Shanewilson's travel blogs:
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Giant Pandas
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Holly's Hostel here in Chengdu is probably one of the best accommodations I've stayed in here in China, despite it being a budget accommodation. The hostel has a fantastic feel to it, all of the conveniences a traveller needs, and an outdoor setting great for relaxing and unwinding from the vigours of overland travel through China. But the showers are very temperamental... going from very cold to very hot!
The main reason for choosing this overland tour from Beijing to Kunming was to visit the Giant Pandas here in Chengdu. And I wasn't disappointed - the Giant Panda Research Centre here in Chengdu has dedicated itself to increasing the ever-decreasing number of Giant Pandas here in China and around the world. At the moment, there are only 1160 Giant Pandas left... 160 of which are housed in the centre. I didn't realise that the situation was so desperate, and it's great that the Chinese government has pumped huge amounts of money into protecting the species. The Giant Panda will be one of the mascots for the Beijing Olympics. It would be tragic if this species became extinct, and I am so fortunate that I've had an opportunity to visit them. The guide informed me that the centre is succeeding in tackling the difficult task of breeding more pandas. The pandas are absolutely beautiful, and I do hope the photos do the panda justice - definitely a highlight of being here in China.
Talking about Beijing 2008 - the Olympics are everywhere, including clothing and souvenirs for sale, an official countdown etc (840 days last count... they start on 8.8.08 - make sure you try to get a large TV screen for the opening ceremony - from what I've seen here, the opening ceremony will be beyond anything we've seen before). Before hitting the bars, the group was treated to a cultural show in one of the theatres downtown. The show was outstanding... consisting of a range of shows within the one including Sichuan opera, changing masks, comedy, a solo violinist which really capitivated me, a table juggler (using her feet!!!), stick puppets etc. This tour has provided me with such a fantastic overview of China, and I can recommend it to anyone who has limited time here in China.
After the show, the group went to Carol's Bar along one of the touristy walking streets. We had much needed pizza and whisky... a welcome retreat from the often warm, cheap and nasty beer we've been having over the last month or so. Definitely a great feel to the night, with everyone letting their hair down after a very busy 2 weeks. This group has turned out to be quite good - I've been lucky with the groups bar 1 person:) John has just informed me that I get my own room on the next tour... due to start in 2 days which does a circle route from Kunming to Kunming through Tiger Leaping Gorge. I've enjoyed Chengdu - it's been really great to relax and see a selection of things that make this place a 'must do' on the Chinese overland route.
In a couple of hours, the group heads off for our final train journey of this 14 day tour... Chengdu to Kunming which will take about 21 hours. Mora and I are going to treat ourselves to more whisky on what should be a mammoth journey. More thumbnails ...
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