Chengdu « Liam & Kath's Honeymoon

Pandas and Buddhas

October 22nd, 2009 by admin

So today was a big day in the schedule for us. A visit to Chengdu meant a chance to see two of the biggest draws on our trip; Giant Pandas and the Giant Buddha at Leshan.

We started with a drive out to the Panda Sanctuary in Chengdu and rushed in early as this is when the pandas are most active. By the time we left at 11.30am most of the Pandas were retiring indoors to the air conditioning (the tempature was really starting to pick up by then), but in that time we had seen the Pandas wandering around and playing with each other. They have a number of Giant Pandas ranging from big fully grown ones right through to 2 month old ones. The very little one was still in her incubator fast asleep and some other young ones were in a play pen also asleep (seems to be a running theme). The slightly older ones (about 1 year) were quite active crawling about and playing with each other.
The other type of Pandas in the sanctuary were Red Pandas. Now we’ve seen Red Pandas before at Cotswold Wildlife Park (they were the highlight of Kath’s Dunmore School trip every year), but these were very different. They were active and playful and quick, which was great to see and we got some great photos.
Then we had one last look at the Giant Pandas before setting off on the two hour drive to Leshan to see the Giant Buddha.

Over lunch we had a decision to make, go see the Buddha up close and walk around him or go on a boat ride and see him fully as well as the mountain which is shaped like a lying Buddha. The group split into two with our guide Robert taking the boat with Annie, and Liam and I getting up close.
We climbed the steps up to the head and it’s an amazing site. The narrow old stone staircase which takes you the 72m to his feet was busy, but moving so we headed for that. With each turn you get a new perspective of the Buddha, and at the bottom looking up you can really take in how huge this carving is. There is still a used temple on the site so after we made our way back up the other side (and after an ice cream stop) we wandered through there on our way back to meet Robert and Annie. It’s a beautiful, relaxing place despite the crowds and I’m really pleased we took the option to get out and walk.

The day was finished with a Hot Pot Dinner Chinese style. You each get an individual pot bubbling away and then using the herbs, spices and oils you make a dip. Back at you table there is a variety of meats and vegetables which you put into you boiling vat. When you’re happy the meat is cooked (which was about 40 minutes in for the Chicken), you dip in your dip and that’s it. It’s a pretty simple concept, but one I think could be very popular back home. We gobbled the lot and headed out straight away to watch another show. This time we saw shadow puppets and the face changing guys with the addition of fire breathing! Traditional shows seem to be very popular over here, for both the tourists and the Chinese and each city has it’s own version.

Haunglong Pools and on to Chengdu

October 21st, 2009 by admin

Early morning drive to Huanglong to see another scenic park there. The trip involved a long drive and half way there we were warned of altitude sickness as the drive would include a mountain road as high as 4000 metres! As I write this we are sat at the side of the road after turning back due to the back of our van sliding out while driving along and hitting some ice. We all (including Gerry) made the decision that it was too dangerous as we would have to take this road again to get to the airport later today. A lot of the cars ahead of us were sliding and I think we made the right decision.
So now we are on our way to a local town to do some sightseeing and some shopping Tibetan style.

As it turns out, it was great. There were lots of small shops selling little bits, plenty of photos to take. It felt very untouristy, which was nice and we were the only westerners in town. We wandered up to the temple and took some pictures over the town and listerned to the singing/chanting.

Afterwards we made our way to another small town for our Tibetan lunch, which involved yet more Yak meat and this time some Pork. Pretty nice. Once we’d wandered around a place which sells Jade and other stones beautifully carved to kill an hour we were off to the airport. The flight was delayed for an hour, which made the day drag on, but eventually we boarded the plane set for Chengdu.

On arrival in Chengdu, once we found our guide (Robert), we made our way to a resturant for something to eat before heading off to the hotel. Our room is huge; it has two toilets and two TVs (the TVs are in the bedroom and lounge, not the toilets). Tomorrow is another big day with the Pandas and the Giant Buddha.