Chengdu - Panda City

27.01.09
We have stayed in Chengdu, Sichuan, from January 19th to 27th. It all started with the train ride from Lanzhou, where we had to stand on the train for twenty hours. After a trip like that we figured we should take a longer rest. We haven't regretted it so far, and we take off towards Guiyang in just a few hours.

First we have to mention our hostel; Sim's Cozy Garden Hostel. It's among the best hostels we've ever seen, with an incredible atmosphere and smiling staff. We have changed some of our books with books from their library, we've eaten excellent burgers and in general we felt at home here. I'm now sitting at the hostel's internet bar and smiling when I think back to what we have done.

We have visited a Panda Research Breeding Centre, which was very cool. They really treasure these furry bears down here, and the centre was of good quality. We've also gone to see the world's largest Buddha statue in Leshan and visited and ancient Chinese town in Huanglongxi. Other than that we've just strolled around Chengdu city, visiting parks, temples, museums and tasting Sichuanese food.

The last thing worth mentioning here is the Chinese New Year Celebration. Chinese uses a Lunar Calendar, which means they have a different year count than us in the West. In 2009 the lunar year of the ox starts on the 26th of January. And we have celebrated this, in the streets of Chengdu! Even though the reckless use of fireworks caused some concerns we had a great time with other people from the hostel. What remains now is to say Chun Jie Kuai Le, a Happy Spring Festival to all of you! (We will definitely enjoy it, continuing our travel through China)