Pandas, pandas, pandas- they’re everywhere once you arrive in Chengdu; every shop window, cars, merchandise and even graffiti.
The giant pandas are not only a Chinese national treasure but are also beloved by people all around the world. They are found only in Sichuan, Shaanxi and Gansu provinces. In total there are fewer than 2,000, of which 70% are distributed within the territory of Sichuan Province. Therefore, when visitors come to Chengdu, one of their main objectives will be to see this lovely animal.
Located just 10km away from downtown, the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding has been created and imitated the natural habitat in order that they might have the best possible environment for rearing and breeding. 
We went to see them on the early Saturday morning, when 6am alarm made me think twice. But like every other morning, putting a little battle with myself, downing a cup of not so good chinese coffee and I’m up and running again.
First thing to catch your eye is a Kung Fu panda at the entrance. At that very minute my senses awaken and smile went from one ear to another- I’m ready to see those pandas! And oh my world, they’re fluffy and super cute slash lazy as you never seen it before. Totally won my sympathy.
At present, holding a cub to take photos is not allowed due to the earlier canine distemper accident happened in Xian. I’m not saying that I was ready to pay $300 for one minute cuddle but not gonna lie, I was considering it.
New information I’ve learned about pandas was that they all belong to China and it lends them to zoos around the world, charging a million dollars per year, for a minimum of 10 years contract. I mean, hello, that’s a sweet numbers we talking about.
Best time to visit is around 9am, as it’s their feeding time, hence they’re most active. Later on, you will only see them snoring in trees.
Admission fee is 58CNY ($9/£6), half price for students.
How to get there:
From North Railway Station:
Take bus no. 9 (2CNY) to Dong Wu Yuan Bus Station, and then change to bus 198 or 198A (2CNY) to Panda museum.
Leshans Giant Buddha
We took a day trip from Chengdu, China and headed off to Leshan to check out both the biggest Buddha in the World (another UNESCO world heritage site). We thought of going there early in the morning as to any other attraction in China, but since decision was made on taking a boat instead of climbing around, it didn’t matter what time we get there. By this way, we won’t be able to enter the scenic area, hence saving the admission fee.
Buddha was stupendously big and breathtaking! It made me question if it’s really man made. He’s 80m tall and it’s hard to squeeze it to your photos even from far away.
How to get there:
To see a Leshan Buddha, you need to get to Leshan city first, which is 2hours away from Chengdu and cost 45CNY ($). Get the bus at Xinnanmen Bus station and once you reach Leshan, change it to bus no 13 (1CNY) to Big buddha. To appreciate the Buddha by boat, get off at the port, which is one stop before Buddha. Boat ticket cost 70CNY ($)
You can also visit Wenshu Monastery in northern Chengdu which has free entry and a cute teahouse next door. I you go in the afternoon it is likely you’ll find yourself wondering alone without waiting for ten minutes for a perfect picture. Once you get inside, it feels calm and quiet, a relief from noises of a busy city.
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