. I asked my Chinese friend why these trees were wrapped with cloth. She said it was to protect them from the harsh cold of the winter and they...

Wedding Snapshots

The most interesting sight in Chunxi Lu was the various Wedding Photography shops that were lined up. The Chinese have a process where the bride and the groom shoot pictures in different clothes before the wedding. These pictures are then compiled as a wedding album. This is one of the most important steps before a...

Shop Till You Drop

Last weekend I went to Chunxi Lu, which is supposed to be THE place to visit for shopping. A Chengdu tourist brochure that I have says that “if New York has Times Square, Chengdu has Chunxi Lu.” I wandered through the glitzy malls that sold high-priced brands and some of the other shops that had...