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  • Chengdu Sichuan

    Chengdu Sichuan

    My knowledge of Chengdu (成都) was confined to what I have picked up from reading Romance of the Three Kingdoms (三国演义). The city where Liu Bei (刘备) established Shu Kingdom (蜀国), an important geographical stronghold which presents defensive advantages to its rulers. And also the reputation as a heavenly state (天府之国) for its vast natural resources.

    This short work trip opened out my mind about Chengdu to realize that this provincial capital of Sichuan province has got tons to offer! Chengdu is synonymous with pandas, ‘Face-changing’ (变脸) and the spicy Sichuan cuisine. It’s also a perfect gateway to the nearby Jiuzhaigou National park, Huanglong Scenic Area, Emei Mountain, Qingcheng Mountain, Leshan Giant Buddha and even Tibet. I was merely scratching the surface during this trip and hope to be back for more.

    Jinli Ancient Street

    Jinli (锦里古街) was historically a commercial street during the Shu Kingdom era. It’s now a lively tourist zone which is surrounded by shops, teahouses, and restaurants housed in ancient-looking buildings. Not too bad a place to hang around for local food, snacks, and souvenirs. But I find Jinli to be somewhat a little over-touristy.

    Jinli Street

    Jinli Street in Chengdu

    Around Jinli Street

    Bow action in Jinli Street

    First Street of Shu Kingdom

    There’s this garden towards the end street where I found some interesting stone carvings of Liu Bei, Guan Yu, and Zhang Fei.

    Liu Bei at Jinli

    Guan Yu at Jinli.jpg

    Zhang Fei at Jinli.jpg

    Nearby is San Yi temple where the three sworn brothers are worshipped, together with Zhuge Liang.

    San Yi Temple

    Liu Bei Chengdu

    Guan Yu Chengdu

    Zhang Fei Chengdu

    Zhuge Liang Chengdu

    Huge Joss Sticks at San Yi Temple

    Praying at San Yi Temple

    Spicy Sichuan Mala hot pot

    My first dip into the spicy Mala hot pot (麻辣香锅) and it’s much spicier than I’ve thought! What sets the Sichuan version apart from those typical hot pots is the ‘tongue numbing’ spicy broth. The fiery combo of red chilli oil and the peppercorns are not for the faint heart or stomach. It’s a refreshing change from the usual hot pot. But I don’t think I will try Mala hot pot anytime again soon…

    Sichuan Mala Hot Pot broth

    Sichuan Hot Pot Meal

    Sichuan Hot Pot

    Saw this lady selling the super sweet Tanghulu (冰糖葫芦) outside the hot pot restaurant.

    Tanghulu

    Paradise Ethos Show in Chengdu

    The evening was spent watching Paradise Ethos, a music and dance performance choreographed by Zhang Yimou, China’s famous film director.

    Paradise Ethos Poster

    It’s a nice experience for the beautifully designed stage, bright colourful costumes and nice music which went well with the storyline.

    Scene 1 from Paradise Ethos Show

    Scene 2 from Paradise Ethos Show

    Scene 3 from Paradise Ethos Show

    Scene 4 from Paradise Ethos Show

    Scene 5 from Paradise Ethos Show

    Scene 6 from Paradise Ethos Show

    But the epic moment was when the face-changing performers moved around and showcase their show-stopping acts. How the hell they do that??? I am totally mesmerized by the amazing face-changing feat!!

    Face changing

    And the ending…

    Ending scene Paradise Ethos Show

    Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding

    As mentioned that Chengdu is synonymous with the panda bear, so it’s surely a must to visit Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding (成都大熊貓繁育研究基地). Panda bear is regarded as one of China’s national treasure but the rare animal is also among the world’s most endangered species.

    Hence, the non-profit research base is dedicated to panda’s protection, conservation and public education in a bid to preserve the dwindling Panda population.

    Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding

    Map pf Panda research base

    Pond at Panda research base

    Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding is a huge place, surrounded by lush greenery with primarily bamboo trees, replicating panda’s natural habitat. It’s nice to walk around on its own actually. But of course, we’re here to see panda and we are not disappointed.

    Walk of bamboo

    Panda spotted

    Panda

    One of my favourite pictures…is he looking at me?

    Panda glance

    More pandas alert, on the tree this time. The duo having fun on top of the trees.

    Pandas on the trees

    It’s best to be here early morning where the crowds are lesser and while the pandas are up and around for their breakfast. Some interesting facts about pandas: they spend around two-thirds of their day consuming up to 20kg of bamboo and that’s because bamboo is nutritionally poor. And when they’re not feasting? They rest!

    Panda breakfast time

    Pandas having breakfast together

    Little panda looking back

    Famous international star Jackie Chan donated 1 million RMB for the cause and adopted two pandas.

    Jackie Chan adopted two pandas

    The best part is to get to see the little ones outside the nursery room.

    Little pandas

    There’re also shops within the research base where any souvenirs related to panda can be found. It’s really crowded inside the small shop and the most popular item seems to be the panda soft toys.

    Souvenirs shop at research base

    Panda theme accessories

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    What are your thoughts about Chengdu? Leave a comment and share it with me.

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  • A short getaway to Hong Kong and Macau

    A short getaway to Hong Kong and Macau

    Here’s a recap of our Hong Kong and Macau trip during National Day period back then. But you’ll soon realise that images are mainly taken in Macau, that’s because the majority of our time was either spent in Hong Kong shopping malls or Shenzhen Luohu Commercial City. My camera didn’t leave the bag…a heavy white elephant, until our day trip and my first visit to Macau.

    Known for its glamorous casinos, the sin city of the East has more than 30 casinos within its relatively small land area, no surprise for people to associate Macau to gambling. But looking beyond that, Macau has a rich and varied past, being a Portuguese colony for centuries. The East-West cultural blend is seen in the mix of Chinese styled historic buildings, baroque-style churches and old fortifications in the surrounding. And the street names are in both Portuguese and Chinese. All these are uniquely Macau.

    I like the pastel coloured classical buildings around Senado Square famous for its wave-patterned mosaic pavement.

    Senado Square in Macau

    Koi Kei Bakery in Macau

    From Senado Square, we made our way to St. Paul via Rua de São Paulo. Along the crowded alley of Rua de São Paulo, there’s the well-known Koi Kei Bakery (鉅記手信) famed for egg roll, peanut candy, almond cookie and egg tart. There’s an outlet along Temple Street in Singapore too. The popular food souvenir shop spared no effort in dishing out free samples. This is one nice gesture to taste the products before buying, most likely you will end up buying lots like everyone else because everything at Koi Kei Bakery tastes so good!

    Koi Kei Bakery Macau

    Ruins of St. Paul and Fort Mont

    We arrived at Ruins of St. Paul (大三巴牌坊) which is probably the most recognizable and touristic attraction in Macau. There isn’t much to see in the ruins apart from the façade. Still, the façade never fails to attract a huge group of tourists like us.

    Ruins of St. Paul

    Around Ruins of St. Paul

    Window view at Ruins of St. Paul

    Cannon

    View from Ruins of St. Paul

    After which, we took our time for the uphill walk from Ruins of St. Paul to reach Fort Mont, tiring walk but the panoramic view of the city is worth the effort. Museum of Macau is at the centrepiece of the fort which we did not visit. We do as the Romans do by just enjoying the city view and tranquillity around the fort.

    Fort Mont

    Museum

    Statue at Font Mont

    Lastly, we made our way to the famous Margaret’s Cafe e Nata, only to find out it’s closed (on Wednesdays). What a waste! Tasting the Portuguese egg tarts would have been a nice way to conclude our trip. Better luck next time! Sadly, that also concludes my short maiden trip in Macau, I will definitely come back here to uncover more interesting places in future. Hopefully, it won’t be as hot like the weather during this trip.

    STAY: L’Hotel Nina et Convention Center review

    This is one of the better Hong Kong hotels which we have stayed so far. Our room was on the 71st floor (77th being the highest) and needless to say, the view from the room was superb!! Both the day and night city view of Tsuen Wan is really nice. The room and bed were great although we find the pillows to be too soft for us. There are plenty of Cha Chan Teng (Hong Kong styled Café) nearby and the hotel is linked to two shopping malls so amenities are plentiful.

    L Hotel Nina Bedroom

    L Hotel Nina et Convention Center

    View from L Hotel Nina room

    The hotel is just a few stations away from Hong Kong International Airport, which means it’s far away from city area, a typical trip from Kowloon back to the hotel would take around 30 minutes or so. And the nearest MTR station to the hotel is not Tsuen Wan Station but Tsuen Wan West Station. If you look at the MTR Station map, you will notice that one has to change lines more than once in order to reach Tsuen Wan West Station coming from either Kowloon or Causeway Bay.

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    What are your thoughts about Hong Kong and Macau? Leave a comment and share it with me.

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