Due to the recent earthquake we changed the proposed visit to Woolong with one to the Panda Breeding Centre in Chengdu. This saved a drive and gave us some free time later in the day.
Needless to say the giant pandas were adorable and very cute. The first stop was at the creche, where the very young infants were being winded, fed and generally watched over by their adopted human mothers. Unfortunately no pictures were allowed due to disturbance by the camera flashes, but to see four tiny panda tots in a human cot was really something.
Next to be visited were the adolescents who were like a group of teenagers. they stuck together and generally got up to mischief. They also have a large group of red pandas at the centre too. They are much smaller, but very photogenic and don't mind all the human attention.
The centre is beautifully designed with large open pens with plenty of climbing material and lots of shade. the animals seem very contented, as they answer to their keepers when called and generally lie or sit around eating all day - what a life!
On the way back to town we stopped at a Shu Brocade embroidery Museum and shop.This was very interesting and they gave a demonstration of how the brocade is woven on a large two person loom. Of course you were given the chance to purchase any of the numerous exquisite pieces on show!
For our free afternoon we decided to have a stroll around Chengdu. First we went to the lovely Renmin Park which was full of locals doing their thing - tea drinking, kite flying, playing music, opera or just strolling. It was delightful and the people were very friendly.
From there were went into the modern centre. This was full of well known western franchises like Starbucks and MacDonalds, along with lots of smart shops and Chinese chain stores. As it was a Sunday, the streets were very busy, but again everyone we stopped and spoke to were very friendly and wanting to practice their already excellent English.
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