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2 Days in Chengdu

20/11/2016

35 Comments

 
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Chengdu is in the Sichuan province of China around 1.5 hour's flight from Xi'an and is probably most famous for the Giant Panda Breeding Research Base, but it is also full of other unexpected surprises.

Now, I don’t know about you, but when we first heard of this City, we thought it would be small, maybe in the middle of nowhere, perhaps a bit rural; we didn’t even think there would be cash point machines so we made sure we had enough currency in our wallets just in case we ran out.

We couldn’t have been more wrong!

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Out of all of the cities we had visited on our 18 day tour of China, Chengdu was definitely the most opulent! It’s a cosmopolitan Chinese metropolis which includes multiple ring roads and colossal malls with international high end brand-name stores. We stayed at the Yinhe Dynasty Hotel on a street filled with shops selling gold bars, the wealth in these shops was so great, there were security guards on every door.
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Gold bars in a shop window
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Anyone want to buy a gold Buddha statue?
We were told that not so long ago, the government pulled down all the old buildings and “re-branded” the city for investors which is why it has become a place of designer shops, skyscrapers and corporate industries such as IBM, Dell and Apple.
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As mentioned, Chengdu is in the Sichuan Province and Sichuan food is known for being spicy yet flavoursome with Sichuan pepper and chillies used in almost every dish. Out of all the provinces, this was the one Sy was looking forward to because he loves spicy food and yes, one dish made his face numb so he was a happy man! Most of the food was rather tasty and we enjoyed a lovely stew of some sort at our hotel, although, I have to confess that we were unsure what the meat actually was; we think it may have been horse because it was lean and rather yummy but also next to it was a sign showing “marinated assmeat”!
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​Jin Li Street & Kuan Zai Alley


If you are a fan of the Hollywood movie “Kung Fu Panda 2”, you should definitely check out the next two historic areas as they were both an inspiration for the film, you won’t be able to watch the movie again without being reminded of your time here!
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Does your local "Starbucks" coffee shop look as beautiful as this?
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A relaxed way of travelling around Jin Li Street
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​Jin Li Street is a place to observe local culture and soak up a bit of history. It has traditional wooden tea houses but doubles as a market where you can buy various handicrafts and food. The buildings were lovely and ornate, red lanterns adorned the outside for that quintessential Chinese look. 


​​We enjoyed mooching around but decided to find a small bar where we could sit, have a drink and soak up the atmosphere whilst people-watching. I’m not sure who was watching who though – people didn’t just stare at us, they stopped in their tracks to look at the aliens sipping beer and cocktails.

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Making friends with the locals!

​Kuan Zai Ally actually consists of three parallel alleys from the Qing dynasty which are commonly known as “Wide and Narrow Alley”. Ancient-look style buildings, beautiful handicrafts and traditional Sichuan snacks make this a very attractive part of the city to visit. Although the buildings look authentic, 85% have actually been built to look as they would in their prime, it’s a classic example of new imitating the old. 
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​Face Changing performance

If you are in Chengdu, it’s worth visiting the infamous “Face Changing Show” which, in reality, a small section of Sichuan opera, an important part of Chengdu culture and a mix of the old and new.
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The show lasts for 90 minutes and I didn’t know what to expect so to begin with, it felt rather random and in truth, not all of it held my attention. It isn’t a traditional opera but an “entertainment” variety show with performances incorporating Chinese opera, puppetry, quirky clown acts, even fire spitting! The dance sequences were just so beautiful with romantic floaty costumes, amazing lazer effects and it even rained on the stage!  
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The quirky clown act
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Can you see the rain on the stage?
​The finale of the Opera is the face changing section which was spectacular! I studied closely as they literally changed the masks on their faces in a split second over and over again. In one or two scenes they even changed their entire outfit as well as the mask! This is a show with spectacular visuals, stunning costumes and Chinese entertainment at its finest. WOW is all I can say – what a fantastic show! The secret of the face changers is a highly guarded and is even well protected by government rules!
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Pandas – No.1 tick off on my bucket list

I adore pandas. It’s as simple as that. Top of my bucket list had always been to cuddle a panda and there I was, on a special birthday about to achieve my lifetime ambition!
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Visiting the Giant Panda Breeding Research Base was the absolute highlight of our trip to China, in fact, it was the reason why I wanted to be here for my special birthday! This is the world’s largest Panda breeding and research base where scientists study and breed both giant pandas and red panda’s which are their lesser-known raccoon-like red cousins.
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There were about 30 pandas and plenty of enclosures to wander around and observe them sleeping, eating, or if you’re lucky, playing and tumbling around (we weren’t lucky!). There is also an incubator room which have pandas ranging from newborn up to 6 months. 
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We watched a 20 minute video on panda facts and finished in the souvenir shop where I tried on some ridiculous hats and mittens – it had to be done!
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For the panda interaction, we had to make a “donation” of 2,000 Yuan (about £200/$323 USD) which also included a DVD, t-shirt, sturdy bag, book, “donation” certificate and a framed photo. Unfortunately, this base stopped offering the option to hug a panda back in 2014 so I am glad I was able to do this whilst I could!
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To find out more about my amazing experience, have a read of “Panda-moniem in Chengdu” – I may be biaised, but it’s really worth reading!

​If you are travelling around China and Asia, we recommend you check bus, boat and train schedules ahead of time with 12Go Asia website. You can also book your tickets in advance online (as we did) to save time and hassle.

Are you considering a trip to China and love pandas? Will you add Chengdu to your list? Let me know in the comments below, I would love to hear your thoughts.
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Disclaimer: This post contains some affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, it won't cost you any extra, the small commission we may earn will help support the FeetDoTravel community.
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Chengdu in China is full of surprises! This opulent city has much more to offer than just Giant Panda's so read how we spent our 2 days here.
​Travelling around China and need more inspiration? Read these related posts!

China - The Country That Blew Me Away
10 Places Our Feet Travelled in Beijing
The Great Wall of China - More Than Just Bricks
2 Days in Xian
​Panda-monium in Chengdu
​3 Days in Guilin & Yangshuo
2 Days in Shanghai

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35 Comments
Anna link
30/11/2016 09:10:32 am

I want to go to Chengdu so bad someday - and yes, for the pandas! But also because I love spicy food and want to eat Sichuan cuisine in the region. I'm so jealous though that you got to hug a panda, but it's probably for the best that they're no longer offering it! One of my mom's best friends's son worked in the panda house in the Beijing Zoo, and I got to feed a toddler panda, and it was like the highlight of my life!

And yes, those face changing performances are amazing! I've seen some random carnival ones (not like at a real show) and even those are amaziiiing. I have no idea how they can change *that* fast!

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FeetDoTravel
1/12/2016 11:46:24 am

If you like spicy food and pandas Anna, Chengdu is perfect for you! We can't wait to return and volunteer some day with them, got to keep pandas top of my bucket list somehow! The face changing is incredible, we were hypnotised at the speed and kept trying to work out how they did it - but I prefer not knowing and keeping the mystery as something "magic" :-)

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Van link
30/11/2016 05:08:31 pm

Haha marinated ass meat certainly seems interesting :D But what an amazing experience it must be to cuddle with pandas! And how lucky you were! Do you know why they stopped offering it?

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FeetDoTravel
1/12/2016 11:53:48 am

Haha, yes the ass meat - it was rather tasty though and we didn't let the name put us off - we were in China after all :-) I believe they stopped offering panda experiences to protect the giant pandas from canine distemper infection. There are two other bases which currently offer a panda experience but they will periodically stop this for the same reason as well.

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Tracy McConnachie Collins link
30/11/2016 09:45:15 pm

I can't wait to visit China and am now adding Chengdu to our itinerary! Would love to cuddle the pandas 🐼 but to see the face changing show would be amazing too! #wanderfulwednesday

Ps gold bars to buy?!? Wow

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FeetDoTravel
1/12/2016 12:12:28 pm

This is music to my ears - someone who would like to add Chengdu to their intinerary - fantastic! To see pandas and the face changing, well, you will have an amazing time. Haha, yes gold bars to buy - who would have thought that would have been available on the high street??!!

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Erin Gustafson @OregonGirlAroundtheWorld link
1/12/2016 12:45:19 pm

Yes - I think I would have also been shocked by the opulence of the town. Looks amazing. And baby pandas - stop it! Great pictures as always. Thanks for linking with #FarawayFiles - cheers from Denmark, Erin

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FeetDoTravel
4/12/2016 12:47:18 pm

This City certainly was a shocker, and it's just so big, we didn't expect that either. Baby pandas are wonderful aren't they, I could look at them all day! Thank you for taking the time to read and comment, it's much appreciated.

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Rachel ¦¦ A Nesting Nomad link
1/12/2016 01:11:50 pm

Wow, what a fascinating place to visit. Definitely an activity for everyone, even those who like ass meat! Ha. That picture of you cuddling a panda is adorable, it's a shame they stopped although I'm sure they had good reason to. I'd love to try real Sichuan food and those old alleyways look so atmospheric. I might pass on the gold buddha though :)

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FeetDoTravel
4/12/2016 12:49:20 pm

If you like spicy food, Sichuan is the place to visit and even if you don't, it's still gorgeous! The alleyways are atmospheric aren't they, so quaint to wander around. Are you sure you don't want to buy a gold buddah :-)

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Lauren link
2/12/2016 01:11:02 pm

OMG you're hugging a panda... that's literally my dream hahah .. they look like huge stuffed animals! This looks like such an amazing 2 days! So many fun activities. Those gold shops look so luxurious and the opera looks like so much fun :D

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FeetDoTravel
4/12/2016 12:52:05 pm

Ha ha yes the pandas do look like huge stuffed animals don't they or big cuddly teddy bears. It was an amazing 2 days I have to admit, such an interesting place to visit.

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Clare (Suitcases and Sandcastles) link
2/12/2016 01:52:54 pm

Wow! I'm speechless - gold bars in shop windows, baby pandas and Sichuan Opera. You've given me so many reasons to visit Chengdu, Angie. Thanks so much for sharing this on #FarawayFiles

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FeetDoTravel
4/12/2016 12:55:08 pm

Yes Clare, there are definitely many reasons to visit Chengdu and it's a place that's worth adding onto your list if you are in China, I recommend it!

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Stephanie (1AdventureTraveler) link
2/12/2016 02:45:11 pm

Wow, can't believe all the wealth in Chengdu and being so metropolitan. Jin Li street looks like my kind of street that shows local culture. Lol, you are so right about the alien part. My next trip to China will be there and to the Panda breeding Research Base. I will pin this for later. Love your photos and thanks for sharing :-)

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Anna Schlaht link
2/12/2016 02:48:14 pm

So I must admit, China hasn't been on our travel list in any capacity. I'm not sure why that is; I think we just have so many other places we'd rather go first. However, I've always been SO INTRIGUED by Chinese history ... and Chengdu looks full of it! Your pictures are super convincing. :) I love all the colors, the old buildings, and the Opera looks like an incredible experience. So fun, Angie! I'm also super happy to see you got to hug a panda. How cool is that! The babies are so cute!

Oh man, if you aren't careful, you may inspire us to go visit another place with your blog posts. ;) Thanks for sharing!

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Katy Clarke link
2/12/2016 05:20:46 pm

Awww pandas! Chengdu looks fascinating - culture, history, yummy food. Just my kind of place. Loving your China adventures - thanks for sharing with us on #FarawayFiles

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Elizabeth Georgian link
2/12/2016 05:25:20 pm

I completely agree that seeing pandas in Chengdu would be the best experience ever. It is also cool they have red pandas -- I'd love to see them one day! #citytripping

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Paul and Carole link
2/12/2016 06:34:20 pm

What an incredible experience cuddling a Panda, priceless! The show looked interesting too. Chengdu looks a fascinating place to visit, China I must admit has not been high on our wish list but you may be changing our minds! A really great post.

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Marcella ~ WhatAWonderfulWorld link
3/12/2016 11:17:53 am

Wow, this really is such a unique place to visit! I don't like I've heard of anywhere like this!

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Anisa link
3/12/2016 02:56:57 pm

I really would love to spend more time in China exploring other cities. It really is a fascinating culture plus I love the markets and the pandas. The Face Changing Show sounds like a great experience too. I would never have known about Chengdu, if it weren't for you. Thanks for sharing on #TheWeeklyPostcard.

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Ruth link
4/12/2016 03:19:43 am

Cool post as always! I have seen travel shows based on Chengdu. Seems like they have an unique and varied gastronomy. I would not mind visiting the pandas but would not miss the opportunity to eat some good food. #TheWeeklyPostcard

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FeetDoTravel
4/12/2016 01:16:53 pm

I had never heard of Chengdu before but would have loved to have watched a travel show on this city. The pandas are definitely it's biggest attraction but the food really is something special so if you do get a chance to visit, I'm sure you will enjoy it.

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SamH Travels link
4/12/2016 10:46:49 am

I really enjoyed reading this post. I was astounded by the gold bars in the window! Loved the name of the meat haha. I am glad you got to tick something off your bucket list on a special birthday - that is truly a wonderful experience :-)

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FeetDoTravel
4/12/2016 01:32:47 pm

The gold bars are jaw dropping aren't they, we couldn't believe it either! For a special birthday, it was a fabulous place to visit and I'm so glad it exceeded our expectations.

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Jim ~ ReflectionsEnroute link
4/12/2016 11:19:05 am

Chengdu is up there on my list. I love spicy food, too. There might just be a bowl of marinated ass meat stew in future!

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FeetDoTravel
4/12/2016 01:24:58 pm

If you love your spicy food, you will love Chengdu, and who doesn't want marinated ass meat on the plate?! I hope you get a chance to visit and enjoy!

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David link
4/12/2016 04:32:07 pm

I'd never really seen anything before about Chengdu so this was a nice introduction. I like the look of those historic streets and all for reconstruction/renovation of those places to look authentic even if they aren't. Sichuan food is really interesting, the first time I had the chilli I was stunned that it numbed my tongue! The performance and opera looks appropriately dramatic. Not surprised to see a few panda photos in here ;)

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Lisa link
4/12/2016 07:01:49 pm

Who doesn't love a Panda?! That alone I would go. I was not familiar with this area so I learned a lot from this post. Amazing how they transformed the area and attracted a wealthier clientele and more upscale places and shops. I would enjoy the old areas too just for the culture value. Thanks for sharing another part of your wonderful China adventure!

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Kreete link
7/12/2016 10:59:43 pm

Isn't it funny how sometimes places turn out to be completely different to what we had envisioned? I can't believe they have gold bars on the windows. Were they for sale? :D That's crazy! And the marinated ass meat made me laugh out loud haha! Some of the translations I have seen have been hilarious. I would love to see the show and enjoy Chinese entertainment like you guys did and well done on ticking off the panda encounter off the bucket list! A bit expensive for me and I am actually glad they don't let you cuddle them anymore. I took a photo with a koala that I always wanted to do and now feel bad ha!

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Travel Lexx link
8/12/2016 08:49:36 am

Chengdu looks like an awesome place. The performance looks fascinating and I've heard a lot of good things about the face changing stuff! The street food just made me drool and the Starbucks looks so cool! And of course pandas!!! So so cute! Thanks for sharing!

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Lauren link
8/12/2016 02:05:51 pm

Chengdu looks incredible! I love their culture already - its quirky and fascinating.

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Andrea on Vacation link
8/12/2016 04:55:35 pm

I was in Chengdu for 2 weeks during my masters program at college. My Chengdu was definitely more smoggy and gloomy but the pandas were soooooooo amazing! Definitely one of the coolest experiences. #feetdotravel

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JENN
9/12/2016 03:07:25 am

Wow! What a great looking place! I love that they knocked down the old buildings to modernize the city. More than that, I love the pandas! Oh my goodness, they are so sweet!! I'm pretty jealous that you got to cuddle one! What an amazing experience!!

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Sandy N Vyjay link
11/12/2016 08:47:31 am

Chengdu looks full of promise of a great time. There is apparently so much to see and experience. But for me the Panda experience seems to be the tops :)

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