Today I went to the largest research center for the Giant Panda located in Chengdu, China. This is the most popular tourist destination in the city. Pandas are everywhere! And extremely endangered.
Giant Panda Zoo
Officially called the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, this is the most popular tourist destination in Chengdu, China.
We saw a lot of pandas, but this was one of my favorites.
I’m traveling with a group of friends. Here we are at the entrance outside:
L to R, top row: Justice, Richard, Tasia, Ethan, me. Bottom row: “Jenny,” Kate, and Michael.
Example of a large sign inside of the Panda Zoo. Very good signage
Giant pandas are everywhere in Chengdu. Example: climbing on a Uniqlo store.
Photo by Ethan Angelica
Walking through the panda zoo sometimes felt like a botanical garden. It was very pretty and lush and green.
The panda zoo in Chengdu is HUGE! We walked a lot. Thankfully it was pretty scenery.
Another group photo. L to R: me, Justice, Richard (on floor), Michael, Jenny, Kate, Tasia, and Ethan
Heming Tea Room
After the panda zoo, we wanted to relax and drink tea. We took a taxi to People’s Park in Chengdu to find the Heming Tea Room.
Hundreds of tables, next to a pond, in the middle of the park, very lively, recommended!
Photo credit: from Google Images
My tea. We refilled it many times with hot water for multiple steepings.
Hot Pot for Dinner
After tea, we were ready for a big meal. Time to find a local restaurant for hot pot.
Spicy on the left, bone broth on the right.
Hot pot is delicious. You cook the meat and vegetables yourself in the boiling water.
Bonus Material
Michael is Not The Werewolf
He gets very excited and animated after two cups of Chengdu green tea.
Group Photo Setup at Panda Zoo
Andy, our 13 year-old Tour Guide from Chengdu
He invited himself to join our game of Werewolf at the tea house. Then we hung out with him for six hours. He spoke incredible English and was very street-smart.
Andy from Chengdu, our new friend
More information
These pictures and video are from my travels in Chengdu, China on 20 August 2017 (2017-08-20). I’m traveling in China with a small group for one week as part of a larger trip. Next we’re going to hike Emei mountain, then Chongqing. After China, I’m going to Bangkok, Thailand.