Chengdu: Go Big or Go Home, Giant Pandas and Leshan Giant Buddha

After three splendid days in Shangri-La, Lizzy and I were dragging our feet as we boarded our plane to Chengdu.  Without saying it, we knew that our most charmed days were behind us and we were about to take on the major sightseeing.  We laughed as we buckled our seatbelts; after having told EVERYONE in Shangri-La that they would never meet anyone from Montana, the man sitting behind us confesses he is from Bozeman.  Small world.

Since we arrived in Chengdu at about 11pm and did not want to bother with taxis or public transportation, we arranged for our hostel, Mr. Panda, to pick us up.  It was a nice service but we later learned that finding a taxi was simple and less than half the cost.  FYI.

Lizzy and I visiting the pandas!

We had also decided that we would visit the Chengdu Panda Base that next morning.  Even though wearrived at Mr. Panda’s Hostel at about midnight to check-in, we were able to reserve our spots in the van for the next day. Mr. Panda was waiting for us in the lobby to welcome us and make sure we did not have any questions!  He gave us two Cokes for the morning - he knew we'd be a bit sleepy!  Very thoughtful.

I was beside myself with excitement that we were going to visit the Panda Base that has both Giant Pandas and Red Pandas, also, sadly, known as the “Lesser Panda.”  The red panda is actually a relative of the raccoon but it’s still adorable and not inferior in any way.

We left the hostel at 7:30am and headed to Panda Paradise.  It is best to visit the Pandas as early as possible since they are most active during their feedings.  Our guide/driver only spoke limited English but he handled the morning exceptionally as he whisked us through the gate at a rapid pace and over to where this guy was enjoying his breakfast.

After viewing the first panda for a few minutes, we headed to another area where a family of pandas was hanging out, enjoying bamboo – it must be good considering the average panda eats about 38 kilograms (84 pounds) of bamboo a day!

Hold yourself up, buddy!

It is believed that there are as many as 3000 and as few as 1000 pandas left in the wild, living in the mountains in western China.

This panda was my favorite, looks like he has a bamboo cigar!!!

Scientists often debate whether the panda is in fact a bear or part of the raccoon family.  It seems that the Giant Panda is, in fact, a member of the bear family.  The red panda (unrelated) is part of the raccoon family.  Unfortunately, we only saw two red pandas that day and were too far away for good photos.  Here's a picture from the National Zoo in Washington, D.C.:

Red Panda - pretty cute!

We only spent about 4 hours at the panda base in Chengdu but it made for one of my favorite mornings.  The pandas were more active due to the weather being a little chilly and overcast.  Our guide knew exactly where to take us so we didn't waste any time figuring out where to go!

Lounging and eating, I like this panda's style.

I must note that there are options to volunteer (you must pay a fee to volunteer, of course) to feed the pandas and spend a whole day at the base.  Information is available through the local hostels or on the base's website (see link above).   There is also a program where you can pay to hold a baby panda and be photographed but it was out of my budget.  Once again, information is available on the base's site.  

I highly recommend a visit to the Chengdu Panda Base to get acquainted with one of China's National Treasures!


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Leshan Giant Buddha

Lizzy and I visiting The Leshan Giant Buddha

For our second Chengdu adventure, we teamed up with Amit and Amar, two Canadian brothers traveling through China that we had met at the Panda Base.  It was decided that we would visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Mount Emei Scenic Area and check out this Giant Buddha that we had read so much about in our guidebooks.  

First look at the Giant Buddha

Mr. Panda advised us to take a taxi to the bus station and take the public bus out to Leshan.  He felt it was unnecessary for us to pay for a guide and he was right, we were able to navigate the bus system and make it to Leshan for less than $20!  

The Giant Buddha was huge and it is the largest stone buddha in the world!  Wow.  

Lizzy and I at the foot of the Buddha!

Construction of the Giant Buddha began during the Tang Dynasty (618 - 907AD).  The Buddha sits with the Minjiang, Dadu and Qingyi Rivers at his feet.  It is believed that the Buddha was built to calm the waters as it was a place where numerous boat accidents had taken place.  

Convergence of the Minjiang, Dadu, and Qingyi Rivers

The Leshan Giant Buddha has enjoyed a UNESCO World Heritage Site designation since 1996.

The Mount Emei Scenic Area was also home to various other attractions and we decided to explore the Wuyu Temple.  It was also possible to take a ferry or speed boat on the river to view the Giant Buddha but that service was available across the river.  If you have your heart set on viewing the Giant Buddha by boat, please do your research!!!

Wuyu Temple

It was an awesome day exploring another one of China's UNESCO World Heritage Sites!  

Overall, Chengdu was simple to navigate and it will only get better as their subway system is still under construction.  The line that was open, conveniently connected us to points we needed during our stay.  Chengdu is famous for it's Tea Houses in People's Square and for it's Sichuan Cuisine.  Hot Pots are popular and be ready for some spice!  

Natalie