MY
travel Giant panda
Chengdu Ancient Town
THEY’RE RIGHT, CHENGDU IS NOT JUST PANDAS Exotic food and intriguing architecture, plus the promise of seeing pandas up close, make Chengdu one of China’s fastest growing tourist towns. WORDS: Richard Lawson, AAP.
T
ourism officials in China’s Sichuan province like to say there’s more to Chengdu than just pandas. In Australia, that’d be like saying there’s more to Dubbo than its famous open-range zoo. But truth be told there’s something to the Sichuan marketing campaign, and it seems to be working. Chengdu was one of the world’s fastestgrowing destinations for international visitors in 2016, helped by The New York Times recommending it as one of it 52 places to go in 2015. It’s also a United Nations city of gastronomy.
Tang Dynasty poet Li Bai labelled the ancient capital of Sichuan province in China’s south-west the “pleasant city”, describing it as a “paradise-like and beautiful place”. Modern-day Chinese, especially those from the north, reckon Chengdu is a place people – especially their working children – never leave once they move there. Today, the city is one of the country’s most important economic, technology and innovations hubs and home to 14.5 million people. Fortunately, it also retains the historic, cultural and gastronomic charms that make
it so appealing as a tourist destination. But you can’t discuss Chengdu’s appeal without talking about the pandas, despite what a hard-bitten colleague thinks. “They’re just good-looking sloths,” she says as we prepare for a guided tour of the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. An hour or so later, after seeing pandas of varying age, most going about their daily business in natural habitat settings, she’s changed her tune. “Okay, I’m won over.” She’s not alone. Hundreds of thousands of Chinese and international visitors come to the open-air sanctuary each year to see a national and global treasure whose numbers in the wild have dwindled to fewer than 2000. The stunningly-beautiful 67-hectare park is a favourite with locals who use it for weekend walks. So too is Renmin Park – known locally as the People’s Park – famous for its popular tea houses and where you’ll find locals playing cards, doing tai chi, dancing or squawking karaoke. More sedate is the 1300-year old residence of poet Du Fu and its classical Chinese gardens on the banks of Huanhau Brook. Chengdu’s ancient streets are a reminder of a history that dates back to 220 BC. Jinli Street was restored in 2004 in an effort to return it to its former glory. Many shopkeepers and street merchants continue to dress in a traditional Sichuan style as they fuse the modern elements of Chengdu with ancient custom and design. In the evening, the street is illuminated
by rows of Chinese lanterns and a public stage showcases performances of Sichuan opera and shows of shadow puppets. The food stalls – with their gastronomic delights on display – provide gweilos with an insight of Chengdu fast-food eating habits, including roasted rabbit heads, pig snouts and chicken feet. Hot pot, synonymous with Sichuan, abounds in Chengdu. For novice westerners think spicy fondue – a vat of boiling hot broth in the middle of the table into which portions of meat, fish and vegetables are placed. Large napkins are mandatory. Chengdu’s locality is an ideal entry/exit point for Australians heading to China for a holiday or as a side trip on its own from Hong Kong, Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar. So keen are Sichuan tourism officials to attract visitors, residents of more than 50 nations, including Australia, can take advantage of a 72-hour visa-free transit policy. That’s more than enough time to see the pandas. The writer travelled to Chengdu with a media delegation sponsored by the Chinese People’s Institute of Foreign Affairs.
IF YOU GO: GETTING THERE Sichuan Airlines has flights from Sydney (Tuesday and Friday) with 12.5 hours travel time. STAYING THERE Because of its reputation as China’s high-tech business hub, high-end accommodation options have increased rapidly. A room at the five-star Grand Hyatt will set you back about $230 a night. More affordable options from about $120. THE MAIN ATTRACTION Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding: 10 kilometres from downtown; travel options by bus, metro or cheap taxis; open daily from 7.30am to 6pm (best time between 9–10am when pandas are having breakfast); admission price $12 adults; children under 1.3 metres are free.
Penny’s TOURS
CHINA IN AUTUMN
Tour Departs 16th Oct - 27th Oct 2018.
$
4995
Per person, twin share.
($900 single supplement) Includes return transfers from Sunshine Coast to Brisbane & Return flights with China Southern Airlines (Price Inc. Taxes)
HIGHLIGHTS OF TAIWAN Tour Departs 1st Nov - 12th Nov 2018
$
3995
Per person, twin share.
($1150 single supplement) Includes return transfers from Sunshine Coast to Brisbane & Return flights with Eva Air (Price Inc. Taxes)
2018/2019 Sightseeing Tours
NEW ZEALAND
GARDEN TOUR Tour Departs 21st Nov - 2nd Dec 2018
$
5350
Per person, twin share.
SRI LANKA 2019 Tour Departs 5th Apr - 15th Apr 2019
$
3995
Per person, twin share.
($1280 single supplement) ($900 single supplement) Includes return transfers from Sunshine Includes Airport Taxes - Airport taxes/levies Coast to Brisbane & Return Flights Inc. are subject to change until fully ticketed Taxes (taxes subject to change) Tour prices are valid for travel in 2019.
Please contact, Penny Hegarty 07 5441 2814 | 0416 028 787 penny.hegarty@gmail.com 38 My Weekly Preview | March 2, 2018
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