tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-59779096185472011502024-03-19T01:58:10.662-07:00Chengdu Travel Guide - A blog for those interested in exploring SichuanSichuan travel, Chengdu information, Chengdu trips, birds and wildlife, Chengdu Pandas – Tagong, Moxi, Kangding, Bi Feng Xia, Dazu, Leshan Big Buddha, Emei, Qingcheng - to get to see all the pictures and articles click on a month on the right hand side of the page and a full list will appearSid and Meggie Francishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09247503266565690661noreply@blogger.comBlogger25125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5977909618547201150.post-76204342070112819642011-03-03T01:29:00.001-08:002011-03-03T03:01:02.640-08:00The best way to see Big Buddha<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI4yuajETGZepVF65aai6FalWwYA3YZQxq-vPtt12oH1P8k5EpWnWWM3dRYMsb-uc4tONRauOXBmiv7awildDrN3dcafRT4wL3YOdFLzr0A4MHQgYT-uFWgwYvp26MmNu3ooRZsPsVWdA/s1600/boat.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI4yuajETGZepVF65aai6FalWwYA3YZQxq-vPtt12oH1P8k5EpWnWWM3dRYMsb-uc4tONRauOXBmiv7awildDrN3dcafRT4wL3YOdFLzr0A4MHQgYT-uFWgwYvp26MmNu3ooRZsPsVWdA/s400/boat.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579788528585584258" border="0" /></a>The boats from Leshan lining up to slowly sail by the Big Buddha<br /><br />Currently there are two ways of viewing the Big Buddha at Leshan - going into the Buddha site and walking the stairways around the monument or taking a boat, from the town side of the river, and viewing him from the water. One of our old posts reported on a third choice - the island vantage point that cost just 1RMB - but some mean spirited persons have built a big fence that now prevents this fun option.<br /><br />Price wise there isn't much between boats and buying the park ticket - the boats costs 70RMB and the getting into the Buddha site 90RMB. However the boats and the park gate being on opposite banks are at least 20 minutes drive from one another.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5wS7yaDxmS4pFAR1bJwv2YsF_shtaehokmfmA3mOGMfvYTX9ZwKSilb61X__24V2tTPThHFptjZfpmh7BsCbPrWwXY5jw9Yyy-i7EbEreRAjOI-Uv-7vmBm5yg3clqwfDPDwZbU-4mhw/s1600/sailing+close.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5wS7yaDxmS4pFAR1bJwv2YsF_shtaehokmfmA3mOGMfvYTX9ZwKSilb61X__24V2tTPThHFptjZfpmh7BsCbPrWwXY5jw9Yyy-i7EbEreRAjOI-Uv-7vmBm5yg3clqwfDPDwZbU-4mhw/s400/sailing+close.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579788528761320034" border="0" /></a>The boats sails very close into the Buddha<br /><br />The biggest differences with the two methods of viewing are - quality of view, time span, and convenience.<br />When sailing you're close enough to see all the details - but far enough away to easily see the monument in its total entirety the - the boat gives the best panoramic views.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNWLfeMc_81BlEZTQ0HoN84M6CHgINTCc61fQIOk0QWjikk3pK3fPnrBvXnSXYtZXJr1qiiU-Didg32oYz6S-I9AhbsFIq_cwDgd21VeLuKFYQk6hajmFaxORWCoT8UDI6-Za2G2WBm_A/s1600/guardian.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 278px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNWLfeMc_81BlEZTQ0HoN84M6CHgINTCc61fQIOk0QWjikk3pK3fPnrBvXnSXYtZXJr1qiiU-Didg32oYz6S-I9AhbsFIq_cwDgd21VeLuKFYQk6hajmFaxORWCoT8UDI6-Za2G2WBm_A/s400/guardian.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579788523063659874" border="0" /></a>The guardian statues that flank Big Buddha can only be seen from the river<br /><br />Sailing past the cliff face you'll be able see many features that are invisible to those viewing from within the park.<br />However the whole experience is very short - the whole boat ride only takes about 20 minutes with around 10 minutes directly in front of the Buddha. Although useful if you're fighting through a packed itinerary, and also have plans for Emei on the same day - those who were just planning on a Buddha visit could feel a 3 hour+ drive all the way from Chengdu is lot of bother for a few minutes of sailing time!!!<br />In contrast, taking into the park allows you to spend hours rather than minutes at this site.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja0TK1esLka6B8FcK-8ItTb7jQK2YaqI7p54nchOiSTK_As-jJTEzwR9sar2D9nis52j77UaqKcRSR5MSU1nfI7d4FUgZgPyMbzmsZyR-xK8X-X3h0wRdNlJSHSYlIXsy8KE5TKoIh57k/s1600/buddha+stairs.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 392px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja0TK1esLka6B8FcK-8ItTb7jQK2YaqI7p54nchOiSTK_As-jJTEzwR9sar2D9nis52j77UaqKcRSR5MSU1nfI7d4FUgZgPyMbzmsZyR-xK8X-X3h0wRdNlJSHSYlIXsy8KE5TKoIh57k/s400/buddha+stairs.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579787569242011378" border="0" /></a>Queues inside the park - steep stairways and a crowd<br /><br />Inside the park you can find yourself staying a little longer then anticipated. On busy days - weekends and holidays - Big Buddha can be rather crowded out. We've seen some pretty nasty human bottlenecks forming on the steep stairways that runs around the monument. In extreme circumstances I've read of folk being stuck for 2 hours in one of these jams.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4Vt14d49utBPBOJvbcbBREN-OJ43BoB_XeOr1MRmcxc5YKCt69cqbfIrJU7hm4tS_9jzd1rJlCoBSqUKINTHfK9kP2CVMOZqabiKT8ZBSYxAxs75LsPeT2or3fwuH2suld8iV2Dj_eyM/s1600/stairs.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 399px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4Vt14d49utBPBOJvbcbBREN-OJ43BoB_XeOr1MRmcxc5YKCt69cqbfIrJU7hm4tS_9jzd1rJlCoBSqUKINTHfK9kP2CVMOZqabiKT8ZBSYxAxs75LsPeT2or3fwuH2suld8iV2Dj_eyM/s400/stairs.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579787566940798274" border="0" /></a>However week days out of high season can be far quieter - but the picture shows how steep the stairs are. Not recommended for those who suffer from Vertigo.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8PbgYgKIe5svI5aJq7Dn98O55P4zl4gXjjJIRnZwN8k4cBmpgrWOos5ezeev12t1_4ohkc670hnMpMjG5a2UONnjeeW5-k9yq_Gb_jzpopV9aTWkYJbBbFy_s9nCSybT88qA8_sXdRGo/s1600/inside.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8PbgYgKIe5svI5aJq7Dn98O55P4zl4gXjjJIRnZwN8k4cBmpgrWOos5ezeev12t1_4ohkc670hnMpMjG5a2UONnjeeW5-k9yq_Gb_jzpopV9aTWkYJbBbFy_s9nCSybT88qA8_sXdRGo/s400/inside.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579787561576548274" border="0" /></a>But if you want to get real close to the Buddha - the only option is going into the park.<br /><br />Inside the park there's an ancient Pagoda and exhibits/educational information on the history and the construction of the Buddha. The boat provides none of this - it's merely a sight-seeing service.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3F3NQEMp9XuqDpOYtjqVzJK5lJfn1qmNdMZ6WtKEKAb37yqUD4X40uJKWlhEfO8DdegFqCjThPeJuq1t7IlKAoKsoFJww_21KHZLL9Cs4Kh7U38s1E14OrOqtPONLkSuaUhPawQdChZI/s1600/buddha.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3F3NQEMp9XuqDpOYtjqVzJK5lJfn1qmNdMZ6WtKEKAb37yqUD4X40uJKWlhEfO8DdegFqCjThPeJuq1t7IlKAoKsoFJww_21KHZLL9Cs4Kh7U38s1E14OrOqtPONLkSuaUhPawQdChZI/s400/buddha.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579787551965614978" border="0" /></a>And here's a photo of the Buddha from the boat<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsxolv2Rj6LwUYkwhb8SCH1Li3N_R5Em1F60EVjRtj1VpGQgkMuI0mB5ZLp6NQ-3RAIS8fwWUnzijb7SJL9O8_QT4dIYyO41Xmftle2s7rV9OvUs19a7w5eWmSHmeC9fq6atmdLurSfPQ/s1600/buddha+inside.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsxolv2Rj6LwUYkwhb8SCH1Li3N_R5Em1F60EVjRtj1VpGQgkMuI0mB5ZLp6NQ-3RAIS8fwWUnzijb7SJL9O8_QT4dIYyO41Xmftle2s7rV9OvUs19a7w5eWmSHmeC9fq6atmdLurSfPQ/s400/buddha+inside.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579787549236014370" border="0" /></a>And one from the park - with a wide-angle lens.<br /><br />One other point to note - watch out for the folk who want to take your photograph on the boat. They offer - in a rather 'assertive' way - a service where they will print the picture when you return to shore. For a couple of our guests they took and printed more pictures than they wanted - you then have to wait around 15 minutes for the finished pic - and the pics cost, after some bargaining, a rather expensive 60RMB each.Sid and Meggie Francishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09247503266565690661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5977909618547201150.post-63180978647124007172010-11-21T20:28:00.001-08:002010-11-21T21:29:40.689-08:00Photographic Sichuan<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHohTwm5ahK1GvAztPZ-q8b5izsTA2ZxgBCrfH77qS4bLm5V-VTD3qVGNKlm9pMmAw0lQHa6dqXOOAKZ1BVuseQaZxHdzzEpxkIUDOM5I9l3Mqit2bInikc_62NlZFoRkyTwz8gTQMmPA/s1600/milk+500.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 306px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHohTwm5ahK1GvAztPZ-q8b5izsTA2ZxgBCrfH77qS4bLm5V-VTD3qVGNKlm9pMmAw0lQHa6dqXOOAKZ1BVuseQaZxHdzzEpxkIUDOM5I9l3Mqit2bInikc_62NlZFoRkyTwz8gTQMmPA/s400/milk+500.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5542232811808526610" border="0" /></a>During these last few days we've been going through our pictures - which has been an object lesson in what a great place Sichuan is for the photo-nut. Here are a selection of some of those pictures we really enjoy - and what better way to kick off than showing a milk guzzling baby Panda - doing a spot of dreamy People-watching as it enjoys its drink.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5Kn3_YZ4fKwIrSWYenl-yDgZUri8YW4w6b49bCxcvxwlfBwAk_IFbhY_3Gu7ttcsUO4LawX9pE3c2gIgIAWAUVRemWpm68Tdqmm3SjTa1MquOl_4wnC00uNCQuNN8V9CtiQKSMqPm2Ic/s1600/goldfish+500.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5Kn3_YZ4fKwIrSWYenl-yDgZUri8YW4w6b49bCxcvxwlfBwAk_IFbhY_3Gu7ttcsUO4LawX9pE3c2gIgIAWAUVRemWpm68Tdqmm3SjTa1MquOl_4wnC00uNCQuNN8V9CtiQKSMqPm2Ic/s400/goldfish+500.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5542232804717497106" border="0" /></a>Something else you can catch at the Panda center - on the lake - is a spot of fish feeding. These monsters certainly make an interesting subject as they go into a Goldfish style feeding frenzy - glad they ain't sharks!!!!!!!<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwGP5mvlvOOnF0DJULKMUm-3ePV4KZQZX8tcEdVPKD7G2TLQt-y5OwZrbW1BT6Q5vHJUZtGeKMJskinb5u42qkxgWZjLlU_Jscj3OO8WaZ2OU217hrt3BQCChpoK1n9BFYUmPQCvt-iHg/s1600/view++500.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwGP5mvlvOOnF0DJULKMUm-3ePV4KZQZX8tcEdVPKD7G2TLQt-y5OwZrbW1BT6Q5vHJUZtGeKMJskinb5u42qkxgWZjLlU_Jscj3OO8WaZ2OU217hrt3BQCChpoK1n9BFYUmPQCvt-iHg/s400/view++500.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5542232800261494914" border="0" /></a>Of course with our fantastic mountains we get the chance for some wonderful scenic shots. This is the sun breaking through an evening mist - from the top of Erlang Mountain - which is around 5 hours out of Chengdu on the the road to Kangding.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJv_sjl7CHGjYC7_mCbEetS6BYzdBhJpTB7DHfG4zAYlpouFaa3YJYfKgUum1Xejk1RJtu7hoq2aVzq5hrc9Olp9F63L0hfHapyrJkkjAJElG2Xu08nVzI0hXsANrRtshwcD5tG8lOqhw/s1600/scene+top+500.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJv_sjl7CHGjYC7_mCbEetS6BYzdBhJpTB7DHfG4zAYlpouFaa3YJYfKgUum1Xejk1RJtu7hoq2aVzq5hrc9Olp9F63L0hfHapyrJkkjAJElG2Xu08nVzI0hXsANrRtshwcD5tG8lOqhw/s400/scene+top+500.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5542232783281935810" border="0" /></a>Clouds make a give great photo-opportunities when you reach the top of the world. This is at around 4000m on the Balang Pass - about 4 hours drive from Chengdu.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSvZByb_8Z_JJKimRJt1mThlq4CrOMbxBKsAz2RsOMAACpSXd8EHDXCSQRsHZO8bHDJOv5UTRoyNjKrFh4ew6_oSnRpSVyKwBi4EIrbVau3AAHp9kTNQ5o4TDrN7BCbnaenIh5forlnC8/s1600/redstart.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 398px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSvZByb_8Z_JJKimRJt1mThlq4CrOMbxBKsAz2RsOMAACpSXd8EHDXCSQRsHZO8bHDJOv5UTRoyNjKrFh4ew6_oSnRpSVyKwBi4EIrbVau3AAHp9kTNQ5o4TDrN7BCbnaenIh5forlnC8/s400/redstart.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5542231647296688690" border="0" /></a>We do a lot of work that's focused on Sichuan nature - especially the birds. Here is a lovely shot of a species called Blue-fronted Redstart - that although we found this particular example at Wolong, can also be seen, during the winter, at Chengdu Panda Center.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSnZdzRclNvUw95pYsfESZ5pE66_Uleo2bmkWOVEkole8DegG85hEbI1g2TXF5uMhkayzwesFZ9TPiz5vstBKtu0vjLvjzDO4xWonTAUIOBdLY-deyE9xI1mzNVOHzTcMapSYfQo2fNog/s1600/butterfly+500.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 333px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSnZdzRclNvUw95pYsfESZ5pE66_Uleo2bmkWOVEkole8DegG85hEbI1g2TXF5uMhkayzwesFZ9TPiz5vstBKtu0vjLvjzDO4xWonTAUIOBdLY-deyE9xI1mzNVOHzTcMapSYfQo2fNog/s400/butterfly+500.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5542231641437842722" border="0" /></a>We don't confine ourselves to birds - we also greatly enjoy taking pictures of Sichuan's butterflies and flowers.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgycaZRidAqW9nXYtqff7fraxZoovneygs6QS7W_P6tkfo5PLITF7sdELzX19QI21K4cUlvR6GLJdahMXhWwz2krnHyfOLppIftD_ewa__kMztUhh9_Zgj4DiAN1srGWdH8QH2IbTztZMk/s1600/autumn+colours+500.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgycaZRidAqW9nXYtqff7fraxZoovneygs6QS7W_P6tkfo5PLITF7sdELzX19QI21K4cUlvR6GLJdahMXhWwz2krnHyfOLppIftD_ewa__kMztUhh9_Zgj4DiAN1srGWdH8QH2IbTztZMk/s400/autumn+colours+500.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5542231639021717650" border="0" /></a>Autumn, with the contrasting leaf colours, is always a popular time for the photo interested visitors. Many of them take to sites like Jiuzhaigou - but there are also far less crowded areas closer to Chengdu that also offer wonderful scenes. This pic is of yellow autumn larches that liven up the dramatic landscape on the road between Wolong and the Balang pass.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ0w_6-9X-4wcmCCIn-3RClprabD6Bh-tmMMmHF5IaHEW-Zf6KdzrK9s8T8-Iu8cH57TxjK25Ic48C3Cn7D5Eb1pVESQJ696Zjj8MqnLrjF85_UDZ2zE2lauvnCKyWfykbv6Q94WOTaRQ/s1600/leaf+500.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ0w_6-9X-4wcmCCIn-3RClprabD6Bh-tmMMmHF5IaHEW-Zf6KdzrK9s8T8-Iu8cH57TxjK25Ic48C3Cn7D5Eb1pVESQJ696Zjj8MqnLrjF85_UDZ2zE2lauvnCKyWfykbv6Q94WOTaRQ/s400/leaf+500.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5542231629020403202" border="0" /></a>And those interesting leaves don't necessarily have to be on the tree.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1jxCH5gg5XB_Z4Nl1q2thqEQ8g6YJAvhEDxVSHmjQVWjNyYwQmzgPYV2_6RSAT_Rf6jDh4801oYy7sv1PaqZNmqtAlWMZX3diJbqFnLfQ80wOTgP0BCn1eBiSHaK9lCWVh2lnVnOJUtk/s1600/panda.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 297px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1jxCH5gg5XB_Z4Nl1q2thqEQ8g6YJAvhEDxVSHmjQVWjNyYwQmzgPYV2_6RSAT_Rf6jDh4801oYy7sv1PaqZNmqtAlWMZX3diJbqFnLfQ80wOTgP0BCn1eBiSHaK9lCWVh2lnVnOJUtk/s400/panda.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5542238785988402610" border="0" /></a>But we best finish off with most photographed subjects of Sichuan - those Pandas. This guy is just begging us to take his picture.Sid and Meggie Francishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09247503266565690661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5977909618547201150.post-26746389014118501812010-09-15T19:12:00.000-07:002010-09-15T22:24:28.625-07:00Chengdu Tibetan Quarter - unusual gifts<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpORH368DN05j4lbVpya2F5Xu-44LF0cmgZdNos8jBoNhnY_FW8-aGmnb4Pm1knzliQviUclxyGkPmv9vhGkXo6vnw3-YEsbXPItikrALyKzkkcYUIi1XNkC7LqoW5vKKzAl0zPuiXcg4/s1600/prayer.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 288px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpORH368DN05j4lbVpya2F5Xu-44LF0cmgZdNos8jBoNhnY_FW8-aGmnb4Pm1knzliQviUclxyGkPmv9vhGkXo6vnw3-YEsbXPItikrALyKzkkcYUIi1XNkC7LqoW5vKKzAl0zPuiXcg4/s400/prayer.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517333270212003314" border="0" /></a>For the person who has everything a wad of Tibetan Prayers - these wads of brightly coloured paper are all printed with Tibetan prayers. They're usually used - confetti style,being thrown out the window when a vehicle passes over a high and difficult mountain pass - as thanks for safe passage. One of our child guests had the brilliant idea to buy these as a super unique, but cheap, gift for the other kids in her class - each of her classmates getting their own prayer. They look pretty good in a small frame on your bedroom wall.<br /><br />In central Chengdu - very close and within easy walking distance of the popular tourist destination of Jinli Street and Wuhouci- you'll find the Tibetan quarter (south of Wuhouci on Ximianqiao Cross Street). This place, with it shops and people, reminds the visitor how close Chengdu is to the Tibetan Plateau, and gives an opportunity to get a souvenir or two that can't easily be found at other China stops.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIw3aRQVp0nUj9KSl3e8EHKjMvl-ZClBiYi6-7PglVSXf37P4xOpw9S5XuRFFhrGVxX0zJCvodvUjN7LCF5UnHjYaWQPMQto83oBzCSpyM_a5RKSBlin_iG1BCFV2tciu0K_ASFf-esyA/s1600/shop.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 303px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIw3aRQVp0nUj9KSl3e8EHKjMvl-ZClBiYi6-7PglVSXf37P4xOpw9S5XuRFFhrGVxX0zJCvodvUjN7LCF5UnHjYaWQPMQto83oBzCSpyM_a5RKSBlin_iG1BCFV2tciu0K_ASFf-esyA/s400/shop.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517333255786375186" border="0" /></a>A lot Tibetans come to Chengdu to stock-up on goods they'll sell in their own stores back home on the Plateau. A lot of this merchandise has a religious purpose - here we can see prayer flags and prayer wheels, but these stores contain all sorts of other useful things for life on the grasslands.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWGus60EKWO27hGwNyBmOJPwH2Y9exaXzNMwvu7c5Yg2ZoyGOqKySpOyH8g3PLtYMNQyhQ_SjmGq-V2XjUAO2R0kkJZvtGgUVP3VlDkY9IU1pk9IwgFl0sUPgnG6DPpug-2PonEbS5fsY/s1600/monk+shopping.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 317px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWGus60EKWO27hGwNyBmOJPwH2Y9exaXzNMwvu7c5Yg2ZoyGOqKySpOyH8g3PLtYMNQyhQ_SjmGq-V2XjUAO2R0kkJZvtGgUVP3VlDkY9IU1pk9IwgFl0sUPgnG6DPpug-2PonEbS5fsY/s400/monk+shopping.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517331930290533682" border="0" /></a>There are plenty of clothes shops - here we see a monk eyeing up a new outfit.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCQj4Z0o-KFcNjFCWI3dceca_dpYIPwNduQ9QI8_m_uyGor9hbtwSm3OJ2K8WZSn7J0a0C1h3CAVylWjs0JcdTrFe9nTF3OGD7UXREB4vctN_tMF0O6e5XZrztosaoIERRhq56vocM3eQ/s1600/jacket.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 322px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCQj4Z0o-KFcNjFCWI3dceca_dpYIPwNduQ9QI8_m_uyGor9hbtwSm3OJ2K8WZSn7J0a0C1h3CAVylWjs0JcdTrFe9nTF3OGD7UXREB4vctN_tMF0O6e5XZrztosaoIERRhq56vocM3eQ/s400/jacket.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517331922121546482" border="0" /></a>But its not only monk attire - here's one of Meggie's Tibetan.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbg7SSYOnBqGFbWKId1A-JPI7YLImYHB9ZQw9Tnwade0Ou_mc_XXSStfC2KZ4Nryiz68MA9REDRykH0uwqgoGjG_QWvjhWBb-_5ESa-3Te89xNIkdunfpSRaySQQW_THhvflQFsThE9Pk/s1600/street+2.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 356px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbg7SSYOnBqGFbWKId1A-JPI7YLImYHB9ZQw9Tnwade0Ou_mc_XXSStfC2KZ4Nryiz68MA9REDRykH0uwqgoGjG_QWvjhWBb-_5ESa-3Te89xNIkdunfpSRaySQQW_THhvflQFsThE9Pk/s400/street+2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517331911690239810" border="0" /></a>Here we see a guy on the street wearing the same style jacket - those sleeves are meant to be long - giving protection in the cold, but on warm days allowing the wearer to slip off a jacket arm to tie it round their waste. The blender type machines in the shop window are the modern tool for making Tibetan Yak butter tea.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgfgWEmdAGmqr45G01MhDGILjBea_vlp7wsITMXSZjeu3osKBLvrDQebGhQdgVtV5YzxyU84wxgepwBUc24soMVIWEEKlET1IF5WmzPst5S6ceFthbLaOh-ljStstfYrK0T9POd2K5h50/s1600/bronzes.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 336px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgfgWEmdAGmqr45G01MhDGILjBea_vlp7wsITMXSZjeu3osKBLvrDQebGhQdgVtV5YzxyU84wxgepwBUc24soMVIWEEKlET1IF5WmzPst5S6ceFthbLaOh-ljStstfYrK0T9POd2K5h50/s400/bronzes.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517331902301566098" border="0" /></a>Rows of small religious idols - customers are shopping for things to take back to their temples.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqXCfU4CcZEkJBHg6gubT7tl3-Tz_CmefbO4oKydEPhCOHFW2444P9hAWK2m70rQ2IJ3se83T9YHX67qRDa4eByorpPeXiUtumZuidCJvgMNo0WovjSKLC8-t3vfsWvEt1WLf9KL0GyB8/s1600/tanka.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqXCfU4CcZEkJBHg6gubT7tl3-Tz_CmefbO4oKydEPhCOHFW2444P9hAWK2m70rQ2IJ3se83T9YHX67qRDa4eByorpPeXiUtumZuidCJvgMNo0WovjSKLC8-t3vfsWvEt1WLf9KL0GyB8/s400/tanka.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517331888925156418" border="0" /></a>There's some pretty vivid art work to be found.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYmh4Pf58qiRNoYJPch71z0Rqdik7sGHTlNaQ0fR4vtc1C4d05BnmIvxB98XEmJs_lpYC_gVcp19nDOC2pQqR7nkuEOzv9s0strxyrKFe0tNR2jtHKBcrs1qxoLxdZDWJONK_i_t8D2n4/s1600/silk.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 365px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYmh4Pf58qiRNoYJPch71z0Rqdik7sGHTlNaQ0fR4vtc1C4d05BnmIvxB98XEmJs_lpYC_gVcp19nDOC2pQqR7nkuEOzv9s0strxyrKFe0tNR2jtHKBcrs1qxoLxdZDWJONK_i_t8D2n4/s400/silk.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517329930327382930" border="0" /></a>Some of the more exclusive clothes shops have a pretty neat line in silks.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyHiZrruLFTgty5YSZeA48ClfQREe8J6_LbJFt4NUIQkDLORF7rcFDKmaePyeH4_6eSuBCJ6qJ0KVRVS7sOKKHwHppbdQQvZZPEZ0zyCABIO9B3N6pE2HoRfzX_kJiqDVc_Py3Q4eUGuM/s1600/prayer+wheel.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 287px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyHiZrruLFTgty5YSZeA48ClfQREe8J6_LbJFt4NUIQkDLORF7rcFDKmaePyeH4_6eSuBCJ6qJ0KVRVS7sOKKHwHppbdQQvZZPEZ0zyCABIO9B3N6pE2HoRfzX_kJiqDVc_Py3Q4eUGuM/s400/prayer+wheel.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517329923487106578" border="0" /></a>This really is for the person who has everything - a mini, electrically powered prayer wheel. in our pic, a blur of motion and bright flashing lights!!!!!!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqug9C9AtyuUkMKHNds7w2QL6fTPILXKsMYYK_n9QMJHbJFdDeSV6erGYs7y6ajQ1NUJMaZ35GDdFy1nYLhhC-9rmH4RmsHuopZPt1Jwv_xZajqUfMQ5nDy3CLUDUWv3mTV2jTikZ0c-k/s1600/carving.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 251px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqug9C9AtyuUkMKHNds7w2QL6fTPILXKsMYYK_n9QMJHbJFdDeSV6erGYs7y6ajQ1NUJMaZ35GDdFy1nYLhhC-9rmH4RmsHuopZPt1Jwv_xZajqUfMQ5nDy3CLUDUWv3mTV2jTikZ0c-k/s400/carving.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517329895349377522" border="0" /></a>The above is sitting on our dressing table - you can also buy those prayers in stone!!!!!!<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEwEnk7RAwpfDdvk26UH4sPbownoBHufr1NHyH9vnsi5pF_SDkb4-0BC8TrWD9wZy05GFKKUD14-RjVL5bXQirsZS4nxjd0BvNXzPX8A__guOLspTCvtTq4QZexwyq8JDzcnbhgzNCh2U/s1600/skulls.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 360px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEwEnk7RAwpfDdvk26UH4sPbownoBHufr1NHyH9vnsi5pF_SDkb4-0BC8TrWD9wZy05GFKKUD14-RjVL5bXQirsZS4nxjd0BvNXzPX8A__guOLspTCvtTq4QZexwyq8JDzcnbhgzNCh2U/s400/skulls.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517329884420143042" border="0" /></a>Another kid's favorite - skull beads carved out of Yak bone. You can buy strings of these small skulls - 108 beads to each mala. We put them together with the turquoise. By the way be carefull when buying supposedly expensive beads. For example that turquoise is cheap color enhanced stone - but it's often sold at high prices to customers who don't know about quality difference. In the Tibetan quarter, and anywhere in Chengdu, also pay special attention to that which is supposed to be coral and amber.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ7y4e3x9meT0sITEjQPuseBOHze0Ba6dYZiDd9_u55dq8xzGmNlewFEC19x0FbKQ3tN1rz8obigDJs5lsmGaV7JHV8wINDoWqght7z5P0rXRG-HZzUkX_on1Tg-9FOeOyNx_HxlW-9_E/s1600/pie.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 271px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ7y4e3x9meT0sITEjQPuseBOHze0Ba6dYZiDd9_u55dq8xzGmNlewFEC19x0FbKQ3tN1rz8obigDJs5lsmGaV7JHV8wINDoWqght7z5P0rXRG-HZzUkX_on1Tg-9FOeOyNx_HxlW-9_E/s400/pie.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517329874472205682" border="0" /></a>And of course, with all that energy expended on shopping, we shouldn't forget food. Some great restaurants in this area selling foods you won't find anywhere else in Chengdu. Yak is heavily on the menu - this is Yak and onion stuffed bread. Tastes pretty brilliant!!!! The yak yoghurt is also a special experience - and that butter tea - well you've gotta try that!!!!!!!Sid and Meggie Francishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09247503266565690661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5977909618547201150.post-43172265641281106942010-09-09T19:28:00.000-07:002010-09-09T22:29:55.831-07:00Chengdu street hotpot<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhieyp6BtzZ7HnNimP_AD_Uu0gWNJMrR4UcUpDUUR8kl9JebW82AtGVXEKOa2-vsffefYChp_ZJK5N81I6K9tPo6ScBFZYRAbcExLcV_ZEdLOyeygNSO3rNEqMyJEKCZDgeip_W4fMIE0E/s1600/choice.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 276px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhieyp6BtzZ7HnNimP_AD_Uu0gWNJMrR4UcUpDUUR8kl9JebW82AtGVXEKOa2-vsffefYChp_ZJK5N81I6K9tPo6ScBFZYRAbcExLcV_ZEdLOyeygNSO3rNEqMyJEKCZDgeip_W4fMIE0E/s400/choice.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5515114701179863058" border="0" /></a>Street Hotpot - portable and on wheels, this type of cuisine helps make Sichuan such an adventurous eating destination. here we have ingredients - vegetables and Dofu - that are commonly used in this spicy meal.<br /><br />Sichuan hotpot - the main ingredient being a great pot of bubbly spice laden oil, can be likened to a huge fondue. It especially appeals to chili-pepper fans - and is often on the list of must-does for Chengdu visitors. Normally tourists take into one of numerous hotpot restaurants that are so common in this part of the world - but in these, often crowded and hectic eateries, trying to get yourself a Hotpot meal without the help of guide or translator can be a daunting task. One way out of this problem is to try the street version of hotpot - far easier here to see and point at ingredients, great fun eating on the street and lots cheaper than a lot of those indoor hotpots.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-WGRKpjgTakgg-QzsMNY-RE_g2axLjCOGtutqK0rxahnKmiXTP4VDK2WmKQ7u8K9P0QTKIHDMi023DG-kAIdq3RBggah3kdwz-nqwU5WQkYmkqkbs1mk0_geLRPYcM5GxPtFdtAYSaE8/s1600/oil.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 306px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-WGRKpjgTakgg-QzsMNY-RE_g2axLjCOGtutqK0rxahnKmiXTP4VDK2WmKQ7u8K9P0QTKIHDMi023DG-kAIdq3RBggah3kdwz-nqwU5WQkYmkqkbs1mk0_geLRPYcM5GxPtFdtAYSaE8/s400/oil.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5515114693950582418" border="0" /></a>Double trouble, boil and bubble - naw it ain't a witches brew - this is the cooking oil being heated up in preparation for making that day's dishes. Note those peppers - and the red pepper induced color of this potent concoction.<br />Street hotpot differs from normal indoor hotpot in that all the ingredients are boiled up by a cook - while at the restaurant you're the cook and have your cooking pot - together with a gas burner - in the middle of the table.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid4vhRHxAJvMBmWFmcXmspGMAAygtD0sVeheCUpgoVbB4bVxJ8wWxu3FYNCL_mtOud8Gql9c26U606IgHSYEfvOMfDzlctwk1ldZbkGAOrlfeAUfdxcuNMSfFJO_dfJYIKW8BOZ6O-pOM/s1600/chose.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 330px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid4vhRHxAJvMBmWFmcXmspGMAAygtD0sVeheCUpgoVbB4bVxJ8wWxu3FYNCL_mtOud8Gql9c26U606IgHSYEfvOMfDzlctwk1ldZbkGAOrlfeAUfdxcuNMSfFJO_dfJYIKW8BOZ6O-pOM/s400/chose.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5515114690418426594" border="0" /></a>Here's Meggie choosing our hotpot ingredients - each is pinned onto a stick and then placed into the boiling pot. The sticks in this place averaged around 0.1yuan each (yes that one tenth of an RMB) - and we chose around 60 sticks for 2 people. We had a veggie hotpot - if you want to eat meat and fish - these sticks of course will be a little more expensive.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiedHgwy4cCOU_TzSezQPy_-8s6Wyl39ee086VVHJ9sNWTi0CxEhPtmrVL9_ujpFsAb_BVhQoGJewJ63wz7-S6KolG6_X12aPxVVoP-V-CJaMmnDfbXPA0orRMrAUV4DijZ_gXa7c-oKWg/s1600/boil.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 346px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiedHgwy4cCOU_TzSezQPy_-8s6Wyl39ee086VVHJ9sNWTi0CxEhPtmrVL9_ujpFsAb_BVhQoGJewJ63wz7-S6KolG6_X12aPxVVoP-V-CJaMmnDfbXPA0orRMrAUV4DijZ_gXa7c-oKWg/s400/boil.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5515114682629202802" border="0" /></a>Cooking - here the cook is boiling those sticks in the pot. There are also those bamboo ladle type contraptions that are used to boil ingredients - like bean sprouts, certain mushrooms and tofu that are impossible to boil on a stick.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkNfUoU0rEx6JgP8uRDXheEP-mvpgOkTHh2XQbyT-BDjPJq_I4YzJKhBUiU78OMOfg7TzbXUMSG__PCz7NkrANDi8aUW07TSEe7DQPYt3k9L1Sgb9xiPY3X-1mLnA97gsLlDYx2pz80oo/s1600/dish.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 297px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkNfUoU0rEx6JgP8uRDXheEP-mvpgOkTHh2XQbyT-BDjPJq_I4YzJKhBUiU78OMOfg7TzbXUMSG__PCz7NkrANDi8aUW07TSEe7DQPYt3k9L1Sgb9xiPY3X-1mLnA97gsLlDYx2pz80oo/s400/dish.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5515114674729286834" border="0" /></a>And the finished meal - we chose to have our hotpot served up in bowl of hot hotpot oil - but you can also get it without. As in a normal indoor hotpot you can get a sauce made of coriander, chopped garlic and sesame oil - otherwise you can just dip into ground red-pepper - that is if you want an already spicy meal even spicier! In such circumstances a cold beer can prove a very useful antidote to the dangers of chili overdose.<br />In our hotpot - you can see Yellow cubes of tofu - mushrooms (oysterhat) - potato slices - kohlrabi and cabbage. Lurking in its depths is another kind of tofu - thin yellow mushrooms that look like those Japanese ones (whatever they're called) - sliced lotus root - bean spouts - cauliflower and a lot of red pepper!!!!!!!!!<br />But don't worry - ate that about a week ago - and still living to tell the tale.Sid and Meggie Francishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09247503266565690661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5977909618547201150.post-33884236663604005732010-09-01T08:34:00.000-07:002010-09-01T22:05:32.122-07:00Images from 2010This year we've been busy with several road-trips that have taken us from Chengdu into some of the more picturesque and interesting parts of Sichuan and Yunnan.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWnPBrihIUKsBlHUqKgM0hWZYx_URwmGNMUflG26UvzWY_C-JOitg84jqgrtFuSRloZYExswBx62k3VL8c2aj9u5mKOTjpLNCMEzlrUbKoMs-SJr1SsCByiX3QLOzEp3P9Y5YGoYncnyg/s1600/gonga++r.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 287px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWnPBrihIUKsBlHUqKgM0hWZYx_URwmGNMUflG26UvzWY_C-JOitg84jqgrtFuSRloZYExswBx62k3VL8c2aj9u5mKOTjpLNCMEzlrUbKoMs-SJr1SsCByiX3QLOzEp3P9Y5YGoYncnyg/s400/gonga++r.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5512171244200949730" border="0" /></a>Gongga Mountain - about 5 hours drive from Chengdu. Lying just off the eastern edge of the Tibetan Plateau, at 7556m, this is the world's 4th highest mountain outside the Himalayas. During late July we were lucky enough to get clear evening views of this mighty peak - as it was being painted by a setting sun.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqfDN-ieUAUeJ7hZog6Ng8gtEWRPQRTSkBhJEBhyphenhyphenqkZgofK0qEhFIKdiaOA4GPdp7G-wu_PuEVQzqEbIYj1org7eYFXvnTvSsck53hYtquw_Mz4T4Tg3VbxQLD6leA4VtjzqEMLdbLXtk/s1600/nunnery.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqfDN-ieUAUeJ7hZog6Ng8gtEWRPQRTSkBhJEBhyphenhyphenqkZgofK0qEhFIKdiaOA4GPdp7G-wu_PuEVQzqEbIYj1org7eYFXvnTvSsck53hYtquw_Mz4T4Tg3VbxQLD6leA4VtjzqEMLdbLXtk/s400/nunnery.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5512168764914923986" border="0" /></a>Adventure in an Emei Nunnery (3 hours drive from Chengdu) - this spring we enjoyed the company of a mother and daughter from New Mexico. Part of their trip was an overnight stay at a nunnery on Mount Emei. This proved tremendous fun for the 10 year old girl - and the nun's seemed equally fascinated by her!!! The picture was taken just before dawn - mum and daughter are watching the morning prayers - it's hard to sleep through all that chanting and gong bashing.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8__0m0boymBfG8SkfT9MLdw_i5ivafBIEwjFA_SomhizZXIBpeTKNteYUkLm0rMl-fnTSRsJoll4HyXhtBJf-gDhFusfh5PJOSlWhFdcIbzhyphenhyphenQeTEnjF3F2vVlPIAgTNSW5b2TYcuvQo/s1600/red+panda.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 373px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8__0m0boymBfG8SkfT9MLdw_i5ivafBIEwjFA_SomhizZXIBpeTKNteYUkLm0rMl-fnTSRsJoll4HyXhtBJf-gDhFusfh5PJOSlWhFdcIbzhyphenhyphenQeTEnjF3F2vVlPIAgTNSW5b2TYcuvQo/s400/red+panda.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5511973143947210866" border="0" /></a>Wild Red Pandas at Wawu Shan - this year we've had 3 sightings of wild Red Pandas, all made in the primeval forest on the top of Wawu Mountain. This park, 4 hours drive from Chengdu, is one of our best locations for finding these animals. Out of our Wawu Red Panda pictures - this strangely posed animal was one of our favorites. With that serene and contemplative attitude it wouldn't have looked that out of place in the Emei nunnery.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglOELfuMTRIWKAFILO1TNxqylRfAMDq_HryZHInpcx0FjLLubloqhXC1KD0ZF6kB0UOcF4ZCuBCApUp8FI2_xMyuGiahY3xuhiLsEI9L99ZaNJa_93aGe9WlUgoXGFG6BymBHz8WLdwj0/s1600/balang.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglOELfuMTRIWKAFILO1TNxqylRfAMDq_HryZHInpcx0FjLLubloqhXC1KD0ZF6kB0UOcF4ZCuBCApUp8FI2_xMyuGiahY3xuhiLsEI9L99ZaNJa_93aGe9WlUgoXGFG6BymBHz8WLdwj0/s400/balang.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5511973182011004034" border="0" /></a>The Balang Pass during late winter - here we're up over the 4300m, a place where the thin air gives you an out of breath feeling of walking in leaden boots. We hit this location during February when the weather was a contrast between freezing nights and the a pleasant warmth of sun-filled days. There hadn't been much recent rain, and the grassland had become brown and parched. This mountain pass is between two well known Sichuan tourist spots - the Wolong Panda breeding Center, which unfortunately is still completely closed due to damage suffered from the 2008 quake, and the Four sisters mountain Park (Siguniang). This year we had many trips, with our birding groups, around this area - but the summer rains, which began early in June, made conditions difficult and brought on many landslides.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0nMTUKGr1Mi9BJ7DudZeNdeK7NQgFxyAAVEcHDKNG8mZxro49o5pPFOBtz-x3kqMLDocZGIaNQEs5mA17bXwZ_hyEeq92JxmHbvCQEDOsxvcok5Msq4sl095GJVdflh87aO2rafUPL9E/s1600/tempel+a.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0nMTUKGr1Mi9BJ7DudZeNdeK7NQgFxyAAVEcHDKNG8mZxro49o5pPFOBtz-x3kqMLDocZGIaNQEs5mA17bXwZ_hyEeq92JxmHbvCQEDOsxvcok5Msq4sl095GJVdflh87aO2rafUPL9E/s400/tempel+a.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5511973173036966194" border="0" /></a>Further down the road from Balang you get into Tibetan areas and onto the road for Maerkang (a day's drive from Chengdu). This Tibetan Temple can be found on Mengbi Mountain - about 20km before reaching Maerkang.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ6H_OE8JBR49_WXgjiBz50gzm3Xi9HVDk2Hd-q5HPWGT8Msm5nF8MZlLuUFXk1JerHGXBxdi1riGWtDhH_Y57PGDenuDiGIDw2dc6ZNzYmHR7RtmNyI92EiJaUJupZHiP6az-7b5Kixc/s1600/grassland+1.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ6H_OE8JBR49_WXgjiBz50gzm3Xi9HVDk2Hd-q5HPWGT8Msm5nF8MZlLuUFXk1JerHGXBxdi1riGWtDhH_Y57PGDenuDiGIDw2dc6ZNzYmHR7RtmNyI92EiJaUJupZHiP6az-7b5Kixc/s400/grassland+1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5511973153168363362" border="0" /></a>Litang Grasslands - during July and August we drove, up over the Tibetan Plateau, from Chengdu to Yunnan. The characteristic landscape of much of this journey comprised of rolling Yak grazed grasslands. The sunny summer climate up at these high altitudes makes a very pleasant change from the sticky summer humidity of Chengdu and the Sichuan Basin.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSRPNUcgUwQ2aSlJNhm7rPFyTgPh1A_eSjAfwVuOudRvlaLKd2XdhLUaaS4Jfz9uTPiSV-e5ktoZLhGkjse6jcfFjYpucQQf3R32gs146wVXsX8c5kYRK0IwEaswUyEjHpDxRTG10L2Qk/s1600/orchid.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 378px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSRPNUcgUwQ2aSlJNhm7rPFyTgPh1A_eSjAfwVuOudRvlaLKd2XdhLUaaS4Jfz9uTPiSV-e5ktoZLhGkjse6jcfFjYpucQQf3R32gs146wVXsX8c5kYRK0IwEaswUyEjHpDxRTG10L2Qk/s400/orchid.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5511973134539793202" border="0" /></a> Sichuan flowers - from the mid-summer period those high grasslands are full of flowers. This year we have gathered more reference material for plant identification, and started to make a picture collection of what we find. The above plant is a stunning Orchid that we've seen both in Sichuan and Yunnan - Habenaria davidii - named after the same legendary naturalist, who in the 19th century, introduced the Giant panda to western Science - Pere David<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfhRsaCO8blSSW-c239XhX0LJltqkommdSPVLx54bDBmfqD6o3tO0tNJKgZye_fZAN8__SCDr03U4_-HoR89blKC4IQGjE5BqcZ4D5Xx4Cx8HLVGTU26OdX6lWsNd6eXQgC5s1TgcBawc/s1600/Chen+Guanghui+1.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 393px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfhRsaCO8blSSW-c239XhX0LJltqkommdSPVLx54bDBmfqD6o3tO0tNJKgZye_fZAN8__SCDr03U4_-HoR89blKC4IQGjE5BqcZ4D5Xx4Cx8HLVGTU26OdX6lWsNd6eXQgC5s1TgcBawc/s400/Chen+Guanghui+1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5511970356468258402" border="0" /></a>The Crane lady of Dashanbao - these next two pics actually come from November 2009 - but they illustrate one of our most interesting trips over the last year. Dashanbao - in Northern Yunnan - is a Black-necked Crane reserve that lies a long day's motorway drive from Chengdu via Yibin. Here, not only did we find wintering Cranes, but a very determined lady called who has made it her mission to feed and protect these endangered birds - Chen Guanghui. Apparently this task hasn't come without its dangers - our heroine has had at least one hairy experience of sinking into lakeside bog!!!!<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU9XimAekChm9KnvpxhW2XUjN-9278cL0coLLqRrciqoPLdlyi7mjYsmtevriLj03q3atV6dx-JA2C8doockj5Ce6VnWvx3mCMEXTjYCB2nGABMLCpxy5-iQbE8Veb96gHSoYiAiNXcnA/s1600/black+necked+cranes+9.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 226px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU9XimAekChm9KnvpxhW2XUjN-9278cL0coLLqRrciqoPLdlyi7mjYsmtevriLj03q3atV6dx-JA2C8doockj5Ce6VnWvx3mCMEXTjYCB2nGABMLCpxy5-iQbE8Veb96gHSoYiAiNXcnA/s400/black+necked+cranes+9.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5511970342553025154" border="0" /></a>Cranes returning to their lakeside roosting areas around the lake at Dashanbao.<br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgphW7khtHt_U1GDwfVFe2JbSa5BS_6uHDMK2FX7E5QXaVIMk133mic_ISyfCOBRoNzgJ1peP0q08Ay33iJKevn7WT9VampuazxzH_vwZNm2snVU5phYPtkeyhfv3fIFengAe-hBG_ofPI/s1600/pumpkin.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 276px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgphW7khtHt_U1GDwfVFe2JbSa5BS_6uHDMK2FX7E5QXaVIMk133mic_ISyfCOBRoNzgJ1peP0q08Ay33iJKevn7WT9VampuazxzH_vwZNm2snVU5phYPtkeyhfv3fIFengAe-hBG_ofPI/s400/pumpkin.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5511970327658094530" border="0" /></a>Food glorious food - this year we've decided to document more of our restaurant food. This project is not only intended as an interesting reference for visitors, but as a record of traditional street cuisine that sometimes has problems surviving in the rush of development that has hit modern day China. However the above dish represents the modern - a very interesting rendition of Pumpkin from a rather plush restaurant in Ya'an.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmfpTqjJTOcFL2le4EP7YzK-9QsgbeuZqYVxVxcizbbu1b9yruVNYAli8va2DjtGdBDaH6ODDqfNSWeLkLetiDZQuAbZC2HEOKscz6aHZpsu0aez4oBmeO_30Co7Pz47_NP1MkT7-MXzs/s1600/pilgrim.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 273px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmfpTqjJTOcFL2le4EP7YzK-9QsgbeuZqYVxVxcizbbu1b9yruVNYAli8va2DjtGdBDaH6ODDqfNSWeLkLetiDZQuAbZC2HEOKscz6aHZpsu0aez4oBmeO_30Co7Pz47_NP1MkT7-MXzs/s400/pilgrim.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5511970318607520098" border="0" /></a>Faces (or in this case a hidden one) - this guy is a Tibetan pilgrim. We met him on the grasslands, slowly making his way down the road, much of it with his nose against tarmac. These guys prostrate themselves between each step - hence the need for hand, knee and belly protection.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqILPEIQqt8HN7_eWhB11hGg6FvLVQ9Rbt7oEQca9oqXms8Kum75h_RL02wTbqVAqw124-G8eGDElpcgEs9U58P4HSy9Jg7mgWTqzdtF78uP1ELcUpfQLhdRx1r2m7TO2LhZ-5lUfu5lM/s1600/yi+1.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqILPEIQqt8HN7_eWhB11hGg6FvLVQ9Rbt7oEQca9oqXms8Kum75h_RL02wTbqVAqw124-G8eGDElpcgEs9U58P4HSy9Jg7mgWTqzdtF78uP1ELcUpfQLhdRx1r2m7TO2LhZ-5lUfu5lM/s400/yi+1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5511970310053461122" border="0" /></a>And finally a face to sign off this post - this is a Yi Lady - from outside Zhongdian in Yunnan.Sid and Meggie Francishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09247503266565690661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5977909618547201150.post-47590565552409377852010-08-26T21:09:00.000-07:002010-08-27T02:58:25.504-07:00Bifengxia Pandas - 2010It’s been quite a time since we’ve updated this blog – a state of affairs that I’m afraid was due to blogspot being blocked in the PRC. However we’ve now found a pretty sure way of once again getting onto our Chengdu travel site – and will now try to post more regular info.<br /><br />So in this latest post we're giving the latest report on the panda center that's just outside Ya’an - Bifengxia (about 2 hours motorway drive from Chengdu).<br />The main news here is that the getting your picture with a Panda experience is still half the price in Bifeng than it is at Chengdu Panda Breeding Center. And it’s not only cheaper – it’s also a lot more laid back. At the Chengdu center – especially if there’s a crowd waiting – it can be a bit of a conveyor-belt type happening. You're sometimes waiting in line to get a strictly monitored 2 minutes. At quieter Bifeng your 500 gets you a relaxed 5 minutes –and more room to move about with the Panda.<br />But all is not good news with Bifeng – they went and put the admission price up from an already expensive 80 RMB to 120. But during our last visit – just under a month back they had a special admission offer for foreigners – with our tickets costing only 70RMB. Don’t know how long this offer will last – but always it’s worth asking if it still applies.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGHh1kOldgshnFqulRrGcs0ZYBGEafXcie6hmPra4E7jK0AF_9to1i0w_u8dhbkEyDiGvBXoryo-oM_hLynsX5GDwpllPTO9f5MWTf6E_FzdmssZaJM1kbvyHHYiqoZZgTBUhYBGdJ7XM/s1600/ticket.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 254px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGHh1kOldgshnFqulRrGcs0ZYBGEafXcie6hmPra4E7jK0AF_9to1i0w_u8dhbkEyDiGvBXoryo-oM_hLynsX5GDwpllPTO9f5MWTf6E_FzdmssZaJM1kbvyHHYiqoZZgTBUhYBGdJ7XM/s400/ticket.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509940600443486466" border="0" /></a>The 500RMB ticket that gets you in, for 5 minutes, with a young Giant Panda.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVEQ_T63cWv5MxMsNaTC1vilOkiOQbh2SGYD_PY57f101HIBCqrv6dWylZHMnBF8eluMDZkg0xuaaIyEjXyJNBpPrTW8m5uJK_Ew-H6-r2ts-UKGiIFiuJLMayaLgozUN7-ak_O8yvuiE/s1600/br+1+1.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVEQ_T63cWv5MxMsNaTC1vilOkiOQbh2SGYD_PY57f101HIBCqrv6dWylZHMnBF8eluMDZkg0xuaaIyEjXyJNBpPrTW8m5uJK_Ew-H6-r2ts-UKGiIFiuJLMayaLgozUN7-ak_O8yvuiE/s400/br+1+1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509938728888123234" border="0" /></a>One of our guests enjoying her time with a Panda. As with Chengdu - protective clothing is provided that theoretically lessens the risk of visitors infecting a Panda with disease.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOhis6yRjEEDVqnCw_1uNX4yqTpRMIwoag8rodCBIqQCsgcldotXqOOI2SSYhQVNAa_gOZ5UJDUmrSsHA10vbAriRh1EmK117ZFdc43myCOfnZxm0Ht9cVufGzcDWRjt7GH64o2uf1yig/s1600/pair+1.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 339px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOhis6yRjEEDVqnCw_1uNX4yqTpRMIwoag8rodCBIqQCsgcldotXqOOI2SSYhQVNAa_gOZ5UJDUmrSsHA10vbAriRh1EmK117ZFdc43myCOfnZxm0Ht9cVufGzcDWRjt7GH64o2uf1yig/s400/pair+1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509938724592674674" border="0" /></a>A couple of adult Panda vying for honor of who is going to be first out of the pen!!!!!<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHn10Afh3D9AekO8PaVY4KHL21voynyn743i7mg3__563o2weQW3tDaoDQzAq0F1rVyZSWSfTsB-DvlJzIkVfMwj46Wd_s1VxHk0DxXC6lnbNhDLbgJFLvwjLsRGrBnFppTW3JqA7HVGw/s1600/incubator+1.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 283px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHn10Afh3D9AekO8PaVY4KHL21voynyn743i7mg3__563o2weQW3tDaoDQzAq0F1rVyZSWSfTsB-DvlJzIkVfMwj46Wd_s1VxHk0DxXC6lnbNhDLbgJFLvwjLsRGrBnFppTW3JqA7HVGw/s400/incubator+1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509938718391100306" border="0" /></a>While you're prevented from doing this at the Chengdu center, it's possible to take pictures of the very young pandas - in incubators - at Bifeng. But remember not to use flash!!!!!!<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN7aTXoRg6TRQiuN6z6pkUXB4GA4wUJFYAuMc7yd5FbA0mW6T5a9o5kDx2j7KCbC3QNERni4zwSi5S0m_A2l6RfmDSintdVlL_hxVS5M8m7wEg6dq_e1yaLbiv4oZy7BSpl5ANgp1IKZA/s1600/rescue+1.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN7aTXoRg6TRQiuN6z6pkUXB4GA4wUJFYAuMc7yd5FbA0mW6T5a9o5kDx2j7KCbC3QNERni4zwSi5S0m_A2l6RfmDSintdVlL_hxVS5M8m7wEg6dq_e1yaLbiv4oZy7BSpl5ANgp1IKZA/s400/rescue+1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509938714419759906" border="0" /></a>During our last trip to Bifeng we witnessed a Panda rescue. This youngster had spent two days up this tree - which raised a little concern - an it was ultimately, with not a little trouble, brought down for closer inspection.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8Gk28Y8Eaxl5s6dgnlSuIf7uDGduVMk5soF5xgpIUYpgvGY6_eNt0M4JEgnnSdXaIGUlVa3sSz5e9b_QIAFhF4ubhLKnMJ7xRDIIDIQ8zl8NZsPTW-axaqNFSgsXN_ovL6SsDxXRaAzU/s1600/tree+1.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 369px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8Gk28Y8Eaxl5s6dgnlSuIf7uDGduVMk5soF5xgpIUYpgvGY6_eNt0M4JEgnnSdXaIGUlVa3sSz5e9b_QIAFhF4ubhLKnMJ7xRDIIDIQ8zl8NZsPTW-axaqNFSgsXN_ovL6SsDxXRaAzU/s400/tree+1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509938712742489730" border="0" /></a>While other the Pandas - just did what Pandas are meant to do - chilling-out and serenely letting the world pass them by.Sid and Meggie Francishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09247503266565690661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5977909618547201150.post-44900488777449795162009-02-07T22:08:00.000-08:002010-08-29T05:22:37.479-07:00Chengdu Travel Guide - Pandas, Hotpot , Opera, Big Buddha, Emei and a Lantern Festival - all in one and a half days.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiYDKV63woL6qY5RHDq8asO3Aqa0NdqVqqbK85uDmtMbsNj53Uf9ej1DUcWz5NI2Qb30DzXK8SOQ266aZSfh_68_a2fd0SmDnJo13mIYxD4_6fGoB8C6a6uTibu0stMqC8IXUptAgXT24/s1600-h/panda+1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 290px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiYDKV63woL6qY5RHDq8asO3Aqa0NdqVqqbK85uDmtMbsNj53Uf9ej1DUcWz5NI2Qb30DzXK8SOQ266aZSfh_68_a2fd0SmDnJo13mIYxD4_6fGoB8C6a6uTibu0stMqC8IXUptAgXT24/s400/panda+1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5300311501054135298" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Chengdu Travel</span> - for a Chengdu Travel Blog this site seems a little lacking on info regarding stuff you can actually do within the city! So here's an article, about our last guest, that puts this situation a little to rights. During this trip we were helping a traveler who wanted a very full and hectic one and half days - that would almost be a non-stop tour between her airport touchdown and take-off. By the way - she arrived during the afternoon<span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0"></span> - so this tour started around 1pm on the day that would include Pandas, Hotpot and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Sichuan</span></span> Opera.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivvR9GKaVHXMU7rQKIIFgTEVLRodeokMEXk0yUi1lvivzFVZt74jIymo4GI79IDnKlF9jQ00iqabqPfdw1eFXhkU3XKgPDozTS-oUsC-SlVeFVag-Yv8loLR2DVt20E3fTd4UW5cR_B-0/s1600-h/pics.jpg"><br /></a>It's always "fun" with airport pick-ups - late arrivals, spotting a guest in the crowd, meeting those guests, face to face, for the first time - but rarely are we already giving a tour within a hour of touchdown. But this was the case during our last assignment - a guest who wanted to be whisked from airport to Chengdu Panda center - and within 40 minutes she was clicking away at the bears.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr4bF-ynOGzZ6GWwjQx_S4zokIsnxVP__KV2ESps7hbpuH7DBKPNhnOj_SSy-ybj6NO0LQyY32hh3alwGmuGPdzyp7WhMkDq9ljglhtpEq8Vhvfkpw3riB5qcXBtqwzNJ9PjwsBckr41Q/s1600-h/baby.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr4bF-ynOGzZ6GWwjQx_S4zokIsnxVP__KV2ESps7hbpuH7DBKPNhnOj_SSy-ybj6NO0LQyY32hh3alwGmuGPdzyp7WhMkDq9ljglhtpEq8Vhvfkpw3riB5qcXBtqwzNJ9PjwsBckr41Q/s400/baby.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5300310466939598130" border="0" /></a>However this part of mission also included getting our guest a young panda to hold. We'd phoned up the center - but had been told that being able to hold one of these Pandas depended on the decision of the keepers with regard to how the animal was that day - and no bookings were possible. So all we could bank on was turning up - and hoping an animal would be available.<br />The pic shows a younger bear - but behind glass in the baby Panda enclosure<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB5kzxf0X1tmFeZ9-1-2wmNejIVEQy0BrYI0wzFeZk-x2Znl936JakgazTYRyajdwIdNfwiiH02-hDQmfYLQqACHsiSe6Iq5M8HvRGBMIuSlTzVxFdhA3xk-91fLNGDCujpHrvCq2vGPI/s1600-h/lab.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB5kzxf0X1tmFeZ9-1-2wmNejIVEQy0BrYI0wzFeZk-x2Znl936JakgazTYRyajdwIdNfwiiH02-hDQmfYLQqACHsiSe6Iq5M8HvRGBMIuSlTzVxFdhA3xk-91fLNGDCujpHrvCq2vGPI/s400/lab.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5300310467993574706" border="0" /></a>Sometimes if you're very lucky you get to see the very small pandas - but today the incubators were empty.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3EUTevpwI8JXupwzbWHXFXVvJgpKRyt3-H8Z7G80V4Jtk8LgzJwXsfoprd9S12W7QNiicRmziCuY0Py-ZJ3SzoK9l50yi25VH6wIoWDutfeiHEx9MgInu4_Ddsgh0CPBrjbXm_0fHo44/s1600-h/escape.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 329px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3EUTevpwI8JXupwzbWHXFXVvJgpKRyt3-H8Z7G80V4Jtk8LgzJwXsfoprd9S12W7QNiicRmziCuY0Py-ZJ3SzoK9l50yi25VH6wIoWDutfeiHEx9MgInu4_Ddsgh0CPBrjbXm_0fHo44/s400/escape.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5300310462940783186" border="0" /></a>Yikes!!!!!!!!!! Take a look at this pic - is that an escaped Panda on the run????<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDMhPD6SO0pFdUds3jl_IICn-ySgkrVYIHzgEJe_ZS6ORQCOvBLvRpMdYrYAMpx75PX-5xXHbX3nVqwy5Jqg3JWf7qXFinI3bp8OAb76mciG30HRO-VvEAjeX8TNroZu1lEIle7iqITsY/s1600-h/panda.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDMhPD6SO0pFdUds3jl_IICn-ySgkrVYIHzgEJe_ZS6ORQCOvBLvRpMdYrYAMpx75PX-5xXHbX3nVqwy5Jqg3JWf7qXFinI3bp8OAb76mciG30HRO-VvEAjeX8TNroZu1lEIle7iqITsY/s400/panda.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5300312237670835330" border="0" /></a>It wasn't that hard to get permission to get our young Panda picture taking opportunity - in fact we only had to wait 15 minutes before the staff set everything up.<br />The cost for having this opportunity is 1000<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">RMB</span></span> for a small panda and 400<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">RMB</span></span> for an adult/larger animal - and these prices are advertised as donations. The whole thing is very brief - under 5 minutes from the time you start sitting with the bear. Meggie was allowed in to take pics - while a member of the staff also shot more pics with our guest's camera.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv5mEHr5I-R7ewdlcBjCR8adV9N_9vLswCdvAWxOh3drOoxilclipP9oxClKsdL9sC7FzMw76_Cx0Vq1LLrN8TTv8A64jOJzyApOYJazjXiMLCbM9KerHDFoYp4RJixJgpGL3YHDRpCYw/s1600-h/chilling.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv5mEHr5I-R7ewdlcBjCR8adV9N_9vLswCdvAWxOh3drOoxilclipP9oxClKsdL9sC7FzMw76_Cx0Vq1LLrN8TTv8A64jOJzyApOYJazjXiMLCbM9KerHDFoYp4RJixJgpGL3YHDRpCYw/s400/chilling.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5300310464273376226" border="0" /></a>Here's a bigger version of Panda - totally chilled out.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdAod2tAF0IT2w6_27S6oFPjJXsS3IqPX5rwHL7j5EYy-SsH909auD6nfBfsMT9Go-XluCMSQsLQ6X52Lp51VdebezOeQjFp0LWXYOWYtOP4z_bbuhHsNOyM7TKIbVzfKOGtNFWiRXo-0/s1600-h/red+panda.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 383px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdAod2tAF0IT2w6_27S6oFPjJXsS3IqPX5rwHL7j5EYy-SsH909auD6nfBfsMT9Go-XluCMSQsLQ6X52Lp51VdebezOeQjFp0LWXYOWYtOP4z_bbuhHsNOyM7TKIbVzfKOGtNFWiRXo-0/s400/red+panda.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5300310459848127874" border="0" /></a>And lets not forget the Red Pandas - who, if anything, are more entertaining than their bigger cousins.<br /><br />By the way the admission prices of the Chengdu Center has nearly doubled - up from 30<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">RMB</span></span> to 58<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">RMB</span></span>!!!!<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLjKDNkjfMFBnVkToGJKETBLx1v2JeBdDohfeldhG6kLKME-vTBL_SGIHIet6Kwzgzh23bdUN_VrZc2v3JbV212dFJlmGHlPSGmtDYXKY6aiadqTobl2UjMxH939MRWVKma_u-3J7gVMs/s1600-h/boiling.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLjKDNkjfMFBnVkToGJKETBLx1v2JeBdDohfeldhG6kLKME-vTBL_SGIHIet6Kwzgzh23bdUN_VrZc2v3JbV212dFJlmGHlPSGmtDYXKY6aiadqTobl2UjMxH939MRWVKma_u-3J7gVMs/s400/boiling.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5300309757507074418" border="0" /></a>Well after Pandas it was time to eat - eating <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Chengdunese</span></span>. So what better than the most popular meal in town - hotpot.<br />Hotpot is like a giant fondue set-up - but that pot is put over a gas burner. Inside the normal Chengdu style pot we have oils and very hot and spicy spices into which you cook a whole variety of dishes (these you choose yourself). Because the normal oils are so spicy - a special pot was put in the middle, called white hotpot - which is very mild and contains far less oil.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7ewLLkolMmqrmlSZBPoU1zrPe8Lk0KSoqkbVJvgKyVJjCauq68I9Zcj7YVVFVXJJ-pCTK_mOz17WMpKE2Y5iz6sc-a-KVar6e9LiOnIxhqcLRGBpvLttIhQhOUN4fv9VgG58G8T1_6DQ/s1600-h/menu.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7ewLLkolMmqrmlSZBPoU1zrPe8Lk0KSoqkbVJvgKyVJjCauq68I9Zcj7YVVFVXJJ-pCTK_mOz17WMpKE2Y5iz6sc-a-KVar6e9LiOnIxhqcLRGBpvLttIhQhOUN4fv9VgG58G8T1_6DQ/s400/menu.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5300309756808126002" border="0" /></a>Here's some of the food that we chose for our feast - we included kidneys and tripe, but if you're squeamish you don't have to order this kind of stuff. Otherwise we got regular meat, vegetables and a variety of mushrooms - and tofu.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMHLpr_kyTC4Q7ICTCGMocxXM9DzbkF4F9B-GpuTqQyqhgNMTtMQy2noTyMATo9N2dKeos9_yjCYxolV7fKsbPHvxLDaMZF4qd_B2E3HcOvS7dU0h9LjZACZsLJAPD0DQx_B-4V0UkQkE/s1600-h/hotpot.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMHLpr_kyTC4Q7ICTCGMocxXM9DzbkF4F9B-GpuTqQyqhgNMTtMQy2noTyMATo9N2dKeos9_yjCYxolV7fKsbPHvxLDaMZF4qd_B2E3HcOvS7dU0h9LjZACZsLJAPD0DQx_B-4V0UkQkE/s400/hotpot.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5300309758045153234" border="0" /></a>There are so many Hotpots in Chengdu - but to pick the good ones look for the crowd. by 6pm a few folk had started to queue on the street waiting for an empty table.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnhZH2GQxWbG4GMa0UHjDJjVI0aE8KmPJjVAA4K73IAkKvwW4vWAepbHHwr33pTahyphenhyphenNNovp5CagKn7m549Fv6dpy0M6OT35SMYM2CK8bHgi_S2TaLUo2y9XW7g83KZDvz_s4Th5RlDAHk/s1600-h/opera.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 335px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnhZH2GQxWbG4GMa0UHjDJjVI0aE8KmPJjVAA4K73IAkKvwW4vWAepbHHwr33pTahyphenhyphenNNovp5CagKn7m549Fv6dpy0M6OT35SMYM2CK8bHgi_S2TaLUo2y9XW7g83KZDvz_s4Th5RlDAHk/s400/opera.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5300309751986573890" border="0" /></a>Well after the eating came the final destination of the day - <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Sichuan</span></span> Opera.<br />Here we have one of the troop about to give one of trademark moves of the style of Chinese opera - a high kick.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGrJWIwfxRj6RhI0JLfX9lmCqhWP0XqcRj5n9lUpuDB7Qw_LYxn9n7lSYsAA29JmE3qovx48ECdh6QSHgA8fE_DJcEx-y3dDznyO3z8OaL1Yvdaf6SYhr1VarN8Re9EHDf-FkTTbjzxZE/s1600-h/orchestra.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGrJWIwfxRj6RhI0JLfX9lmCqhWP0XqcRj5n9lUpuDB7Qw_LYxn9n7lSYsAA29JmE3qovx48ECdh6QSHgA8fE_DJcEx-y3dDznyO3z8OaL1Yvdaf6SYhr1VarN8Re9EHDf-FkTTbjzxZE/s400/orchestra.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5300307614442572210" border="0" /></a>The opera comes with its orchestra - and the music is characterised by a great deal of gong crashing.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQn8yflYRywlm6H8JcyYvI968HxhL6f0-5FMmmPhlSHET1cXwBmtGTSLKyqjfWZYz-5VBX4srSEwEKbauXchn68JhQZsCX3A8URmzf3rXrk-VEpupU2qlx3yC_Circ6j0UYIvSpFguFO4/s1600-h/fire+big.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQn8yflYRywlm6H8JcyYvI968HxhL6f0-5FMmmPhlSHET1cXwBmtGTSLKyqjfWZYz-5VBX4srSEwEKbauXchn68JhQZsCX3A8URmzf3rXrk-VEpupU2qlx3yC_Circ6j0UYIvSpFguFO4/s400/fire+big.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5300307608605871186" border="0" /></a><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">There's</span> a lot of exciting stuff in these performances - quick mask and costumes changes, <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">marionettes</span>, circus type acts and and good helping of fire-spitting (I've left this pic <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">slighlty</span> bigger than the others - if you click on it, it can be downloaded - it makes great desktop wallpaper).<br />Like all good popular folk performances - its quite okay for the audience to give there feedback with not only "<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">ohhhhhhhhhs</span></span>" and "<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">ahhhhhhhhs</span></span>" - but also a little bit of shouting.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5Y4WDoHkTplxuCX_SYx1X1JV4XW6EvtWc2JD7udvZ7SNwkvH2zqbUflYmCUYHrKNGQbWw59QUdxVXmNvq_L0kZXNl2FN7wGJsiKK0myodkXtthqDbi5rD6IGjsb2y_nhEblNREmiUHyI/s1600-h/butterfly.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 322px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5Y4WDoHkTplxuCX_SYx1X1JV4XW6EvtWc2JD7udvZ7SNwkvH2zqbUflYmCUYHrKNGQbWw59QUdxVXmNvq_L0kZXNl2FN7wGJsiKK0myodkXtthqDbi5rD6IGjsb2y_nhEblNREmiUHyI/s400/butterfly.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5300309752401631890" border="0" /></a>Here's the hand-shadow part of the show - I reckon that one should be a butterfly.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2zjEQTs3jR0Y80c66mWHc_ajp4gqWGT_yKz1UvTPvyzK-rgPQ179k-R4Won5Tfuokc72aWBOR6ySDh2EJ7z9iTqRJRxlXp9j_yeYNenZWk4x_YFgl_TWXwwhdZvSxQCqRseOm9dzPsCQ/s1600-h/bb.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2zjEQTs3jR0Y80c66mWHc_ajp4gqWGT_yKz1UvTPvyzK-rgPQ179k-R4Won5Tfuokc72aWBOR6ySDh2EJ7z9iTqRJRxlXp9j_yeYNenZWk4x_YFgl_TWXwwhdZvSxQCqRseOm9dzPsCQ/s400/bb.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5300307610862137442" border="0" /></a><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Phewwwwwww</span></span> - the first half day over - and everything going to plan. Now comes day 2 - and a lot of travel. We're going to try and do Big Buddha and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Emei</span></span> mountain in one day - and there's a thick fog!!!!!!!!!!!<br />Well if you're going to do the Big Buddha quickly you have to be <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">careful</span> of going into the park - it can be very crowded - especially just now when kids are still on their Chinese new year's break.<br />If you look at this pic you can see that there is queue going around the Buddha - we could hear the park people telling folk to be <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">careful</span> and move on - it all looked rather clogged up.<br /><br />And how did we get to see the Buddha??????????????????????<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQbkRTr7UcmRONszGRieMxCDyNiJkKNP93zbkEjL2S9wNdMIpktIVkLC107TU3kfJXLxtO-EBlHypAJ5euZJTX5J5KaW1WxJUV_xqN3CIzBgDsLzZo9ke-2irlckn5-l3-u6znFyzRVRY/s1600-h/ferry.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQbkRTr7UcmRONszGRieMxCDyNiJkKNP93zbkEjL2S9wNdMIpktIVkLC107TU3kfJXLxtO-EBlHypAJ5euZJTX5J5KaW1WxJUV_xqN3CIzBgDsLzZo9ke-2irlckn5-l3-u6znFyzRVRY/s400/ferry.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5300307611161344930" border="0" /></a>We chose that island that lies just in front of the Buddha - you get there from the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Leshan</span></span> side of the river - a 1 minute ferry ride costs an amazing 1<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">RMB</span></span> each way - surely one of the best <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">Sichuan</span></span> bargains going!!!<br />We were worried that the fog would prevent us from seeing the statue - but luckily it wasn't that bad and we got good views.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpMPKOjeRhYtJ01wylhg85fRO2hDXP2Ovcfapqr0BLQAErDwMXl5BkOmrtXHZwiyYjgKxQnLoXzbKRirsyB44R3lNKpH_GAHyzmoMoMC1YyW3EP8QxmuhRueJHS3HnulA-Ml3prOsWrjU/s1600-h/loving+life.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 277px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpMPKOjeRhYtJ01wylhg85fRO2hDXP2Ovcfapqr0BLQAErDwMXl5BkOmrtXHZwiyYjgKxQnLoXzbKRirsyB44R3lNKpH_GAHyzmoMoMC1YyW3EP8QxmuhRueJHS3HnulA-Ml3prOsWrjU/s400/loving+life.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5300307604583504866" border="0" /></a>After <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">Leshan</span></span> town its a 40 minute rush up the road to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">Emei</span></span> mountain - here the fog was also heavy and we walked the mid elevations.<br />This is a pic from earlier in the year - from the golden summit - if this place is clouded out you can't see very much.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoDd900ucnwdYPdFTfDbdWCQnl-10YyufL5ZJHQYnQWecZUt_wgV5AzoBeJ-nHtzhJDdQJfj_i7eaJGFVWlB8ByXwr0srnSoRV8OuNquFh6lfulaWeSEGFW2K9D5OqC1JqKjl79HaTm-M/s1600-h/P2050129.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoDd900ucnwdYPdFTfDbdWCQnl-10YyufL5ZJHQYnQWecZUt_wgV5AzoBeJ-nHtzhJDdQJfj_i7eaJGFVWlB8ByXwr0srnSoRV8OuNquFh6lfulaWeSEGFW2K9D5OqC1JqKjl79HaTm-M/s400/P2050129.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5300306800089760354" border="0" /></a>After a day traveling what better to get back to Chengdu - and get some local snacks on <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">Jinli</span></span> Street. This site is labelled as an ancient street - which is a bit of a misnomer - since it's a modern built copy!!! This is a real shame, since so much that was genuine and lovely has gone under the developer's concrete - but at least it gives a little feel of how things used to be.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmF51XhZL5X3SL41qJIxkmR-waWRu2_UxeJ9omPBAzCPArHMeJb184xH1LUs3gpshiybFAOjzqy82TxVY4n1TZm2jhqG_NMnfweP0NKc_v4RT2rZYZ7qkMPWppDP8nQchh9g_xFd7JE5k/s1600-h/food.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmF51XhZL5X3SL41qJIxkmR-waWRu2_UxeJ9omPBAzCPArHMeJb184xH1LUs3gpshiybFAOjzqy82TxVY4n1TZm2jhqG_NMnfweP0NKc_v4RT2rZYZ7qkMPWppDP8nQchh9g_xFd7JE5k/s400/food.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5300306800129095826" border="0" /></a>Here are some of the snacks - of course for us folk who travel the countryside and find the genuine stuff - very over-priced. But because these foods are becoming harder and harder to find - maybe we shouldn't begrudge paying a few extra <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_22"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">RMB</span></span> in keeping the local snacks and specialities something we can also find in Chengdu.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOeR68rHLsNPNgbHwVC2rC0Jvo9-fswvabaqDT9SmRcnRkMp3E5S52vN2QyKTxleIloVE8bVAvqAwsLRV00JLD-9z5Yu14stVQ049bVserLdmAEJFuS_peP8WMLrmierrit9CqdL9ID1Y/s1600-h/lamps.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOeR68rHLsNPNgbHwVC2rC0Jvo9-fswvabaqDT9SmRcnRkMp3E5S52vN2QyKTxleIloVE8bVAvqAwsLRV00JLD-9z5Yu14stVQ049bVserLdmAEJFuS_peP8WMLrmierrit9CqdL9ID1Y/s400/lamps.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5300306796816277362" border="0" /></a>Being close to Chinese New Year - we also had a very colourful lantern festival.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs0uE7AGgz62lPK-SwvpTG9BeNVSm9hkLwEzJ6ELZC6ZY1A_cSLITsmz2YhHHFwd3m98p4TZfgmhgfChxuS0DGtKaGWInevbeuGMBP1fASbdmgwfxpzsFxFSjQNn2tmnv4gyCWCS4xAUM/s1600-h/pipes.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 340px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs0uE7AGgz62lPK-SwvpTG9BeNVSm9hkLwEzJ6ELZC6ZY1A_cSLITsmz2YhHHFwd3m98p4TZfgmhgfChxuS0DGtKaGWInevbeuGMBP1fASbdmgwfxpzsFxFSjQNn2tmnv4gyCWCS4xAUM/s400/pipes.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5300306793941464018" border="0" /></a>And there's always a souvenir or two to buy - these are painted gourds .<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBAwriKMxcFU5VudXZLden-TsUClrxf3Q5kRgkCRRAdmh2ARe-5mq1i20h7zmI4_pnQszUOpvnf93Tp6j8J2eIgPcbRt1tWYWIV1K9451pi-VAjN7Yl5UsVZpOEGObnnMAOimVJMXpCmE/s1600-h/squid.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 321px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBAwriKMxcFU5VudXZLden-TsUClrxf3Q5kRgkCRRAdmh2ARe-5mq1i20h7zmI4_pnQszUOpvnf93Tp6j8J2eIgPcbRt1tWYWIV1K9451pi-VAjN7Yl5UsVZpOEGObnnMAOimVJMXpCmE/s400/squid.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5300306795117901410" border="0" /></a>But the highlight of this place is food - and how better to sign-off after one and a half days of hard-core, non-stop sight-seeing - than with a mouth full of squid!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Sid and Meggie Francishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09247503266565690661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5977909618547201150.post-62650886491299272552009-01-19T03:16:00.000-08:002009-01-19T05:24:55.296-08:00Chengdu Travel Guide - Luding - walking to a mountain monastery<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq3HQufkJ-NvjMgT2nC96Dbs25ssXOGCAJkWVvbtU1Zvj0acbjwyP4dbCImzPuaoozaw3sAQ86wctFyMhXoPNWkW_QS-t2vW9Oll_h4u8SZy6r1cV_ZpUk6ZP0r-y6VnCYAldwcCuepF4/s1600-h/v.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq3HQufkJ-NvjMgT2nC96Dbs25ssXOGCAJkWVvbtU1Zvj0acbjwyP4dbCImzPuaoozaw3sAQ86wctFyMhXoPNWkW_QS-t2vW9Oll_h4u8SZy6r1cV_ZpUk6ZP0r-y6VnCYAldwcCuepF4/s400/v.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5292970020266339538" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Chengdu Travel</span> - last week we finally got the chance to make a trip to a couple of areas we've been meaning to check out. One of these places was a monastery which is found high on a mountain that overlooks <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Luding</span></span> - a town that's 7 hours drive from Chengdu on the road to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Kangding</span></span>.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0K1C3z1v8Q1s3PH9ssOM1eV28ukvyvV5dLnGxK-ym3XgRIEBhGVnT50pHkoD8p0cbSp7hMTs7736BATWvQKfPnXm279WYZ6EvtHSEEqfyo9eIHIDVukwPhJyh0yGK7TdTCg8Cj9i4HF0/s1600-h/city.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0K1C3z1v8Q1s3PH9ssOM1eV28ukvyvV5dLnGxK-ym3XgRIEBhGVnT50pHkoD8p0cbSp7hMTs7736BATWvQKfPnXm279WYZ6EvtHSEEqfyo9eIHIDVukwPhJyh0yGK7TdTCg8Cj9i4HF0/s400/city.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5292970013530120674" border="0" /></a><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Here's</span> the start of our walk - from the edge of the town. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Luding</span></span> itself isn't much of a destination - and although its bustling and busy - nearly all that was old and interesting has been redeveloped into a rather sterile <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">concrete</span> mess. But if you take the paths that lead up the valleys you soon get out to far more appealing areas.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWO0v0R6C1p7NxvEVfVdaPilmtvFasAFg40k6py2akIkcDyQyetLWkP8wwoLIw4JhvJqnsQTwDOYswsV7IPE0YXGDWGJUGGu7qmuVN0NCjCcudHYhQDo8WarODhtm3myd05H2EwcvYG6Y/s1600-h/horse.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWO0v0R6C1p7NxvEVfVdaPilmtvFasAFg40k6py2akIkcDyQyetLWkP8wwoLIw4JhvJqnsQTwDOYswsV7IPE0YXGDWGJUGGu7qmuVN0NCjCcudHYhQDo8WarODhtm3myd05H2EwcvYG6Y/s400/horse.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5292970016813895570" border="0" /></a>At the bottom of our track we ran into a local method of transport - horses. If you're living at the tops of the valleys there's no real roads - just very steep tracks that soon turn into small winding mountain paths.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvlxL3CHrz5UbYGLwz8A3Wr3NFY_UkvBukLKlDa56bslXNOMGgl4us3aaUgruVLc-EVlFHWlL5Q8rNbDAgWlsBtttyk2LVqd3_UrRESN7ZdGSAq92I0GfZvjry87MyaXVUveK-VSGThyo/s1600-h/terraces.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvlxL3CHrz5UbYGLwz8A3Wr3NFY_UkvBukLKlDa56bslXNOMGgl4us3aaUgruVLc-EVlFHWlL5Q8rNbDAgWlsBtttyk2LVqd3_UrRESN7ZdGSAq92I0GfZvjry87MyaXVUveK-VSGThyo/s400/terraces.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5292970012319019106" border="0" /></a>At the bottom there's still farming - with lots of terraced fields. In the past there also used to be fields at higher elevations, but because of reforestation projects farming is now not allowed on the upper valley.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk3eLlIli-SLu3zMxroOUxNui9HQiy1YMFXTkk9t36-yuuRS3YWTAASw2HY7EUSBUfCxsWBd_tEJiKvg0cc4O9YrVV8bjlpJLs4AAhCRg7rApFdH2Jti3HAr5ymoesyTHPvcpXJF4qRAU/s1600-h/orange+tree.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk3eLlIli-SLu3zMxroOUxNui9HQiy1YMFXTkk9t36-yuuRS3YWTAASw2HY7EUSBUfCxsWBd_tEJiKvg0cc4O9YrVV8bjlpJLs4AAhCRg7rApFdH2Jti3HAr5ymoesyTHPvcpXJF4qRAU/s400/orange+tree.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5292969117085881138" border="0" /></a>This picture gives you an indication of this area's climate - an orange tree<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhekUh9IHZ2TMkIqJJ8fgVstv8aS8x2Wr5J8UarbHmdpy_EPeZw8aU10aShU3TJDlN02I4wGDHzzOkaK2380Sjb7qA0P760A6Avbbo8S5g-7fLLoR_U_NgN0M4TpJNtEMfKJb3sjm24PGs/s1600-h/farmland.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhekUh9IHZ2TMkIqJJ8fgVstv8aS8x2Wr5J8UarbHmdpy_EPeZw8aU10aShU3TJDlN02I4wGDHzzOkaK2380Sjb7qA0P760A6Avbbo8S5g-7fLLoR_U_NgN0M4TpJNtEMfKJb3sjm24PGs/s400/farmland.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5292970257949201298" border="0" /></a>As we get higher we look down on the last of the farmland.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUv9T4Jl-MBA4GcYHtmYT7scHgFJdn2FZEqVcon8PXTlIzAdBE6Uziv71n61xaJg_Bmgjrbxp9ueXdLFMEYf5GJhetUybTx6h2AVyiOqb-R-Fi0AzyjuY0bsqmiZZ3xYj9CMBCoTOBRAM/s1600-h/mon.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUv9T4Jl-MBA4GcYHtmYT7scHgFJdn2FZEqVcon8PXTlIzAdBE6Uziv71n61xaJg_Bmgjrbxp9ueXdLFMEYf5GJhetUybTx6h2AVyiOqb-R-Fi0AzyjuY0bsqmiZZ3xYj9CMBCoTOBRAM/s400/mon.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5292969107688822530" border="0" /></a>This is the lower <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">monastery</span> on our route - it only took half an hour to get here. We were told it would take two to three hours to get to the upper monastery.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiovpvGIC5WpLo2TWsj0jAgbpnLvyj9ZBDsdWgUCpvKLkJ0qqdqy5gacKIAbGe_oA-KBZSBIMl6qUeqqIJJdej1BLEvDGmuuKRNw2yJbZUgjxTzAHdBsUQjdkovJMxr8xyHnX8JCSKLssI/s1600-h/v+2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiovpvGIC5WpLo2TWsj0jAgbpnLvyj9ZBDsdWgUCpvKLkJ0qqdqy5gacKIAbGe_oA-KBZSBIMl6qUeqqIJJdej1BLEvDGmuuKRNw2yJbZUgjxTzAHdBsUQjdkovJMxr8xyHnX8JCSKLssI/s400/v+2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5292968050349587666" border="0" /></a>However that path just kept on going - up, up and yet further up!!!!!<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq34YSzc4tJc8q2RyTeviY9-s8GvJAJ-wW1tsOcfZpF_HO_oobdpMCxcwV1plSeZVxkoLqkpHGWMTHAxtXjugF1APD7M6GFlDOvITMFaI4bv4pRnCN5tRLQVwm4UVMGIjBF6nECzTJDlI/s1600-h/path+1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq34YSzc4tJc8q2RyTeviY9-s8GvJAJ-wW1tsOcfZpF_HO_oobdpMCxcwV1plSeZVxkoLqkpHGWMTHAxtXjugF1APD7M6GFlDOvITMFaI4bv4pRnCN5tRLQVwm4UVMGIjBF6nECzTJDlI/s400/path+1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5292968047206786338" border="0" /></a>You need a fairly good pair of lungs for this kind of trek. The actual path was in fairly good condition - and the altitude isn't that high to cause us problems. The habitat here has turned into a scrubby dry grassland.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuvRPDS7JmMge7xQAbjjYVLb-bxB5_yi45SUj0BWGdP7godXQfZ382aJYGktSmgrMD6Xm5kVNDwcfazxwlGpXSTtrpTPi-P1Zam9OWUkQtY-hvmXZz0GhaXln89UkqVvq6zVCa7CiYGU8/s1600-h/v+1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuvRPDS7JmMge7xQAbjjYVLb-bxB5_yi45SUj0BWGdP7godXQfZ382aJYGktSmgrMD6Xm5kVNDwcfazxwlGpXSTtrpTPi-P1Zam9OWUkQtY-hvmXZz0GhaXln89UkqVvq6zVCa7CiYGU8/s400/v+1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5292968044714934194" border="0" /></a>And, of course, as you get higher those views just get better and better. After a couple of hours trekking the snow mountains of the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Gongga</span></span> range come into view - but still no sight of that monastery.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9Simmpoevz-duwInAlT2kswoINVZe1Pjox7Svln2Q6YcTK6eec1YfUq3gqPOERBUoH0ghlmwwCroOYAhuTcW2h9IyRjVBbLVyErQUkNYrbTFeEKoQ5eXGdZ645kuGVUKUBAr_WzQp6nc/s1600-h/path+2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9Simmpoevz-duwInAlT2kswoINVZe1Pjox7Svln2Q6YcTK6eec1YfUq3gqPOERBUoH0ghlmwwCroOYAhuTcW2h9IyRjVBbLVyErQUkNYrbTFeEKoQ5eXGdZ645kuGVUKUBAr_WzQp6nc/s400/path+2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5292968042856234626" border="0" /></a>The scrub of mid valley elevations started to turn into woodland as we got higher. As you can also see the sun really started to come out latter in the day.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHrhgGIVzUg2XFC7ACvx55kVpIq4otdx3yys-IA7RJUuBB8Ap-eQnSlK2yHTkNWYwYrxUTcdll8uvXuK9BL7AePiyr2OF1tOV3968PkcqZ4pXvm2dnrmO9MYAZkuFWax3uB-RX-bDcvPQ/s1600-h/look.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHrhgGIVzUg2XFC7ACvx55kVpIq4otdx3yys-IA7RJUuBB8Ap-eQnSlK2yHTkNWYwYrxUTcdll8uvXuK9BL7AePiyr2OF1tOV3968PkcqZ4pXvm2dnrmO9MYAZkuFWax3uB-RX-bDcvPQ/s400/look.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5292967039099261554" border="0" /></a>About 4 hours into the trek - stopping for a well-earned breather!!!!<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5Zp7P1ea8IEBuuGMXUxW67pgOYVVelOQv035ucWCJ9crGsONPGS2PKZX284escNwuVLlBTTW2f6ILqNIvY3SLfjrXF0Oy38w6iqYS8gwhdlPJSqRGClvmyTUEGHAjz82i_gcdP9eM_D0/s1600-h/valley.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5Zp7P1ea8IEBuuGMXUxW67pgOYVVelOQv035ucWCJ9crGsONPGS2PKZX284escNwuVLlBTTW2f6ILqNIvY3SLfjrXF0Oy38w6iqYS8gwhdlPJSqRGClvmyTUEGHAjz82i_gcdP9eM_D0/s400/valley.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5292967035312269314" border="0" /></a>In that last pic Meggie is looking down this valley - that monastery lies somewhere in this direction.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz3jG-t5-qTvJeE92JkO0RSODl7GCAgDbtiNqBYJ8duKXTTwjDlzOXpxmeS8XpQZ95ImB0vpRPYF8BDjKBWmSbWuTdQr52S-m3AjqRIfrAEAIBNbRIHJNR2hlfCRkwJ1fDGCmbQpgpnFA/s1600-h/mon+1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz3jG-t5-qTvJeE92JkO0RSODl7GCAgDbtiNqBYJ8duKXTTwjDlzOXpxmeS8XpQZ95ImB0vpRPYF8BDjKBWmSbWuTdQr52S-m3AjqRIfrAEAIBNbRIHJNR2hlfCRkwJ1fDGCmbQpgpnFA/s400/mon+1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5292985117348207922" border="0" /></a>After around 6 hours we <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">finally</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">arrive</span>.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOwOyW7AmJ8rT7GCwTzARACBkeld52qO40F8nqkGHRSjN-mN7oLqrkIUnGD_5Bryo_-gN841ikseeM_mOy-7nyr8KJ4t4-SM1kBzvljZt6oRy7nFWoqZNj8wZiHrcES5p9rwJdIr_0TFg/s1600-h/mon+2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOwOyW7AmJ8rT7GCwTzARACBkeld52qO40F8nqkGHRSjN-mN7oLqrkIUnGD_5Bryo_-gN841ikseeM_mOy-7nyr8KJ4t4-SM1kBzvljZt6oRy7nFWoqZNj8wZiHrcES5p9rwJdIr_0TFg/s400/mon+2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5292967031322121634" border="0" /></a>Here's the caretaker - there are no monks left at this place. It was getting on to be late afternoon - so the old guy agreed to let us stay overnight.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH2aLRsYi4E5g-VA-VxPwUV7WtAbmrYf7KKd1wghSRAWXOQBzdQonyyweyjHPwbddT_UKd0Rw1gzv0NNVNh3KEROkSK4zSUiiryXgLoEm0RG_PTLEW2KqVg77WJKpVDCphkbS4f0CHgtk/s1600-h/caretacker.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH2aLRsYi4E5g-VA-VxPwUV7WtAbmrYf7KKd1wghSRAWXOQBzdQonyyweyjHPwbddT_UKd0Rw1gzv0NNVNh3KEROkSK4zSUiiryXgLoEm0RG_PTLEW2KqVg77WJKpVDCphkbS4f0CHgtk/s400/caretacker.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5292965104339543826" border="0" /></a>The old man was quite a character - 86 years old he had been some sort of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Kung</span></span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Fu</span></span> monk. On his cheeks he had black <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">tattoo</span> scars that had been made while testing his powers against pain - which involved some nasty stuff with a knife!!! During the night he showed us that he could lick and touch a red-hot poker - not your usual old-age-pensioner party trick.<br />He was surprised I had a name - he assumed only Chinese were given names. The first - and only - foreigner he had ever seen was three years before during a visit to the town. I <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">don't</span> think many foreigners have made it up to this place.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE051o_xW4zC5vZi45hG2FG-7Qh38whALNAgDLiRcCnR0M9-k8DWo0t_4_3x6wngEUWSNqP43Cbdexjldep0Z4PmX3crhynx5QAcvrY0E-qTPsjAAniXWayv4fzjdlYJ-Xsv68DlTFvFI/s1600-h/shrine+1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE051o_xW4zC5vZi45hG2FG-7Qh38whALNAgDLiRcCnR0M9-k8DWo0t_4_3x6wngEUWSNqP43Cbdexjldep0Z4PmX3crhynx5QAcvrY0E-qTPsjAAniXWayv4fzjdlYJ-Xsv68DlTFvFI/s400/shrine+1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5292965100084849730" border="0" /></a>This is inside one of the main temple buildings.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnuExWhGlZfWVpt8GhhGhtam0G0xWBBk4rqy48puNg0tI5-uL3Eo-9h5OtQK2dLO5mykogoTnGCO8HvqEj7mio0tZVX_imPMnl8OehlbhI3NsXIhA1Vlma5uXNjENbn3O0AffWRJTgbCI/s1600-h/lion+1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnuExWhGlZfWVpt8GhhGhtam0G0xWBBk4rqy48puNg0tI5-uL3Eo-9h5OtQK2dLO5mykogoTnGCO8HvqEj7mio0tZVX_imPMnl8OehlbhI3NsXIhA1Vlma5uXNjENbn3O0AffWRJTgbCI/s400/lion+1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5292965103372011522" border="0" /></a>To hold guard we have a couple of lion statues - I suppose if you've never seen a lion then you also might produce something like this.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4HL53KMK-UFVnmLgB22EW3WvJi6DWOM_EYrd9epHryVUnpXsmYUGgIh7A-J0k2PGFRnNNXSs-gypVJ6O5LG38ZYnxADrqSxBr94jmgHSVraKFGc1ejlYCav6bVirXlcDGGjye-LDt8ns/s1600-h/lion.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4HL53KMK-UFVnmLgB22EW3WvJi6DWOM_EYrd9epHryVUnpXsmYUGgIh7A-J0k2PGFRnNNXSs-gypVJ6O5LG38ZYnxADrqSxBr94jmgHSVraKFGc1ejlYCav6bVirXlcDGGjye-LDt8ns/s400/lion.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5292965101415262162" border="0" /></a>I actually think these lions are pretty superb - inside this one's mouth we have some kind of offering.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVabR6tAXO1iiGUKP_5jHNo_cAj-qA3NZFdfX0bb_FoL2sT6SEYFSdoHplCFuubnXWwzx6UPdtPu3P98Ed-W_o2pu6uuptw9KpXmOvwQ7eIW9fCxGF8rZnvHLmwEt-YuY6NUo0o67soRg/s1600-h/bedroom.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVabR6tAXO1iiGUKP_5jHNo_cAj-qA3NZFdfX0bb_FoL2sT6SEYFSdoHplCFuubnXWwzx6UPdtPu3P98Ed-W_o2pu6uuptw9KpXmOvwQ7eIW9fCxGF8rZnvHLmwEt-YuY6NUo0o67soRg/s400/bedroom.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5292964206694389682" border="0" /></a>Our bedroom lies through that door - hardly 5 star - but whose to complain, this place is great.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKA_nKtU9OpW8Fal5gZx9quwuNKP8e0-zfbVGy6w-MeKJ3QgJkxEOPD02qwjWHK35_3w-jIvZHvx37xyWhYSAcZV-Ii30RELYiFRrYWPFTJw9WME7cTr29RXiJZjFgu12y_IVGNPHYpLo/s1600-h/night.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKA_nKtU9OpW8Fal5gZx9quwuNKP8e0-zfbVGy6w-MeKJ3QgJkxEOPD02qwjWHK35_3w-jIvZHvx37xyWhYSAcZV-Ii30RELYiFRrYWPFTJw9WME7cTr29RXiJZjFgu12y_IVGNPHYpLo/s400/night.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5292964203110201746" border="0" /></a>Just to prove we're not staying at the Hilton - this is the bedroom lighting.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2AaWuOgyyakhtVfMiZ_9FZ_1ugxtf75LhtL8MYwFsdGe5mgjfBjyf3_hRcgNDjKyz8-ZZnzSqs71ohPv-FgJQzsQYX-kVnJssasD4xEcDMa3hLomPGh6oOSai1ZcLS7WFsHbOOaNBvKY/s1600-h/mount+2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2AaWuOgyyakhtVfMiZ_9FZ_1ugxtf75LhtL8MYwFsdGe5mgjfBjyf3_hRcgNDjKyz8-ZZnzSqs71ohPv-FgJQzsQYX-kVnJssasD4xEcDMa3hLomPGh6oOSai1ZcLS7WFsHbOOaNBvKY/s400/mount+2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5292965104346721442" border="0" /></a>But who needs opulent luxury when you can wake up to views like this.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4C1QFGCzbYqLDnHGyxjb_ALJuwVGbEMQwgLn0Bt6rveM7Uepl-h32L8EjQDztFu0jBTNXVbXuYr7t1SBqZvd3xv9inHqUZTjRk-cQdbST5ooSxB1ZMfoJcGFZh5tFRJujrELq3CnKbKA/s1600-h/mount.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4C1QFGCzbYqLDnHGyxjb_ALJuwVGbEMQwgLn0Bt6rveM7Uepl-h32L8EjQDztFu0jBTNXVbXuYr7t1SBqZvd3xv9inHqUZTjRk-cQdbST5ooSxB1ZMfoJcGFZh5tFRJujrELq3CnKbKA/s400/mount.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5292970594403709234" border="0" /></a>The sunrise is always spectacular when you have snow mountains in the scene<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTFz0jWPHKKHjJodgp5dUSEi3v3BOG_43ZJ0zRwEGISMsva23wBchscCKPmrjOIz-4bYLvNjR9hM81gC0AcrcFu4bil7vpPS8MwaDl3cZQEF1gc3XyUehumHDBb2UXaOfXgO8HtKkGJQg/s1600-h/morning.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTFz0jWPHKKHjJodgp5dUSEi3v3BOG_43ZJ0zRwEGISMsva23wBchscCKPmrjOIz-4bYLvNjR9hM81gC0AcrcFu4bil7vpPS8MwaDl3cZQEF1gc3XyUehumHDBb2UXaOfXgO8HtKkGJQg/s400/morning.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5292964205163052882" border="0" /></a>Chilly morning - getting a fire going. No <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">chimney</span> here - the smoke works its way out past the rafters.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHE1xf1_8PWYdfoZMZirZrtmyxhzkg6GzZFJzlDk8H62-Drn1_y34Px_jDc8Itt5G4BrOpALRU2nQcqyuFSM1SeGWTyoYhNHRvagtQilB3NzFfycnkws7FwI9QsgiTo2Fiz7AEblhFTkc/s1600-h/morning+1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHE1xf1_8PWYdfoZMZirZrtmyxhzkg6GzZFJzlDk8H62-Drn1_y34Px_jDc8Itt5G4BrOpALRU2nQcqyuFSM1SeGWTyoYhNHRvagtQilB3NzFfycnkws7FwI9QsgiTo2Fiz7AEblhFTkc/s400/morning+1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5292964199771400098" border="0" /></a>well it looks nice and cozy in a pic - but boy your eyes start to sting after <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">a bit</span>. and it can't be too healthy - <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">the</span> after effects of warming up - feel like smoking a box of non-filter <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">cigarettes</span><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf4PkNqVHx-RqqzaB14kn2nZJ5cb1urtRfW1UwK_oT0EhhT33G2lLjlzyD0b0mCbw02M9A-7nRudHbFaOhVyvIBe6jcW343B952ULpGaX2zsbAIbaOM_Fkb8m_VDbfXzkwS8WHSnR-HVI/s1600-h/mount+3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf4PkNqVHx-RqqzaB14kn2nZJ5cb1urtRfW1UwK_oT0EhhT33G2lLjlzyD0b0mCbw02M9A-7nRudHbFaOhVyvIBe6jcW343B952ULpGaX2zsbAIbaOM_Fkb8m_VDbfXzkwS8WHSnR-HVI/s400/mount+3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5292964200191344738" border="0" /></a>Outside there's plenty of fresh air. After our night up in the monastery we set off towards the bottom - another tough walk - going down is just as hard as going up. 72 hours latter - my legs are still protesting - but what a great trek.Sid and Meggie Francishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09247503266565690661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5977909618547201150.post-21125870485097515082008-12-28T23:05:00.000-08:002009-01-01T21:43:20.540-08:00Chengdu Travel Guide - Tibetan Faces<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk_i8suBGeVHB6cwQTD5xgkK3ytrmHrD2GAdVaiSGjvo_T3fa1XkdRPDC2sUO32jOn0dGZVhsZmlTismqqWL7EW59HgPBHUrOUiKN4aSgaFCOztdrVJfTilPU9QhDDg4orCWSYP7vA5Vk/s1600-h/road+map.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 217px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk_i8suBGeVHB6cwQTD5xgkK3ytrmHrD2GAdVaiSGjvo_T3fa1XkdRPDC2sUO32jOn0dGZVhsZmlTismqqWL7EW59HgPBHUrOUiKN4aSgaFCOztdrVJfTilPU9QhDDg4orCWSYP7vA5Vk/s400/road+map.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285106983592297346" border="0" /></a>We've spent our Christmas days around Chengdu, but are looking forward to soon travel westward again. Chengdu is very close to the Eastern <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">geographic</span> borders of the Tibetan Plateau - a region that is often <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">referred</span> to as <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Kham</span></span>.<br />The map illustrates how easy it is to get to this region by road - at least half the distance to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Kangding</span></span> - the gateway to the grasslands - is made up of modern motorway - while the the rest of the route which winds its way up to the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Erlang</span></span> Tunnel - is on <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">main-road</span> (a few more potholes on this section - but still an easy drive) - and the whole trip to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Kangding</span></span>, if you did it without stopping, is only a 6 to 7 hour project.<br />Beyond <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Kangding</span></span> the roads are not of the same standard - but, in normal conditions, 2<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">WD</span></span> vehicles can <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">easily</span> drive in this area.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihV8IMVHl2pzTlR16dtp8Uu3l5MdjIJ2QeEwgg8NC9zJbc3iAuvwfCB5mfhFaJMSvRoz4ErnWiwLCJvaUBq4z7HGOI0RQnxDSU2x-n4p82A9cBSbekZxxTUbUQlvPvKBBoBxS8mN0mbQ8/s1600-h/handsome.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihV8IMVHl2pzTlR16dtp8Uu3l5MdjIJ2QeEwgg8NC9zJbc3iAuvwfCB5mfhFaJMSvRoz4ErnWiwLCJvaUBq4z7HGOI0RQnxDSU2x-n4p82A9cBSbekZxxTUbUQlvPvKBBoBxS8mN0mbQ8/s400/handsome.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285106979589330754" border="0" /></a>We saw a picture of this guy in a magazine - voted the most <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">beautiful</span> man in the world - I suppose you could call him a beauty-king. This picture is out on the high grassland between <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Yajiang</span> and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Litang</span> - when we drove past and just happened to stumble upon a local horse race meeting.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-yWbcQTSv8Cb1BXafqhmanBu_x_wuilM28vrreKcbyGbccfr-bwhcBFNjG2mn6VpJjjXbYFmL4LM22st1EWO0t_7AY3Y1J8CQz19nRK1xgEs7GpQT1Vd3Rpc5HB2Xr1jGuTQsmBuS8gU/s1600-h/races.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 335px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-yWbcQTSv8Cb1BXafqhmanBu_x_wuilM28vrreKcbyGbccfr-bwhcBFNjG2mn6VpJjjXbYFmL4LM22st1EWO0t_7AY3Y1J8CQz19nRK1xgEs7GpQT1Vd3Rpc5HB2Xr1jGuTQsmBuS8gU/s400/races.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285106973708814914" border="0" /></a>Well its not all beauty-kings - these ladies, and their dogs, also looked very regal.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY0V8QsULlx6GmCj4wqYQLuzPGnjYhRDsEy7AEDd8pbSx7ozot1Q5SCy94LkJRJhJZuykh6_nHJHn4hiy9wmeurd4lvuxWgVYXLuGHNjk8CDqkfhnHXCcYI5sEIDMGPawhQKiQCjbz95w/s1600-h/red+knck.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 292px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY0V8QsULlx6GmCj4wqYQLuzPGnjYhRDsEy7AEDd8pbSx7ozot1Q5SCy94LkJRJhJZuykh6_nHJHn4hiy9wmeurd4lvuxWgVYXLuGHNjk8CDqkfhnHXCcYI5sEIDMGPawhQKiQCjbz95w/s400/red+knck.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285106215169252834" border="0" /></a>The grassland is also a place for 'real' men - and women.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpMbCeQgzxhTHE3LU0BTTLessoCQLcV5Y6QlnsbFIHgUSyzkYkEOd4iGVm_ocVOuflh_aeHYdOaIsjfBbR6CfLCxiL4F-hzidqy4RPUOwnk9QVarQm4ptFiwIAgqw6PtbCCSellhUKO5Y/s1600-h/praying.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpMbCeQgzxhTHE3LU0BTTLessoCQLcV5Y6QlnsbFIHgUSyzkYkEOd4iGVm_ocVOuflh_aeHYdOaIsjfBbR6CfLCxiL4F-hzidqy4RPUOwnk9QVarQm4ptFiwIAgqw6PtbCCSellhUKO5Y/s400/praying.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285106968268150498" border="0" /></a>A face of concentration. Walking around the Temple at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Dege</span> - praying with beads and prayer-wheel.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyoL6XyYclFqVBrIgmjdVYWmTslyOhUQJQl8e_u1WG9WoHm3CbW3YHFfejaX88j10TfjxSK8rhh00374nPtTDM51E6Kq0DTN2Zm98elimrs4869FxK25RojS1F69hxqAvwrsEZY_MUPW4/s1600-h/monk.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 346px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyoL6XyYclFqVBrIgmjdVYWmTslyOhUQJQl8e_u1WG9WoHm3CbW3YHFfejaX88j10TfjxSK8rhh00374nPtTDM51E6Kq0DTN2Zm98elimrs4869FxK25RojS1F69hxqAvwrsEZY_MUPW4/s400/monk.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285106200135716706" border="0" /></a>A monk at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Dege</span>.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiynKNFZEgsYH5KNCteshYQEfXxXvmGMOcau75RXKYPKamMF9WRYTVw5LZmIS3pleR5R0wUluyPJ3P4-uu2M5ebSud0FJHmbFlzjavJTDD2PcdxIPx4z5BHAsRuXqlSSUzAO-rb2Rs8YtI/s1600-h/cheeky.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiynKNFZEgsYH5KNCteshYQEfXxXvmGMOcau75RXKYPKamMF9WRYTVw5LZmIS3pleR5R0wUluyPJ3P4-uu2M5ebSud0FJHmbFlzjavJTDD2PcdxIPx4z5BHAsRuXqlSSUzAO-rb2Rs8YtI/s400/cheeky.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285106195494465202" border="0" /></a>A smaller <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">cheekier</span> monk - taking a peep at the strange foreigner driving an old Jeep.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUsYmbaQM0uaTc8NWwou3qx7Hk_84zcR7BFU-Z9sp6UBDK3oeuZ86kOHTmVgR5XQSZrdihygGtUi8Gsb3Y-b7evmCw2wnuzA9B6bEsLov9grrC8HgSk8L_uYwQkgGwUJR3iXE2EFkLOS8/s1600-h/my+old+jeep+1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 278px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUsYmbaQM0uaTc8NWwou3qx7Hk_84zcR7BFU-Z9sp6UBDK3oeuZ86kOHTmVgR5XQSZrdihygGtUi8Gsb3Y-b7evmCw2wnuzA9B6bEsLov9grrC8HgSk8L_uYwQkgGwUJR3iXE2EFkLOS8/s400/my+old+jeep+1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285106200349111538" border="0" /></a>And here's my old jeep surrounded by a group of beauty queens - they don't seem too camera-shy. This was at a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">religious</span> festival in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">Litang</span>.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ84fRMpgtIuREFeuKDjNeWyEXjzotMubpmXMtJq6ODQKPYOzN7S6ZfyI6f_DvL_hvVWkSVrZScl_FOlaetHieONU7RUZLFMNhZXCz9sDp21o8pRUdP0xRx5e1U_KG9rayAmRXEsTRnDo/s1600-h/crowd+1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ84fRMpgtIuREFeuKDjNeWyEXjzotMubpmXMtJq6ODQKPYOzN7S6ZfyI6f_DvL_hvVWkSVrZScl_FOlaetHieONU7RUZLFMNhZXCz9sDp21o8pRUdP0xRx5e1U_KG9rayAmRXEsTRnDo/s400/crowd+1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285105524622783042" border="0" /></a>A crowd scene from the same day.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif-pYrE8dFs88tReMmzHoOliqTJb0kNGrdSQG7JDwu_Eh1OsWdRdVAxvkw4vZmk-CRCKXQozF7YYocvHThmZow6YLk1G6YhVNkkMqeFtrdIxk9JS7ybgSWFVkdvPvyCTjmp4_lLBog4fQ/s1600-h/girl.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif-pYrE8dFs88tReMmzHoOliqTJb0kNGrdSQG7JDwu_Eh1OsWdRdVAxvkw4vZmk-CRCKXQozF7YYocvHThmZow6YLk1G6YhVNkkMqeFtrdIxk9JS7ybgSWFVkdvPvyCTjmp4_lLBog4fQ/s400/girl.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285118168623675618" border="0" /></a>A portrait from the crowd<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0C6bZuONMdcHUBfhBC25TKnab2Kwo6FTHXpGnI3jbA_8AR0LENJ2lj25Zre6z32kFMQUMIRZSQtsUMFAKmJBbSV5SMwxvt-ajQkJNvk_GSTZ9PeaxJG2UCj30SZwY2gqYPTnKMaONJfM/s1600-h/black+puddin.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0C6bZuONMdcHUBfhBC25TKnab2Kwo6FTHXpGnI3jbA_8AR0LENJ2lj25Zre6z32kFMQUMIRZSQtsUMFAKmJBbSV5SMwxvt-ajQkJNvk_GSTZ9PeaxJG2UCj30SZwY2gqYPTnKMaONJfM/s400/black+puddin.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285105535262673378" border="0" /></a>another portrait - but this time it's <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">Meggie</span> munching on a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">Tibetan</span> blood-sausage. These things taste just like the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">British</span> version of blood sausage - the black-pudding you get up in the North of England!!!!!<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT3G3GgDDmSsniU55xncp_SFhus1DQHBuyYNhbq0FEqPecvBFv4BxDf-Tp9IirqWU1PEluhCeq-5BhHtihqcF1mjIepUMGQ3r3xKD_KKPQThycOXSG70pBTPOVPqMYE2MHuPiyxCnYkb8/s1600-h/Untitled-1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 335px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT3G3GgDDmSsniU55xncp_SFhus1DQHBuyYNhbq0FEqPecvBFv4BxDf-Tp9IirqWU1PEluhCeq-5BhHtihqcF1mjIepUMGQ3r3xKD_KKPQThycOXSG70pBTPOVPqMYE2MHuPiyxCnYkb8/s400/Untitled-1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285105516736623810" border="0" /></a>Well I suppose you can't portray a series of Tibetan faces without including this one!!!!!Sid and Meggie Francishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09247503266565690661noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5977909618547201150.post-8761392390446930262008-12-21T23:26:00.000-08:002008-12-23T01:28:40.311-08:00Bi Feng Xia - A visit to the historic town of Shangli<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_QqklIMmr7vN6IEdFgJD_8Jyz2NMLaDfvdGEYxuymDdXTNwvhLShXMmgxzcDatcqmfb_rXiFe360kEeNJbunWbQA4epnJSCe5PAXtVW4EGU8EQuzR8tzDNPUvyZz38W5RHOSJRLDurLk/s1600-h/bridge.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_QqklIMmr7vN6IEdFgJD_8Jyz2NMLaDfvdGEYxuymDdXTNwvhLShXMmgxzcDatcqmfb_rXiFe360kEeNJbunWbQA4epnJSCe5PAXtVW4EGU8EQuzR8tzDNPUvyZz38W5RHOSJRLDurLk/s400/bridge.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5282520442628464146" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Chengdu Travel </span>- we've already put up a report about the <a href="http://chengdutravel.blogspot.com/2008/11/trip-to-bi-feng-xia-panda-center.html">Bi <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Feng</span></span></span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Xia</span></span></span> Panda Research Center</a> - however this article shows that this area isn't just Pandas. One of the best spots around Bi <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Feng</span></span></span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Xia</span></span></span> - just 10<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">km's</span></span></span> up the road from the Research Center - is the ancient town of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Shangli</span></span></span>. Once an important center for the old tea-horse trail - a trade route where tea and <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">other</span> commodities were traded to the Tibetans to purchase horses from the grassland - a bit of this old town has survived to make it into a worthwhile stop-over for any body doing a trip to the Pandas. You can even do a circular <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">route</span> from Chengdu - driving to Bi <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Feng</span></span></span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Xia</span></span></span> panda Center via the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Ya'an</span></span></span> Expressway - and then going back to Chengdu on a small winding country road that takes you over the scenic mountains in which the Bi <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Feng</span></span></span> <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">gorge</span> is located and then on to the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Qionglai</span></span></span>/Chengdu Expressway for the final leg back into the city. This route takes you past many sites of interest - including the ancient town of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Shangli</span></span></span>.<br /><br />The picture above shows the bridge that leads to the main gate of Shangli - and the river that runs around the town.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7pNmiVHMfBAo3ru-QhrVBAzKXDZXqarMhA9vvxD1hUPZwTc3lkiIntfFkH7NsE0Peoi4ix0hvNo0EG4KBGiYYJu31ZRhe4JG1iQMpJt3AQVb8zBgDBbwKPcMqrOzrGRG7ARPBvMvYfiI/s1600-h/street.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7pNmiVHMfBAo3ru-QhrVBAzKXDZXqarMhA9vvxD1hUPZwTc3lkiIntfFkH7NsE0Peoi4ix0hvNo0EG4KBGiYYJu31ZRhe4JG1iQMpJt3AQVb8zBgDBbwKPcMqrOzrGRG7ARPBvMvYfiI/s400/street.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5282520428612425954" border="0" /></a>Although not a huge tourist spot - this site is still popular with locals - and as such some of the town has been re-built in the old-style. It looks okay - but many of these building aren't old.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq0-W4ZQ08cOk_uryssQbccqzY41KyY_gMoDQlqFLZIu6_qN6HfzxnXmgg3fVs_5ETLeuQlXPkwtZAniQ2RMp_R6CHGnrsir6HkU57gU7I6hXy7i-QRpl6dC5jPP6lTN9JDG0dvYpN-mc/s1600-h/street+1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq0-W4ZQ08cOk_uryssQbccqzY41KyY_gMoDQlqFLZIu6_qN6HfzxnXmgg3fVs_5ETLeuQlXPkwtZAniQ2RMp_R6CHGnrsir6HkU57gU7I6hXy7i-QRpl6dC5jPP6lTN9JDG0dvYpN-mc/s400/street+1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5282520430384470994" border="0" /></a>However if you take to the side streets.....<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEGo3ZMmQ0Y7ZkzKt1BtbASWo4SLWn70DwBFvnOkQWk9RHk_egtqnR63uaeFztrzfFX8wf8GKpJUYN0jiHB0sp2gB1eBCXnfwd68QJBN4Gzr38opaRc9lqspxIzYzAZANnf-QVaOUpBks/s1600-h/courtyard+1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEGo3ZMmQ0Y7ZkzKt1BtbASWo4SLWn70DwBFvnOkQWk9RHk_egtqnR63uaeFztrzfFX8wf8GKpJUYN0jiHB0sp2gB1eBCXnfwd68QJBN4Gzr38opaRc9lqspxIzYzAZANnf-QVaOUpBks/s400/courtyard+1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5282519740254501890" border="0" /></a>There is still some of the genuine old tucked away in this place.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1wFmYkiqVJODE61oIKD3D_jeBolUSZDVe9TRJEqTkzk5YmsRBXGdvzFM-WS_EK7Cq6lzuC-UsNcH0y-U6oGulZEaylUAej7dB-orsqgyFb2ZSHa9_tf8-twQCtG5hfE2Hpxx5ApJMGvk/s1600-h/courtyard.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1wFmYkiqVJODE61oIKD3D_jeBolUSZDVe9TRJEqTkzk5YmsRBXGdvzFM-WS_EK7Cq6lzuC-UsNcH0y-U6oGulZEaylUAej7dB-orsqgyFb2ZSHa9_tf8-twQCtG5hfE2Hpxx5ApJMGvk/s400/courtyard.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5282537933228256066" border="0" /></a>courtyards.....<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn4mj9d1Vkh2jxUPJFgXMh2vhltgaKIYLEa9S1WIcjla7crv-MSSkfOjqU2kZvmwxOzl44v8c2ianOyIfFUan10FbJZRKoX5glW47T8GAAkm-pXLNovZAerW-75z37hSqGM0QIdS-BYoY/s1600-h/alley.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn4mj9d1Vkh2jxUPJFgXMh2vhltgaKIYLEa9S1WIcjla7crv-MSSkfOjqU2kZvmwxOzl44v8c2ianOyIfFUan10FbJZRKoX5glW47T8GAAkm-pXLNovZAerW-75z37hSqGM0QIdS-BYoY/s400/alley.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5282519730923880530" border="0" /></a>and old wooden buildings.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcXj4K7yveCPbwf5K1AqJmDNJfEm6_PCheQtH9biEJKXsyA7ZqX0xwclWemP8P4WisH0bTQm9bdb7c1JcdynoDOaC2u6ave_DkGonhmyHBWU0gNTsa2u7R_waOj2rx8PH4NncwjP6WaNw/s1600-h/doors.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcXj4K7yveCPbwf5K1AqJmDNJfEm6_PCheQtH9biEJKXsyA7ZqX0xwclWemP8P4WisH0bTQm9bdb7c1JcdynoDOaC2u6ave_DkGonhmyHBWU0gNTsa2u7R_waOj2rx8PH4NncwjP6WaNw/s400/doors.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5282519729848535650" border="0" /></a>Impressive carved doors -<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidA1fDnoPoqw0dSUtrQZWnzdBylfKtlxSn0gzk1QT39otN87B_2MtjrSiMYXJYgBlKgdMaP0kbtot_WSaVzZDvynPN-ScRjBAYBjDUlKBCKEPY6oXdf81Zp7FvKQmi93N09KRxjMe_rtk/s1600-h/inside.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidA1fDnoPoqw0dSUtrQZWnzdBylfKtlxSn0gzk1QT39otN87B_2MtjrSiMYXJYgBlKgdMaP0kbtot_WSaVzZDvynPN-ScRjBAYBjDUlKBCKEPY6oXdf81Zp7FvKQmi93N09KRxjMe_rtk/s400/inside.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5282519729963698898" border="0" /></a>with people still <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">living</span> behind them - and using the old traditional furniture which has <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">disappeared</span> from the modern China.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwSv5T_CrXb47f5p_V41xFPBMyPs6Mc9ZKYAqvjgKqbtqj3a2-MCQji3t7bJO6uAi_xGOb4hE-pbqhUmKh8igNfVUfyi5joh6sUl77vQy4W6JhjE6BuWOXfpG2wor55zT1qeJ_Dm69Gr8/s1600-h/door.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwSv5T_CrXb47f5p_V41xFPBMyPs6Mc9ZKYAqvjgKqbtqj3a2-MCQji3t7bJO6uAi_xGOb4hE-pbqhUmKh8igNfVUfyi5joh6sUl77vQy4W6JhjE6BuWOXfpG2wor55zT1qeJ_Dm69Gr8/s400/door.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5282517857945317906" border="0" /></a>These doors used to open up into courtyards of rich traders and land-owners.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjohcjfCz8_flgocdv41QIp1bbW45O1M4RO6lVy7vnTMtR_ITwq9yNh1BghzCPhuY54mkrUlfifw8A5EEbfSQ02ty56QZ9qwSVr2K972wtllu-rraeC0NyfVc-w3RtTRWyoGUiKwdl06xg/s1600-h/door+1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjohcjfCz8_flgocdv41QIp1bbW45O1M4RO6lVy7vnTMtR_ITwq9yNh1BghzCPhuY54mkrUlfifw8A5EEbfSQ02ty56QZ9qwSVr2K972wtllu-rraeC0NyfVc-w3RtTRWyoGUiKwdl06xg/s400/door+1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5282517851787032146" border="0" /></a>Although events in China's recent history have caused the destruction of many old artifacts - in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Shangli</span></span> you still get a taste of the craft and culture of old traditional China.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqjsZs8zGHFTmCRw6xklQlieF6pq0aSwIdXat5aXFBGxWBmmkpdn5La97qZ1LVtYC4kt2X3rV_sda8veIiOFx4XZMReeULWy0xLdDsDZzj6sN8lGb_haeqP5TDjOxzKGHRjNLsYyEV7Ik/s1600-h/pillar.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 383px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqjsZs8zGHFTmCRw6xklQlieF6pq0aSwIdXat5aXFBGxWBmmkpdn5La97qZ1LVtYC4kt2X3rV_sda8veIiOFx4XZMReeULWy0xLdDsDZzj6sN8lGb_haeqP5TDjOxzKGHRjNLsYyEV7Ik/s400/pillar.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5282516926247492674" border="0" /></a>It's very easy to spot the genuine old.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF_iRB2Z7Ap4vSh2-Ewl7zbwN0uxAsS0EOJw4opB-Gt1a3ORK6ickNSEsqk0LUq_zsHP1h8dYVjPbevlKDlynJUtIezbcANLPeuTVJ8upgTb6PPn7ypy0QYN5D2s1odKESACa36bzZMLs/s1600-h/carving+1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 272px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF_iRB2Z7Ap4vSh2-Ewl7zbwN0uxAsS0EOJw4opB-Gt1a3ORK6ickNSEsqk0LUq_zsHP1h8dYVjPbevlKDlynJUtIezbcANLPeuTVJ8upgTb6PPn7ypy0QYN5D2s1odKESACa36bzZMLs/s400/carving+1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5282516924600056914" border="0" /></a>With an eye for fine detail - there's a lot to discover and enjoy here.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtmusdqoypJYpUtpcf_7MM4TQHRvE0WJUFv2KcOwJNre9VYnOkFqFR3CNTLsDexbttHdRzb_f7INUtsNzZ1VqvuaS8NaEo4QAOSe73S5hnqNvFyfO5n9Zo0IfQX9rWYnxG6NqHEzGorKQ/s1600-h/sweetshop.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtmusdqoypJYpUtpcf_7MM4TQHRvE0WJUFv2KcOwJNre9VYnOkFqFR3CNTLsDexbttHdRzb_f7INUtsNzZ1VqvuaS8NaEo4QAOSe73S5hnqNvFyfO5n9Zo0IfQX9rWYnxG6NqHEzGorKQ/s400/sweetshop.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5282516921111578258" border="0" /></a>But even the tourist part of the town is interesting - a counter selling traditional sweets.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhecrxmsmu0M5Vzc1_05k8iKZMMPvl9vPSf6pRshizJi6ubFIwJ0XCzvkGJcP3YeKMR2yRawM35tZfatJ-JLASmNUdnl0ii3aHIQciGjr91hoH1n3KSGOaq1vFc9JxyVtWdK48YumubbpI/s1600-h/barber.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhecrxmsmu0M5Vzc1_05k8iKZMMPvl9vPSf6pRshizJi6ubFIwJ0XCzvkGJcP3YeKMR2yRawM35tZfatJ-JLASmNUdnl0ii3aHIQciGjr91hoH1n3KSGOaq1vFc9JxyVtWdK48YumubbpI/s400/barber.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5282516917665918450" border="0" /></a>An old-style local barber.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF7rPhU8Mh9cz09P8bviI4fJrbSn6D4m0p9Hv5qRJ2x0HYa9oDfxJAIuoQGC14nrb06AOprPCHHjE37Dwz-FQxrcGi58DtXkEwwdhlkEyTmkgVRCs_Y7mUpirJoi2Gb8h54YDyAMSN8xs/s1600-h/doctor.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 304px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF7rPhU8Mh9cz09P8bviI4fJrbSn6D4m0p9Hv5qRJ2x0HYa9oDfxJAIuoQGC14nrb06AOprPCHHjE37Dwz-FQxrcGi58DtXkEwwdhlkEyTmkgVRCs_Y7mUpirJoi2Gb8h54YDyAMSN8xs/s400/doctor.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5282516909983796002" border="0" /></a>and of course the doctor of traditional Chinese medicine.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH4fT1_QMfJIHZoHDdKr_LRLU42ECl8ol-hwi3qAgbuPcoO-W4gsN0RtFFMBPzsVUzpQrZtvrpVR5295eS1zaBtKKbUQWPJnO4bnKwYrkUC0AK1-D3N0D9avb9qnldC1baK7Kq7on3ufs/s1600-h/doctor+1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH4fT1_QMfJIHZoHDdKr_LRLU42ECl8ol-hwi3qAgbuPcoO-W4gsN0RtFFMBPzsVUzpQrZtvrpVR5295eS1zaBtKKbUQWPJnO4bnKwYrkUC0AK1-D3N0D9avb9qnldC1baK7Kq7on3ufs/s400/doctor+1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5282516105314181042" border="0" /></a>Inside the doctor's shop - the ingredients for the different cures.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpuVYBBY1yypWCC0xtXGKNZ3NIaJa0dlL85QZTUGGYnt342GLL50Qup4MzOqUFEW2AhkwmRUxYGkWR-mmKCBZOrqOnHwGZB4nUrD6aO-MIbj31x9Vp12bPpC26PZgwDBhZxMeTYvmRAmo/s1600-h/abacus.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 224px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpuVYBBY1yypWCC0xtXGKNZ3NIaJa0dlL85QZTUGGYnt342GLL50Qup4MzOqUFEW2AhkwmRUxYGkWR-mmKCBZOrqOnHwGZB4nUrD6aO-MIbj31x9Vp12bPpC26PZgwDBhZxMeTYvmRAmo/s400/abacus.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5282516099200264082" border="0" /></a>When you're paying for your potion - an abacus to tot-up the price.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnPF1j80g_1CGck-jEhaeQHKGB4ZOTEmIAHVwO_vcq1r2GhawtrdJkqC90NEmMcSOm2ooOhicu82zxLwf0UotpKt_Ab_aP4ARRY7lVpQhjY1f4we3doTv1-t6KBpX7DesQp8FV3lgbkKU/s1600-h/girl.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnPF1j80g_1CGck-jEhaeQHKGB4ZOTEmIAHVwO_vcq1r2GhawtrdJkqC90NEmMcSOm2ooOhicu82zxLwf0UotpKt_Ab_aP4ARRY7lVpQhjY1f4we3doTv1-t6KBpX7DesQp8FV3lgbkKU/s400/girl.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5282516098870350450" border="0" /></a>It was Sunday when we made our visit, and couple of small girls had set themselves up selling small animals and flowers made out of folded leaves.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiST-4gX_5pSM3I_ai_Uu0TqqGKpw10YC4L8aS06eo9Oy2bFaDtcFa6msmg8jXQiVVIPAGVTAaqNXyjvCHAsiVeDouLDJVsUBwJLeD3lCLMAFU_PI3uSN01VXTh37fYrC8WnUTzBj4Jyo8/s1600-h/girl+1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 301px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiST-4gX_5pSM3I_ai_Uu0TqqGKpw10YC4L8aS06eo9Oy2bFaDtcFa6msmg8jXQiVVIPAGVTAaqNXyjvCHAsiVeDouLDJVsUBwJLeD3lCLMAFU_PI3uSN01VXTh37fYrC8WnUTzBj4Jyo8/s400/girl+1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5282516095113427938" border="0" /></a>A flower is nearly finished.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja7EWW91ZlJhcNiI7cNPk47kV2_T0T4GaKxMKaimPuzzG1sy9a4MJ6eP1aiF5qRaCDRKDx_PDAtL56B6Iq0RC3Jtr3hBUopUtWtLVMwEWhHMrt-4XtXF0PA-ZIzj6_xM3SQDl4DGifuhw/s1600-h/sitting.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja7EWW91ZlJhcNiI7cNPk47kV2_T0T4GaKxMKaimPuzzG1sy9a4MJ6eP1aiF5qRaCDRKDx_PDAtL56B6Iq0RC3Jtr3hBUopUtWtLVMwEWhHMrt-4XtXF0PA-ZIzj6_xM3SQDl4DGifuhw/s400/sitting.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5282516091776728290" border="0" /></a>Other locals took it a little easier and passed <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">their</span> day tourist-spotting.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSJRp1Mn9wb6VmbNJozk-ehf-Q7DJdNYo5Be21uGx-zgY-ow6hhpT8Bt8BVNs-hIeVkIY-gBtKlWlxHe_MSRnuLVEQe117WUD4wJ2Lk2QEsOXKbv5V5SUYyPqO3KLTmn5Cfs4rs-BymXg/s1600-h/buns.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 286px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSJRp1Mn9wb6VmbNJozk-ehf-Q7DJdNYo5Be21uGx-zgY-ow6hhpT8Bt8BVNs-hIeVkIY-gBtKlWlxHe_MSRnuLVEQe117WUD4wJ2Lk2QEsOXKbv5V5SUYyPqO3KLTmn5Cfs4rs-BymXg/s400/buns.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5282514485335311314" border="0" /></a>There's a lot of interesting food in these places - these are steamed buns made out of rice-flour.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU7d9d4XaiQoAQ8GhDjACXNr9B0xioz9xTshXwvKPbMaG8BZReuT5hd6avU4yAWEK3vel7RaVfjkrgUDB9ZWOXsORmjSP1dNGVXcKuJ9Kdhkn5dCdnovBAZ-nmximp3HaEzNgEv6LDHCE/s1600-h/meat.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 372px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU7d9d4XaiQoAQ8GhDjACXNr9B0xioz9xTshXwvKPbMaG8BZReuT5hd6avU4yAWEK3vel7RaVfjkrgUDB9ZWOXsORmjSP1dNGVXcKuJ9Kdhkn5dCdnovBAZ-nmximp3HaEzNgEv6LDHCE/s400/meat.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5282514482099042418" border="0" /></a>In one kitchen they were smoking pork and sausages - by the look of those roof beams this isn't the first year they've been doing this!!!!<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc2D8idna-3tkg-7VLGz58NI6J5rxN9PF9UlFX0743FKQNkHSVeDKesbYabNN-e1f0QJq0VqvZzpBFIQxs2WlcDSCT4F-BFYvxYkzbCJcC74EP-Iwe8mkef0LV9DyLNBIZ2M7o1EL0VMI/s1600-h/tofu.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc2D8idna-3tkg-7VLGz58NI6J5rxN9PF9UlFX0743FKQNkHSVeDKesbYabNN-e1f0QJq0VqvZzpBFIQxs2WlcDSCT4F-BFYvxYkzbCJcC74EP-Iwe8mkef0LV9DyLNBIZ2M7o1EL0VMI/s400/tofu.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5282514479843095922" border="0" /></a>A lady selling soft-white tofu - one of my <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">favourites</span> with a good red-pepper sauce.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZCzBvKYBPJCmHFDxDZnWx72gvwsE-S8-yOb5ByJ0W4Q6EBEcqhQIhGo4xBTbvXhxwtNsS3DPWtW0nR-oqou2yz9gwhYJQPfJ0rzh2EGXhLEUwk2aWCaRgChUugaIwqmn_HqF8EsoWvkc/s1600-h/mill.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 379px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZCzBvKYBPJCmHFDxDZnWx72gvwsE-S8-yOb5ByJ0W4Q6EBEcqhQIhGo4xBTbvXhxwtNsS3DPWtW0nR-oqou2yz9gwhYJQPfJ0rzh2EGXhLEUwk2aWCaRgChUugaIwqmn_HqF8EsoWvkc/s400/mill.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5282517853265641138" border="0" /></a>Another product of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">soya</span></span>-bean is tofu milk - <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">this</span> small hand mill is used to extract the juices from the beans.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRnzRj7tE6qMQwuszkdhVnlg85CcELOnajXb2qRirhFI1ntaMOB9ctC5wzNFy26v5bNYvNoKPL701VN5uyYM1wFiIZObr2atnyaCcxO7Qk-59Cd0i3O4z8bLsOVMWNKPSVncszz9NqHfc/s1600-h/snack.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRnzRj7tE6qMQwuszkdhVnlg85CcELOnajXb2qRirhFI1ntaMOB9ctC5wzNFy26v5bNYvNoKPL701VN5uyYM1wFiIZObr2atnyaCcxO7Qk-59Cd0i3O4z8bLsOVMWNKPSVncszz9NqHfc/s400/snack.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5282514476653884610" border="0" /></a>Something not quite so healthy - deep-fried <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">peafritters</span></span> - and some tofu which also gets the same treatment.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_NpjIm8IPA-paIkKofjAMjac0Mseh4agYeHE2TElsy1GRoMHMCUo95hVZV3c2Z8IAkcUVP31jZ8BVvkOSXZQU8qs1PmtyHNOPDZIK-iu6aJVOdbrI0hb1_w_PhxRJYNmSF07QVEyMURg/s1600-h/coffin.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_NpjIm8IPA-paIkKofjAMjac0Mseh4agYeHE2TElsy1GRoMHMCUo95hVZV3c2Z8IAkcUVP31jZ8BVvkOSXZQU8qs1PmtyHNOPDZIK-iu6aJVOdbrI0hb1_w_PhxRJYNmSF07QVEyMURg/s400/coffin.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5282517857391164562" border="0" /></a>Something that <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">strikes</span> us western-folk as odd (and indeed a few Chinese city people) - in the countryside you often buy your coffin before you die!!! Here's somebodies coffin lying out in the backyard - covered in boxes and empty bottles - but it's ready for use when the time comes!!<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjXrz4hhC7u2LyHKZlmKPuFRkx9U-5VxAjruuaWaD2S9VD79sBUCl2pETfYejubmAmvNcZIqCFxEEITLdatVc7GKxaVihK12yxD-3K7GiBopOfdzpPPoXaK49E5A81lpgIDScerCmJzvA/s1600-h/wash.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjXrz4hhC7u2LyHKZlmKPuFRkx9U-5VxAjruuaWaD2S9VD79sBUCl2pETfYejubmAmvNcZIqCFxEEITLdatVc7GKxaVihK12yxD-3K7GiBopOfdzpPPoXaK49E5A81lpgIDScerCmJzvA/s400/wash.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5282514467231445170" border="0" /></a><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">Shangli</span></span> - an historic town that still hasn't been <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21">completely</span> taken over by the tourist.Sid and Meggie Francishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09247503266565690661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5977909618547201150.post-38091961827124884272008-12-18T02:41:00.000-08:002008-12-18T08:09:57.044-08:00Chengdu Travel Guide - Sichuan Winter Wonderland<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI5fha_D7OGN2anY2nTI2ATF0h3NDIGSpd07vD4EQXwcbYNcqdjdLJsIMGDHEHzLN4PpeAIvi4unzaE87GU3B3fXhAajFeW-RhNYnzZHB-SWUes2z4LbOaKW5ooYLheoprqii2WA8aGdg/s1600-h/valley+1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI5fha_D7OGN2anY2nTI2ATF0h3NDIGSpd07vD4EQXwcbYNcqdjdLJsIMGDHEHzLN4PpeAIvi4unzaE87GU3B3fXhAajFeW-RhNYnzZHB-SWUes2z4LbOaKW5ooYLheoprqii2WA8aGdg/s400/valley+1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5281082705090638914" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Chengdu Travel</span> - A couple of Weeks ago we received an enquiry from a young Canadian engineer - on a short working trip in Shanghai - about wanting a weekend break with a difference - something a little beyond the usual 'snap-snap another nice photo' experience. So where better to go than explore some of the trails around <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Moxi</span> (about 5 hours to the west of Chengdu). This scenic area with its forests and soaring peaks oozes adventure - but what we didn't expect was the weather - a day before we set-off <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Moxi</span> had sun - when we got there it was in the middle of a snow storm!!!<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjddNhb9GN0yTidLX4Wcz_OLHcRSb7yveUvXhgXfaLIGZ-H3M_8dB5kycZj3Kb7j87_wB3Mam9-qbuIw2-mmMAe0DYcSnWALlklCPBWBsAzuv1CsyBO5TMTQFXTlYE8XqorNh7oPfRqtK4/s1600-h/path.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjddNhb9GN0yTidLX4Wcz_OLHcRSb7yveUvXhgXfaLIGZ-H3M_8dB5kycZj3Kb7j87_wB3Mam9-qbuIw2-mmMAe0DYcSnWALlklCPBWBsAzuv1CsyBO5TMTQFXTlYE8XqorNh7oPfRqtK4/s400/path.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5281082698093748626" border="0" /></a>It was snowing the whole of the first day - here's the path we took the first morning.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqevYDzyiIuYqAmkrcuI_fN3DWSvZbY4bdgX2yHlCXD_D0IOl1d9CnuyGsF6hb3hma4fb-0HUHWPBXe3cryk4gsPgvVCieT3AKRXJdN8HGyGUcelZBv-aNZ3J472fyJbR26wt9N88v3Fs/s1600-h/snow.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqevYDzyiIuYqAmkrcuI_fN3DWSvZbY4bdgX2yHlCXD_D0IOl1d9CnuyGsF6hb3hma4fb-0HUHWPBXe3cryk4gsPgvVCieT3AKRXJdN8HGyGUcelZBv-aNZ3J472fyJbR26wt9N88v3Fs/s400/snow.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5281081768407977826" border="0" /></a>Although the temperatures weren't too cold you need to dress well for these type of conditions - our guest; Dave - with Meggie.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlYX8O6_xU0LntspVQOHd_1xJUCWwlVm0YWeQe03zfddwM_qlNsMp-75s5SgNx2boKKfdYip8TuR6F4i2kBoZPFOgtoscmbz5w1OKqcjpcBMdwy7t678y-eOQy0p-HyT1E_WzsJMrvQzk/s1600-h/moss+1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlYX8O6_xU0LntspVQOHd_1xJUCWwlVm0YWeQe03zfddwM_qlNsMp-75s5SgNx2boKKfdYip8TuR6F4i2kBoZPFOgtoscmbz5w1OKqcjpcBMdwy7t678y-eOQy0p-HyT1E_WzsJMrvQzk/s400/moss+1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5281082701031132930" border="0" /></a>The snow and the ice created some very pretty scenes. Many of the trees here are covered with hanging moss - in the sub-zero conditions this had frozen to create an effect that would have been the envy of any Christmas tree.<br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU4tmmqKzzhcGKIuaPBGTD7dncdvabgxJSsQPEhuicUtb_idp2AzGgJ9ol5asBmQxangi90C6Afz2AeBm9KGs2d09amefI7OXTwtQp08Q2mqYQrdB3i-kE6TYuGjfNCehwh-E9QrSTDeA/s1600-h/frozen.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU4tmmqKzzhcGKIuaPBGTD7dncdvabgxJSsQPEhuicUtb_idp2AzGgJ9ol5asBmQxangi90C6Afz2AeBm9KGs2d09amefI7OXTwtQp08Q2mqYQrdB3i-kE6TYuGjfNCehwh-E9QrSTDeA/s400/frozen.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5281081766630188162" border="0" /></a>The frozen berries also looked very neat.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn09_0DDt19lXbIKeOhWoC319Em9U8hBpURDLOkVfMkOVyS2WmDWSHROmwXivaHCqdRcQ_DWSoqXdiO5NhZcU5G-bvcLggPQFpLpU1ZZh-0pXs4XDrlDq24DIAmhGyFFLhvEHvaPzk1LU/s1600-h/wt+redstart.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 315px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn09_0DDt19lXbIKeOhWoC319Em9U8hBpURDLOkVfMkOVyS2WmDWSHROmwXivaHCqdRcQ_DWSoqXdiO5NhZcU5G-bvcLggPQFpLpU1ZZh-0pXs4XDrlDq24DIAmhGyFFLhvEHvaPzk1LU/s400/wt+redstart.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5281090158392654834" border="0" /></a>They may have been cold - but the birds were still tucking into them. This is a White-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">throated</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Redstart</span>.<br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1_2vDL4eifvRHxOi-9okk8OXhp2OH7XZfGHjID3Jzij1DNu-bC9Mu-Kn0SJ8ARup8vF17Td9BlcVAnZkNMur5VWC5hJGp5-StNL_iqLQPR37wJf4aNrre88RPafG7mObsperJ-xl_jRQ/s1600-h/tree.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1_2vDL4eifvRHxOi-9okk8OXhp2OH7XZfGHjID3Jzij1DNu-bC9Mu-Kn0SJ8ARup8vF17Td9BlcVAnZkNMur5VWC5hJGp5-StNL_iqLQPR37wJf4aNrre88RPafG7mObsperJ-xl_jRQ/s400/tree.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5281081765015380098" border="0" /></a>It's also good fun playing with these snow-shot photos in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Photoshop</span>.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPW8kCfwMsHTrPsmyqrVXR27iafuysNzADW_3DVCiBgJIy_5wvnCtEi6_X12f3TyC2imrNpqzicoGxdP6zAfPOo5BnDJGbaJj1Y51RV0hHCnJ5cpB6xQodpG8EHjDzBNSHDtrF6ZFoRsA/s1600-h/fire+build.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPW8kCfwMsHTrPsmyqrVXR27iafuysNzADW_3DVCiBgJIy_5wvnCtEi6_X12f3TyC2imrNpqzicoGxdP6zAfPOo5BnDJGbaJj1Y51RV0hHCnJ5cpB6xQodpG8EHjDzBNSHDtrF6ZFoRsA/s400/fire+build.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5281081741859658098" border="0" /></a>In cold conditions what better way of getting warm that to build a campfire. We moved out of the forest and got some firewood from a local farmer - we had taken grill meat with us from Chengdu - but that snow is falling even harder.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNdMiATyyNw9qDQHDI5qe4wnJCkFf9qrlMhzxG8DV7zMvm9o-s6BCPaaHQWNvln9vxdCBsZFTZrYXtZreCGGcIFS8gGASO0nmDVmEQCS3LzR1IOj7uPtIr5DNWA8714xu2efVd3ARYhNQ/s1600-h/fire.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 351px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNdMiATyyNw9qDQHDI5qe4wnJCkFf9qrlMhzxG8DV7zMvm9o-s6BCPaaHQWNvln9vxdCBsZFTZrYXtZreCGGcIFS8gGASO0nmDVmEQCS3LzR1IOj7uPtIr5DNWA8714xu2efVd3ARYhNQ/s400/fire.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5281081696705183602" border="0" /></a>That's better - it didn't take long to get a good blaze.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjS0FqQcB-iOcWHPHWgqNeBQrarEGW1f10NRvt4l-ChYlC-tddWx7PQEDYkLNT9Yvrh-nGlQPAMqFD3E0yhHOG0-9SHXwflQKBpJpVRUJoOTqkUY3_9H01rh-sVYcD02ADswyeLMGgUUQ/s1600-h/ribs.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 295px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjS0FqQcB-iOcWHPHWgqNeBQrarEGW1f10NRvt4l-ChYlC-tddWx7PQEDYkLNT9Yvrh-nGlQPAMqFD3E0yhHOG0-9SHXwflQKBpJpVRUJoOTqkUY3_9H01rh-sVYcD02ADswyeLMGgUUQ/s400/ribs.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5281080472706341218" border="0" /></a>Nothing like grilling in the snow - we had ribs, steak, sausages, corn and potatoes - and just to wash it down some local brandy mixed up into a hot toddy with boiling water and brown sugar. That fire was very effective - we spent six hours grilling, talking and watching the embers.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkg0lV_iZw5r7akjy2EX8e4lJIpCssVaKntjejD_SJ_ZPTQfobTZi7kLHDTx7c7sEVjDkVfkym33AXy5E3UkQOPs7GadkruBF8qV-CkdT8IoHs1WGAMPHf46J3bb9xMQMVkariiANgU64/s1600-h/el+blan.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 338px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkg0lV_iZw5r7akjy2EX8e4lJIpCssVaKntjejD_SJ_ZPTQfobTZi7kLHDTx7c7sEVjDkVfkym33AXy5E3UkQOPs7GadkruBF8qV-CkdT8IoHs1WGAMPHf46J3bb9xMQMVkariiANgU64/s400/el+blan.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5281080469468471698" border="0" /></a>We weren't going to keep that fire going all night - so back to the hotel - and set the electric blankets to top heat. The hotel we stayed at was rather primitive - but these electric blankets keep you cosy enough.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii9R749UbfYXpaK6JHoUlIGE53Ys2zv3l8xQIgXF-txIfP5p0kUaXeTENqY3o3PPqwdwsN02egAJObGlcLvRQQdYTOdSPhqojfHh7beGWTRHyLON1AUo7P-LPEFuSVLyPsyK9OT51HC1U/s1600-h/chain.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii9R749UbfYXpaK6JHoUlIGE53Ys2zv3l8xQIgXF-txIfP5p0kUaXeTENqY3o3PPqwdwsN02egAJObGlcLvRQQdYTOdSPhqojfHh7beGWTRHyLON1AUo7P-LPEFuSVLyPsyK9OT51HC1U/s400/chain.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5281080464707704018" border="0" /></a>To get our car through the snow we fit chains onto the drive wheels.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyXqPGva1eJCUt3cFJPpyv9G_KGEVG6IECEUMJkk4xFNXq11mqIjJl7YObYtxDTnGXvFwsB2Arh5qj9yhmrNqKFgdR9IrNTZGTA_jBOSTpVVCYX_E7RWjhrLsxVDgtG84b0hAOQ99ZHIo/s1600-h/van.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyXqPGva1eJCUt3cFJPpyv9G_KGEVG6IECEUMJkk4xFNXq11mqIjJl7YObYtxDTnGXvFwsB2Arh5qj9yhmrNqKFgdR9IrNTZGTA_jBOSTpVVCYX_E7RWjhrLsxVDgtG84b0hAOQ99ZHIo/s400/van.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5281107113844828930" border="0" /></a>Although the snow had stopped falling the second day we needed those chains to climb the pass to get to our second walk. It's difficult for camera light-meters to work out settings when you have a combination of silver car and white-snow!!!<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDPzRHiwTaoNReaXyqtlcMMvF7I1YQLarK6uoAZzgKmtn4Uo1j6eo5jrqbW1Zl21Y_vfpfz7SU2bEDwG5ROcuXj4WlA9O1M9QrhyKnJiegevmJQYYsW-gQozYXDp6hXyMdn0jLd_5MuWk/s1600-h/cloud.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDPzRHiwTaoNReaXyqtlcMMvF7I1YQLarK6uoAZzgKmtn4Uo1j6eo5jrqbW1Zl21Y_vfpfz7SU2bEDwG5ROcuXj4WlA9O1M9QrhyKnJiegevmJQYYsW-gQozYXDp6hXyMdn0jLd_5MuWk/s400/cloud.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5281095679775437250" border="0" /></a>The big problem with our first day had been the low cloud which had prevented us from enjoying the view - but as we climbed over the 3,000m mark we started to drive through the top layers.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeg8ewlIpmyyvZj9aE-F7FXuKHFHj54j8JkyBIHOky5LfS9UUHPiCGfZdnyAn_8kC3LQBgONzJ1IKEmDfK3bamfSADL4kJkmoGyO_8LmAitkIxmNk1508TcggQQ49y_bc2CHbsoGEI4lg/s1600-h/blue.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeg8ewlIpmyyvZj9aE-F7FXuKHFHj54j8JkyBIHOky5LfS9UUHPiCGfZdnyAn_8kC3LQBgONzJ1IKEmDfK3bamfSADL4kJkmoGyO_8LmAitkIxmNk1508TcggQQ49y_bc2CHbsoGEI4lg/s400/blue.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5281079352305941602" border="0" /></a>Up around 4,000m we were in strong sunlight - indeed so strong, I had no sun-glasses, my eyes suffered minor irritation the following night.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitmxWbWdbw3wgZDjml0OWBn-YpJDSx8h-TIMaUii4RqeTK6AxWLhnnceK8xveGkhTDgm_d3s5V3AInt1F_ZpCCNpZv9UaBzgWP57Nhr11HeCZzYSGzIkz2Q4FSVNz1u8sdfZd4XLRnevY/s1600-h/high.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitmxWbWdbw3wgZDjml0OWBn-YpJDSx8h-TIMaUii4RqeTK6AxWLhnnceK8xveGkhTDgm_d3s5V3AInt1F_ZpCCNpZv9UaBzgWP57Nhr11HeCZzYSGzIkz2Q4FSVNz1u8sdfZd4XLRnevY/s400/high.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5281079350593731778" border="0" /></a>The walk here is fantastic - at this height we're coming close to 5,000m. As usual we all had to take it easy in the thin air - but our guest had no altitude problems.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0WQw2D6v_IyyN8YUS8QPlzEsH21bWLTZGOn8_ogicc7xGlkgPyilPHFV7a6HmqAH6QYlRkq0X8YF_iYddkFKGpDzsiFKzhHDDoJb8Am5polyI4om-yZyu_PbY7Vl_qqAhKbtZxLP9MIM/s1600-h/rib.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0WQw2D6v_IyyN8YUS8QPlzEsH21bWLTZGOn8_ogicc7xGlkgPyilPHFV7a6HmqAH6QYlRkq0X8YF_iYddkFKGpDzsiFKzhHDDoJb8Am5polyI4om-yZyu_PbY7Vl_qqAhKbtZxLP9MIM/s400/rib.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5281079345455198050" border="0" /></a>and we still had a rib or two from the night before - they taste extra better up here!!!<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJwHIXDUYDWpv04Cm9amj9JHW-Mk_HzR-xAbFEjjMi3i03fHZJDc58JAK5Z5cx7n_RkL0r5bELVQfsVor49tFyo_afcEMDT8gyScZy_tOmm_oEyi_F4h50BhZZyYXlk6NTmQsT51jEdsI/s1600-h/chris+tree.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJwHIXDUYDWpv04Cm9amj9JHW-Mk_HzR-xAbFEjjMi3i03fHZJDc58JAK5Z5cx7n_RkL0r5bELVQfsVor49tFyo_afcEMDT8gyScZy_tOmm_oEyi_F4h50BhZZyYXlk6NTmQsT51jEdsI/s400/chris+tree.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5281079337576179138" border="0" /></a>We found this Christmas-tree like branch by the side of the prayer-flag - I'm sure its nothing to do with our own festivities - but it does look rather seasonal.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC5xayd52ADxxE-7x3Le7-VTnIi4iZGVjIvCRtMUjqCrqA4wsgVcPsfH15XewiBbdWVbNW4L8qXtH6CyOrF4nMLNtEAD9f3shJspgCIXbOJxS-9FpVIRgcjP1A4eN1QHFckrrJl7C2-Nw/s1600-h/top+1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC5xayd52ADxxE-7x3Le7-VTnIi4iZGVjIvCRtMUjqCrqA4wsgVcPsfH15XewiBbdWVbNW4L8qXtH6CyOrF4nMLNtEAD9f3shJspgCIXbOJxS-9FpVIRgcjP1A4eN1QHFckrrJl7C2-Nw/s400/top+1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5281079338246470258" border="0" /></a>These mountains are great places!Sid and Meggie Francishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09247503266565690661noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5977909618547201150.post-76909911293212598042008-12-08T04:29:00.000-08:002008-12-10T21:00:58.341-08:00Chengdu Travel Guide - Real country walks - just an hour outside Chengdu<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJbMvltJzAVGPZ1TeW8ndCWmdZVRloksylHkbUg9Kdciv0Ko04gppDG4_6q2Karpo52KgnYQKmHSwSfxPUGBjtUj-SizyoKYFkel0geYcNOAM8d0DCyEfr5Iyix8Rm7aGsyhxY1RbwCOc/s1600-h/track.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJbMvltJzAVGPZ1TeW8ndCWmdZVRloksylHkbUg9Kdciv0Ko04gppDG4_6q2Karpo52KgnYQKmHSwSfxPUGBjtUj-SizyoKYFkel0geYcNOAM8d0DCyEfr5Iyix8Rm7aGsyhxY1RbwCOc/s400/track.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5277398554875836994" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Chengdu Travel</span> - Chengdu is a bustling city of 11 million that is ever spreading in every direction! But for those who hanker after a little solitude and a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">lung full</span> or two of fresh-air, it is possible to escape the crowd and find some nice walks on pathways that don't contain the slightest trace of concrete or tarmac - just an hour or <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">so's</span></span></span> drive outside Chengdu in the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Qingcheng</span></span></span> mountains that lie close to the town of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Dujiangyan</span></span></span>. However you need to know where to look - because there are a lot of mountain out here - and the main tourist sites are both expensive, crowded and all the paths are concrete walkways - while in other parts you'll hardly see soul as you hike on farmer paths that weave up the mountain from field to field. Last Sunday we decided to take one of those nice quiet country walks .<br />The secret to finding these places is to find a slightly bigger track that used by motorbikes and trikes - and then.........<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpdyn-nntQWM6YijJFfJS8LQdudqNkZp87JeHIBP6O2fOtbpu7mMsERgr_Xp205FHJeOXCwkMn5UEMCgPbmRMvEpXWmXBjSSCs54k6S6sPQINbfPnO6uDvPFUVILm4bTOFMef7XdWZ64w/s1600-h/path+5.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpdyn-nntQWM6YijJFfJS8LQdudqNkZp87JeHIBP6O2fOtbpu7mMsERgr_Xp205FHJeOXCwkMn5UEMCgPbmRMvEpXWmXBjSSCs54k6S6sPQINbfPnO6uDvPFUVILm4bTOFMef7XdWZ64w/s400/path+5.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5277397924460737458" border="0" /></a>follow it <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">until</span> it turns into a path. On the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Qingcheng</span></span></span> Mountain these paths are used to connect farmhouses and fields, and to allow goat-herders to get to graze their animals at the tops of the mountains.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj6HLysq3TiT-uhqfrkirVoIU63Sfak3NdGxr-Qa0PfFe9hfVj4Tdx3d23JuVVfdPea_X-Y7l1EUCI8LUqqpHCBoy7CtvFKYl8c3WxJ5UCE8znDwKpubrCgYHyqzzUnk9H2HYUcnbQ40k/s1600-h/path+3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj6HLysq3TiT-uhqfrkirVoIU63Sfak3NdGxr-Qa0PfFe9hfVj4Tdx3d23JuVVfdPea_X-Y7l1EUCI8LUqqpHCBoy7CtvFKYl8c3WxJ5UCE8znDwKpubrCgYHyqzzUnk9H2HYUcnbQ40k/s400/path+3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5277397928638761922" border="0" /></a>The paths - which are quite easy to follow - go up, and the fields are often run close to patches of woodland making for a very pretty scene.<br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5D0ELAaM421Y9jkfS0CZRfpToRgbaGnGcOp16GvgOKW4SsluR5SFIdf_bx8E9-TuUs1e_ttRLgqqB2OMiNoy-Q55lchLfUdYz3gRXkUQirNfE5_54h43-Gbd7ChRwIAyXIWZ5ZDUO2P0/s1600-h/path+2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 325px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5D0ELAaM421Y9jkfS0CZRfpToRgbaGnGcOp16GvgOKW4SsluR5SFIdf_bx8E9-TuUs1e_ttRLgqqB2OMiNoy-Q55lchLfUdYz3gRXkUQirNfE5_54h43-Gbd7ChRwIAyXIWZ5ZDUO2P0/s400/path+2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5277397917810013122" border="0" /></a>..... and the idea is to climb a little more <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">until</span>.....<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDbdclW6UPoAcFvk-OWYr2MMctL1zlIuqXI70HYBd4kQy4pXBpmwN5pv4G3_uqUTkeEuE1GHfs1YBiVCat9CoMeHZtoiJy77DtsIThGcgUK-og0q083qkK_z6HeqH0ysZLdX7IxtuhSkM/s1600-h/path+1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDbdclW6UPoAcFvk-OWYr2MMctL1zlIuqXI70HYBd4kQy4pXBpmwN5pv4G3_uqUTkeEuE1GHfs1YBiVCat9CoMeHZtoiJy77DtsIThGcgUK-og0q083qkK_z6HeqH0ysZLdX7IxtuhSkM/s400/path+1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5277397921642053810" border="0" /></a>you're past the field line and up in the woodland at the top of the ridges - there are still paths up here.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxPNDagRkdiFS4rTM2AZ8sFEk8H4sx4syQDGfhy3l5otLeXSSkbdQImCg1Yy4vpMmlAjIWuXZ94oaxz734N5v_lvwmEe3TagJLSWGrCoEmdqLy6nI60Hnxzpp2bhyphenhyphenKMYIqvlYxTClorvg/s1600-h/forest.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxPNDagRkdiFS4rTM2AZ8sFEk8H4sx4syQDGfhy3l5otLeXSSkbdQImCg1Yy4vpMmlAjIWuXZ94oaxz734N5v_lvwmEe3TagJLSWGrCoEmdqLy6nI60Hnxzpp2bhyphenhyphenKMYIqvlYxTClorvg/s400/forest.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5277455998087099154" border="0" /></a>Our Walk last Sunday got us up to this forested area - it makes a good campsite in the summer.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhq1h2q6pNBJOGLH8QIrabc6u0THz93NeAIYQmPAKJSDXDm3XXWLvaNcZTbuqoAGrkscbGw0S1AmxWobmBZamuncy5SpK7G-3Y2f33VR42W5jwg2fPtE0u8aUqFeFJzgevUHvrcd4BiPM/s1600-h/seeds.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 332px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhq1h2q6pNBJOGLH8QIrabc6u0THz93NeAIYQmPAKJSDXDm3XXWLvaNcZTbuqoAGrkscbGw0S1AmxWobmBZamuncy5SpK7G-3Y2f33VR42W5jwg2fPtE0u8aUqFeFJzgevUHvrcd4BiPM/s400/seeds.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5277397915361626082" border="0" /></a>Although too cold for camping, there's still a lot of stuff to photograph. This <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">seed head</span> - is <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">really</span> fascinating when viewed so close<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0a5Mf5RdrTuYaDslM8ARzQwWRsjS1pTsnhDoKcF6liAIWc8RaLjty4C8GcH-FM4m7QyKeVMVMs-xX3r2B4lRkalVi9RghH7r1mCvcTRxSzbt1uX0Wi7alHLoKW6iT3MTGkpelxAABowo/s1600-h/view.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0a5Mf5RdrTuYaDslM8ARzQwWRsjS1pTsnhDoKcF6liAIWc8RaLjty4C8GcH-FM4m7QyKeVMVMs-xX3r2B4lRkalVi9RghH7r1mCvcTRxSzbt1uX0Wi7alHLoKW6iT3MTGkpelxAABowo/s400/view.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5277396675561099746" border="0" /></a>Looking down it's a bit hazy - but the view isn't that bad!<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9GsLZd2okBCS3TjBVLIQuRftBmmaVCQ-63ZTB48TbXmNzNgi6hGvGLaMhepVnmJo7Wvf8AxHKrJPHTBnnMT4He9tjX-Zt_8eHuKo_nIiNWv7amrpuSSTA2qr8fNamnbCpWFY3DPlnDKg/s1600-h/weather.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9GsLZd2okBCS3TjBVLIQuRftBmmaVCQ-63ZTB48TbXmNzNgi6hGvGLaMhepVnmJo7Wvf8AxHKrJPHTBnnMT4He9tjX-Zt_8eHuKo_nIiNWv7amrpuSSTA2qr8fNamnbCpWFY3DPlnDKg/s400/weather.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5277396345648381890" border="0" /></a>Here we can see an example of the strange kind of weather we often get in the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Sichuan</span></span></span>. Looking down towards the flat <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Sichuan</span></span></span>-basin and Chengdu - we have a foggy haze - while here around 2,000m we can see the blue sky. In those areas of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Sichuan</span></span></span> that lie above 3,000m a sunny winters day - down around Chengdu its a little more gray!<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMqWL5m9-U8pMcdTk8CxaeSzQK7z_S7_DLLBSqlO2MSmxhfdCoLcDfkXXvmXJNGPOTDWsTs4uQ2zxGsDVy8eOlhgODnsLf6Unujdji1f8Okt-Ad84FjdQIc7GL_9FGOj_73JKjiprmMPg/s1600-h/bamb.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMqWL5m9-U8pMcdTk8CxaeSzQK7z_S7_DLLBSqlO2MSmxhfdCoLcDfkXXvmXJNGPOTDWsTs4uQ2zxGsDVy8eOlhgODnsLf6Unujdji1f8Okt-Ad84FjdQIc7GL_9FGOj_73JKjiprmMPg/s400/bamb.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5277396338627930514" border="0" /></a>Here are some locals working up near the top collecting bamboos to make into brooms. That's heavy - I know, I helped load the old guy up<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYGnsmIbs-6ubjYjgq_xTphVpo-v9IFduUXwz60XApOOQHapDFVOyyL_xw9AJcL2CB7zQ3qc1MTBSvtkVA5CSgr0LQRDwEi4tjr8wB0ez7PIAX6BHJveu2t51pUDtdsvj9wvVS7BRjJqo/s1600-h/pipe.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 321px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYGnsmIbs-6ubjYjgq_xTphVpo-v9IFduUXwz60XApOOQHapDFVOyyL_xw9AJcL2CB7zQ3qc1MTBSvtkVA5CSgr0LQRDwEi4tjr8wB0ez7PIAX6BHJveu2t51pUDtdsvj9wvVS7BRjJqo/s400/pipe.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5277396333696223890" border="0" /></a>Mao caps are still the fashion up here with the older generation - and those pipes that have a simple rolled up <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">tobacco</span> leaf stuffed into them - are also popular. All the people on this part of the mountain know us - after all I'm just about the only foreigner they get to see. They are also very friendly always taking the time to talk to us - and inviting us into their houses. These are very nice folk.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn2uB1KUL7jXr4aM1HT7TD7eBBYg3c4HmoHbj74PUH27yhxv2-rAXG5Fs7Al_ziZcICXRX9frNt5f7fHYX4PJm8EZK969NxQ3oLBHnhSZqqINoQqgE2Z5zTPaLKihGj4AVa1CEmfyb81c/s1600-h/efigy.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 390px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn2uB1KUL7jXr4aM1HT7TD7eBBYg3c4HmoHbj74PUH27yhxv2-rAXG5Fs7Al_ziZcICXRX9frNt5f7fHYX4PJm8EZK969NxQ3oLBHnhSZqqINoQqgE2Z5zTPaLKihGj4AVa1CEmfyb81c/s400/efigy.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5277396332585415938" border="0" /></a>Other stuff you can find around here are small shrines - in this one the baby has lost its head!<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbLOgyHCvIaOyCUo_kGlwLh17YH7uiaFus_CtqfY-_5yST3xTxhkFqCa-8RvWGFl_REX5zU5Y2baKhcxU2tV3hzJ4LeCgUuE_CAmjNdbhlpbAOXx4C_Bw0St2vPVwQxxuQvAXGliqvRwQ/s1600-h/food.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbLOgyHCvIaOyCUo_kGlwLh17YH7uiaFus_CtqfY-_5yST3xTxhkFqCa-8RvWGFl_REX5zU5Y2baKhcxU2tV3hzJ4LeCgUuE_CAmjNdbhlpbAOXx4C_Bw0St2vPVwQxxuQvAXGliqvRwQ/s400/food.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5277396329445525474" border="0" /></a>Any good Sunday walk should be topped off with a good Sunday dinner - this is in a country restaurant - hardcore <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Sichuan</span></span></span> food. Bacon and beans in a sweet sauce, Beef tripe in pepper sauce, cold pickled veggies and tofu, Chinese carrot in soup, sauce dips for the carrot and a portion of soft-white tofu (which arrived latter) and my favourite - home made herbal rice-wine (<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">pretttttty</span></span></span> <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">Strong</span> stuff).<br />If the walk <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">doesn't</span> knock you out - the food will!!!!Sid and Meggie Francishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09247503266565690661noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5977909618547201150.post-4226225179318685422008-12-01T06:33:00.001-08:002008-12-02T05:38:35.475-08:00Chengdu Travel Guide - San Xing Dui<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyyQeLa120vWaXkFdtoIyiaEE-5qozZHNnlAANe2qHfflstWbKC-pQ-DSCvVNOhUNCE29IwUTViuNAzXXruJR8Ti571jHUGL88dlVmatRTwRkXqnbnOtdjcagG_7rN-CPOPUgjI9LLHAI/s1600-h/mask+5.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyyQeLa120vWaXkFdtoIyiaEE-5qozZHNnlAANe2qHfflstWbKC-pQ-DSCvVNOhUNCE29IwUTViuNAzXXruJR8Ti571jHUGL88dlVmatRTwRkXqnbnOtdjcagG_7rN-CPOPUgjI9LLHAI/s400/mask+5.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5274833953354389330" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Chengdu Travel</span> - This last weekend we visited another of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Chengdu's</span></span> important tourist sites - The San <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Xing</span></span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Dui</span></span> museum.<br />San <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Xing</span></span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Dui</span></span> - about an hour's drive outside central Chengdu - is the location of an excavation site where relics from a lost civilisation have been found. These artifacts are very old - carbon dating putting them from periods dating between the - <span style="font-weight: bold;">11<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">th</span></span> and 13<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">th</span></span> century BC</span>.<br />Apart from their age - the finds are also unique, since the styles employed in their design are totally different from anything else found in Chinese art, and that the large size of some of the bronze castings show that the manufacturers used casting techniques - adding lead to the bronze alloy mix - that were remarkably advanced for this period of time. The Bronze head, in the picture above, is massive - 4 or 5 adults would easy fit into to it - and its tall enough so they would only be visible from chest height up. If I was to compare this stuff to those <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">pre</span></span>-historic bronze collections I've seen back home in the UK - usually made up of small bronze blades - then I'd classify some of this stuff as gigantic.<br />But perhaps what's so intriguing about the exhibits, are their sheer mystery. Apart from the finds there are no records whatsoever - not even through folklore or myth - of this truly lost civilisation.<br /><br />For lots of pics of that illustrates the stuff to be found here - just scroll down.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvpC4k4qI5HfxXkqf_H6chYP9RfD7iQVfcHM5fM_Cngj7WZk16AQpP2Ti8EC8CBzbH5nni-kGbPrHHJvTDyMMuPn37Tn2EyIDy_Gghrr_6eEPupXQf20lTQpH4DcqT70_AoinY8KnHZI8/s1600-h/entrance.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvpC4k4qI5HfxXkqf_H6chYP9RfD7iQVfcHM5fM_Cngj7WZk16AQpP2Ti8EC8CBzbH5nni-kGbPrHHJvTDyMMuPn37Tn2EyIDy_Gghrr_6eEPupXQf20lTQpH4DcqT70_AoinY8KnHZI8/s400/entrance.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5274833946491659138" border="0" /></a>Here's the gang again - our nephew and a friend's daughter - on their way into the museum. The exhibition halls are sighted in a park. Admission was quite expensive - 86<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">RMB</span></span> for adults, half price for kids and since the smallest of our team was under 1.20m - she got in for free.<br />We drove our own car here - but there are buses going out in this direction - and decent traveler friendly hotels like Sam's and Sim's can put you onto good transport possibilities.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHceCYlIsokk6MD5igxd2vBZGsr9Qxyqs-EOt3KSWGGjuW9lEfdvMDfNxO_qK_mnbbC39cjGLTZu5bsH09vkkzAmIRKkCHwLzsT58JDmSCzq4T4Y5huxHWVFvDNlxnOWSmavajxHnjIh4/s1600-h/entrance+1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 285px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHceCYlIsokk6MD5igxd2vBZGsr9Qxyqs-EOt3KSWGGjuW9lEfdvMDfNxO_qK_mnbbC39cjGLTZu5bsH09vkkzAmIRKkCHwLzsT58JDmSCzq4T4Y5huxHWVFvDNlxnOWSmavajxHnjIh4/s400/entrance+1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5274833941976597410" border="0" /></a>There are two exhibition halls - here's the first - built into a mound.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8LJdzQ7nTJwtilkf17MRtn5mi-nnqW9vVB-DI4sl_l-LTbjsz1MH2YK3WuqbLtHtFngZQjprBvpgmMdJIjj9cLlWD9iH0U_RVMmk71pzCvv1m73ss4Dd2hEqSoAtfnYfcEvkgEAzzIAQ/s1600-h/inside+1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8LJdzQ7nTJwtilkf17MRtn5mi-nnqW9vVB-DI4sl_l-LTbjsz1MH2YK3WuqbLtHtFngZQjprBvpgmMdJIjj9cLlWD9iH0U_RVMmk71pzCvv1m73ss4Dd2hEqSoAtfnYfcEvkgEAzzIAQ/s400/inside+1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5274833926956548674" border="0" /></a>Inside, I'm afraid the display design and lay-out, is rather boring and conservative in comparison to the fantastic ancient art that's exhibited in the halls.<br />Also you're not allowed to use flash-photography - and lighting levels are very low. I'm lucky to have camera with an image stabilising function - and a copy of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">photoshop</span></span> on my computer to edit and sharpen the images for latter use. But if you do want good photos here - you need either a very steady hand or a tripod, and a good photo-editing program is a must. I took many photos - maybe one out of ten are what I'd consider decent.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXjHCvQheUn6QpzuE44KCnobrh7fF2PX8GXlL21Y3KqEdz_HX74WLvkVlqDHmiJPEpQn7c45CbSIEM7KivCFF3l-WaGwYcDQ7hXceP9sd4mPGFgLubgJr8BZukE58lbyU25RsgEHuBI0I/s1600-h/inside.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXjHCvQheUn6QpzuE44KCnobrh7fF2PX8GXlL21Y3KqEdz_HX74WLvkVlqDHmiJPEpQn7c45CbSIEM7KivCFF3l-WaGwYcDQ7hXceP9sd4mPGFgLubgJr8BZukE58lbyU25RsgEHuBI0I/s400/inside.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5274832781902331906" border="0" /></a>The other problem here - is lack of interesting labeling. But I suppose if the stuff does come from a lost civilisation with no recorded history - then there's very little to write about it.<br />Like all of these type of sites - you can hire an English speaking guide.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiN8PIJv6IjvZnmEVl-jQoe66MyFZctBTv25nieXzt5yx64Klou2YtqFVrc3P-Pc84_e6Uxv2NpQkd2xyycMTusuL79VyjocrZj8NhC-VQhvoVdAHAqyQDB1HMVxqK4PA5B_uJcT4FD5M/s1600-h/gld+mask.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiN8PIJv6IjvZnmEVl-jQoe66MyFZctBTv25nieXzt5yx64Klou2YtqFVrc3P-Pc84_e6Uxv2NpQkd2xyycMTusuL79VyjocrZj8NhC-VQhvoVdAHAqyQDB1HMVxqK4PA5B_uJcT4FD5M/s400/gld+mask.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5274832776496461170" border="0" /></a>But the quality of the exhibits well make-up for any lack of imagination on the presentation front. This stuff really is treasure - here's a gold mask dating from the 13<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">th</span></span> century BC.<br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2iWRHJzKDWpn4_jxt1xdB3O1UauQL06HKxP-gkLh701faGIliwSVF6kHmB1DImLlV3fbwlluACTZKIFzll5usbpssXVLxZuGRX1ToB1FvVzs-FGFhluD-raNuRDdJ11CRg2g1NDu9F90/s1600-h/tiger+teeth.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 285px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2iWRHJzKDWpn4_jxt1xdB3O1UauQL06HKxP-gkLh701faGIliwSVF6kHmB1DImLlV3fbwlluACTZKIFzll5usbpssXVLxZuGRX1ToB1FvVzs-FGFhluD-raNuRDdJ11CRg2g1NDu9F90/s400/tiger+teeth.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5274832767977678162" border="0" /></a>Here are Tiger teeth - they've gone that color through being buried for over 3,000 years together with all those bronze artifacts.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn1IdtsbCv11xbAVZuj3Q5H21mvjAw8ZOAbv7ZTRir2DQ9ozrVNZGURyLzazJvLM-rT7U3gSjlmzYS-W48F6EkxPdN1VyssvYREgjXpwYdkeDIYi_cMSThqM8yANpgx9fRWl7dq9eDWrc/s1600-h/knives+1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 172px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn1IdtsbCv11xbAVZuj3Q5H21mvjAw8ZOAbv7ZTRir2DQ9ozrVNZGURyLzazJvLM-rT7U3gSjlmzYS-W48F6EkxPdN1VyssvYREgjXpwYdkeDIYi_cMSThqM8yANpgx9fRWl7dq9eDWrc/s400/knives+1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5274832761749294322" border="0" /></a>In that first hall there's a lot of jade - and not your usual jade jewelry - but jade knives!!!<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPpAKrrjTPuhhWqmD3jjf_nNquTvdMM58jjKOkXTuqBwq4Ebf51IqbqOvljxMlg8B5d5qqSffVxFUUvRDGyjfWIcpByjB6Mi2rU1rFyHR5Cthyphenhyphen9biEK-t1fRZC9SzwtGTNYWMuxvUhouE/s1600-h/knives+2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 202px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPpAKrrjTPuhhWqmD3jjf_nNquTvdMM58jjKOkXTuqBwq4Ebf51IqbqOvljxMlg8B5d5qqSffVxFUUvRDGyjfWIcpByjB6Mi2rU1rFyHR5Cthyphenhyphen9biEK-t1fRZC9SzwtGTNYWMuxvUhouE/s400/knives+2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5274832758848650306" border="0" /></a>Here's a beautiful selection of jade blades.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjfgHY4tnBgRFItdbiAXdWUU8z3KWfJ8_67Ha6CuY_Pl58xFh7ejX5RjJwRXLbd4bwLxqdoM46iosQZpnXznB85ypmfpgY5GTqay1hOlfQQx28BwU5L-k_oIGHHGxDYenKEpDUfo-hsOg/s1600-h/blade.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 282px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjfgHY4tnBgRFItdbiAXdWUU8z3KWfJ8_67Ha6CuY_Pl58xFh7ejX5RjJwRXLbd4bwLxqdoM46iosQZpnXznB85ypmfpgY5GTqay1hOlfQQx28BwU5L-k_oIGHHGxDYenKEpDUfo-hsOg/s400/blade.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5274831956792877074" border="0" /></a>This is the biggest - they've described it as a sacrificial knife. I wouldn't fancy being an offering to the gods after being poked by that!<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjS2xDYBHSkjM95gg1l2GK0O5VdoZclHHqvkuJL34Lf7vwzCZydCn0-b46qp0-k5UVmkGFuPxi4XEC_LZgjX_iQElkqr9q_4wz-G78Zajgc11C6P9OfTSyEICZqVRV9T3Kg8VI05vByVw/s1600-h/blade+1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 146px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjS2xDYBHSkjM95gg1l2GK0O5VdoZclHHqvkuJL34Lf7vwzCZydCn0-b46qp0-k5UVmkGFuPxi4XEC_LZgjX_iQElkqr9q_4wz-G78Zajgc11C6P9OfTSyEICZqVRV9T3Kg8VI05vByVw/s400/blade+1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5274831955602323938" border="0" /></a>In these kinds of places I often much prefer the small to the big - this jade knife is less that 30cm long - but it has such a neat design.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie3U0YOe0BU3j8hzyaKG1mmgPCYAlOM-733tl7LNYGRQM1sYWz9CwsNPviH3hceTczgfSRd20CyO3new-46Gb6Vr8H5WyAbOoKrWl9nDZvENf3fflT4RMcWFp4m6A3XPsVNOd0yAnZq6w/s1600-h/arrow+head.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 203px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie3U0YOe0BU3j8hzyaKG1mmgPCYAlOM-733tl7LNYGRQM1sYWz9CwsNPviH3hceTczgfSRd20CyO3new-46Gb6Vr8H5WyAbOoKrWl9nDZvENf3fflT4RMcWFp4m6A3XPsVNOd0yAnZq6w/s400/arrow+head.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5274831945377405282" border="0" /></a>More Jade on smaller scale - a spear head - these guys could carve.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiwfYvnQBuTkvY_W8Bf-N6dG91DtxoHamZ4SHg-6XuQntFXmdJ9DYrB2p4cF-CB1EB1GcFhh1H4tW2SJ6mymKD0YwbMDVlH_WlaaefWkPDuv7nJiVaN7DiYlc_Fnfg9PGsf5ikFwcM8vg/s1600-h/bronze.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiwfYvnQBuTkvY_W8Bf-N6dG91DtxoHamZ4SHg-6XuQntFXmdJ9DYrB2p4cF-CB1EB1GcFhh1H4tW2SJ6mymKD0YwbMDVlH_WlaaefWkPDuv7nJiVaN7DiYlc_Fnfg9PGsf5ikFwcM8vg/s400/bronze.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5275036353185465202" border="0" /></a>But it is the ability to produce big that makes the San <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Xing</span></span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Dui</span></span> exhibition so special. The crowing pieces of the first hall are a couple of weird bronze 'ornaments' - that look like cross between very fancy lampposts and exhibits in some <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">avant</span></span>-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">garde</span></span> art show. Kind of crazy to think that they're over 3,000 years old.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixsfQRPGeA0oYqCnkfQ63zAPQoQEQNwdB-kIsNpgwVTklm6zvDnSfEIwUW6hqspkyYQiu25K5XWYFvw-jDfwsObd-LlstFvboByX4N4LeJOEVESPlKANIdRq9gFfK4tZV549ilBr2vN58/s1600-h/entrance+2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixsfQRPGeA0oYqCnkfQ63zAPQoQEQNwdB-kIsNpgwVTklm6zvDnSfEIwUW6hqspkyYQiu25K5XWYFvw-jDfwsObd-LlstFvboByX4N4LeJOEVESPlKANIdRq9gFfK4tZV549ilBr2vN58/s400/entrance+2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5274831943367835362" border="0" /></a>The second hall - which was the original museum before the site developed and expanded.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWCLPw6u8mTy4t5hcqqZUdz0Yqb_sKcEq-NdRUhW1aJ3EOE6IeZSBTFOreuWuHFFZuB28EQrj2BJ9xKq_LKLwWQDY_aBbNfwqL_02thoQXBcINmUuECJlLOMeqMf-7e5-0BrflV98dBr0/s1600-h/inside+2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWCLPw6u8mTy4t5hcqqZUdz0Yqb_sKcEq-NdRUhW1aJ3EOE6IeZSBTFOreuWuHFFZuB28EQrj2BJ9xKq_LKLwWQDY_aBbNfwqL_02thoQXBcINmUuECJlLOMeqMf-7e5-0BrflV98dBr0/s400/inside+2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5274831930101004834" border="0" /></a>Inside we have all the bronze heads, and a lot of other bronze artifacts - there are three level of exhibition hall - you ascend on a spiral walkway.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO0ikhzUBgv_OPtzP1cW9U9QrRyHXLZVFWdPhpKcIYtr69CN3e5-qPYatAdgdzp8HOHeZoM6Md2cAonXORpr26yLE3yyvrTkmT4p0ztU8YenO6X-NS_fiHMZ6Z9IpGZNg6NjScIDmOSXk/s1600-h/face.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO0ikhzUBgv_OPtzP1cW9U9QrRyHXLZVFWdPhpKcIYtr69CN3e5-qPYatAdgdzp8HOHeZoM6Md2cAonXORpr26yLE3yyvrTkmT4p0ztU8YenO6X-NS_fiHMZ6Z9IpGZNg6NjScIDmOSXk/s400/face.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5274831274426182194" border="0" /></a>Again another large bronze casting - this time exhibiting those protruding pupils that seem to be a popular style with some of the heads.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUs6grYYdMg2m_AOLk-CRu7KaMPxuh8AYeFlHOc_58_yoX27-6xDjm0Es7bXPmoKsMLzKMFqJDNUHStZGGUnNZpeMPeq9zFDpLp2pTclKlcxOI0LxU_CQw8nA8NbAEWhF1hOukLMfeIFk/s1600-h/big.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUs6grYYdMg2m_AOLk-CRu7KaMPxuh8AYeFlHOc_58_yoX27-6xDjm0Es7bXPmoKsMLzKMFqJDNUHStZGGUnNZpeMPeq9zFDpLp2pTclKlcxOI0LxU_CQw8nA8NbAEWhF1hOukLMfeIFk/s400/big.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5274831266181385298" border="0" /></a>Now this guy is big - and it's also the worlds oldest life size bronze statue of a human - in fact it's slightly over life size at 2.6m. Obviously in the days when it was still serving its purpose, probably as some religious monument - its held something in those hands.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb0yK1EIoAOEqpknQPoYlmE-jAzETrkjFSOspaLgxv62Hr_Stmuk0Qd9kJbkdoq4y4Hm9lTOBobyss3h_807b4pU9XpcvFXEw47223e8KMYMcVpm8T9LfI7KoI-ktu6mLZe5KnmkBqIKo/s1600-h/mask.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 313px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb0yK1EIoAOEqpknQPoYlmE-jAzETrkjFSOspaLgxv62Hr_Stmuk0Qd9kJbkdoq4y4Hm9lTOBobyss3h_807b4pU9XpcvFXEw47223e8KMYMcVpm8T9LfI7KoI-ktu6mLZe5KnmkBqIKo/s400/mask.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5274831254406509250" border="0" /></a>Again another huge head/mask.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwFjhe8KaIzlvDkSQza4Q0-eYEOgdhX1TJUAykexRehc5JzpVVTiik7ZdGoI0K9e2v3HwZS-Qsu69rT4kNWH7EHYhv-FxsLLR3ys5cX6Elu60t7cLzPPUkSQayYGFOiA4Hik4uqZoePfY/s1600-h/mask+1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 277px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwFjhe8KaIzlvDkSQza4Q0-eYEOgdhX1TJUAykexRehc5JzpVVTiik7ZdGoI0K9e2v3HwZS-Qsu69rT4kNWH7EHYhv-FxsLLR3ys5cX6Elu60t7cLzPPUkSQayYGFOiA4Hik4uqZoePfY/s400/mask+1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5274831252995709010" border="0" /></a>These next two guys are on a smaller scale.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVSj9rC5XC9d2rau4I9zo6lQpWFLFiioSNR36BCEekmTFL5lBXml-_E09q4TRtcMvXR367zJytAWKHjJYCAHQoY7JJItyGo_bDFT1C8LSNH_Wgr6qObb4w5_mqDVbCWA9rpOeME3tPGS0/s1600-h/mask+2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 280px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVSj9rC5XC9d2rau4I9zo6lQpWFLFiioSNR36BCEekmTFL5lBXml-_E09q4TRtcMvXR367zJytAWKHjJYCAHQoY7JJItyGo_bDFT1C8LSNH_Wgr6qObb4w5_mqDVbCWA9rpOeME3tPGS0/s400/mask+2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5274831244196437890" border="0" /></a>Since we have so little knowledge of this civilisation, pieces like this, can certainly get the imagination rolling.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg16xVU3fw7jiXUQ0BFKy7JBjRRSbG4E4ojTbs8zNUHEO7l0rlwsIg-OSSoxs62iX19Hl5O4D4iqI65Vc-Y9CqdYxZMoOHnoqdx7NEyDOhlFy0pY83AaMKq8mZEguQW9SVC1J2li8_DwRw/s1600-h/mask+6.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 243px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg16xVU3fw7jiXUQ0BFKy7JBjRRSbG4E4ojTbs8zNUHEO7l0rlwsIg-OSSoxs62iX19Hl5O4D4iqI65Vc-Y9CqdYxZMoOHnoqdx7NEyDOhlFy0pY83AaMKq8mZEguQW9SVC1J2li8_DwRw/s400/mask+6.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5274830597727055314" border="0" /></a>Some of those masks are covered in gold.<br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0nKyPBFblST4eKQNrbHYd4TGmSYUSpBYWEoe5e-zJjJ1PxotWiGcb5nun7PYTgMQEWqTNaCpe5WoslsheH3UDyghDAUGJknb2l7KUggdZRewckvEJhwpDsKvXrDfWM3LnitbePZ00k_8/s1600-h/eagle.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 368px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0nKyPBFblST4eKQNrbHYd4TGmSYUSpBYWEoe5e-zJjJ1PxotWiGcb5nun7PYTgMQEWqTNaCpe5WoslsheH3UDyghDAUGJknb2l7KUggdZRewckvEJhwpDsKvXrDfWM3LnitbePZ00k_8/s400/eagle.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5274830600815678786" border="0" /></a>But once again its the small stuff that fascinates me - an eagle head bronze - about 6cm high.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXgT7pDhYXhV_wp1ncN2kovzMnO6A2zmNfknCkjhy6iu4zJYr9BXn249CQN7vioNUYJ_yGFqbsmFQoBFBSGeM1KjpiRj0Jlgzl659pTQhlvCRqifcqrLa-kCHJySsnhEeL8WgIVWcrtIs/s1600-h/chicken.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 383px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXgT7pDhYXhV_wp1ncN2kovzMnO6A2zmNfknCkjhy6iu4zJYr9BXn249CQN7vioNUYJ_yGFqbsmFQoBFBSGeM1KjpiRj0Jlgzl659pTQhlvCRqifcqrLa-kCHJySsnhEeL8WgIVWcrtIs/s400/chicken.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5274830593357585506" border="0" /></a> here we have a chicken.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKy_pXZOlomHHIx7h94tYPubLwng73fud961CJW8SDa2ZHb-LTU2YUKmf3yDqnK5NR0ppPANyApJPFZ5KBUSD1tbtR2paD1Fy7LpHbTQqzDEDhA1Ru1Jx53I9Lt3Szr-8sEi7jO5-FOkc/s1600-h/bird.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 256px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKy_pXZOlomHHIx7h94tYPubLwng73fud961CJW8SDa2ZHb-LTU2YUKmf3yDqnK5NR0ppPANyApJPFZ5KBUSD1tbtR2paD1Fy7LpHbTQqzDEDhA1Ru1Jx53I9Lt3Szr-8sEi7jO5-FOkc/s400/bird.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5274830592533827202" border="0" /></a>A fantastic bird.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVqb1QsS-vsqsPvfD6uXJE8enXh2NdHL4OUItwS1l8ES4j6M2ShMdOelKs-3vGfNtqCQGAevHVaEDg64u_mfeFGaYQa_3B9FVHVzowaQY5QAddJyNnEuYPfvIdqwwKz54QG7rlBtr3YRk/s1600-h/vase.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 289px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVqb1QsS-vsqsPvfD6uXJE8enXh2NdHL4OUItwS1l8ES4j6M2ShMdOelKs-3vGfNtqCQGAevHVaEDg64u_mfeFGaYQa_3B9FVHVzowaQY5QAddJyNnEuYPfvIdqwwKz54QG7rlBtr3YRk/s400/vase.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5274830590203286162" border="0" /></a>Now we're getting onto the bigger stuff again - this is well over 1 m high - and with all those crazy designs, would surely be an inspiration for some modern day <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">tat</span><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">too</span> artist.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWQTsIYghD2gFCD9iIpqgYSNCQCB6jv7eO2_YROXEIwM7SdKt3qTtdMCec1mM259VAgXb9NYfecB1BOrUgnOQ_aguCbj_etBvC1ROU_gRiQcAyie1cx0Nb_TSJypwtHe0zohGSy1oPhvI/s1600-h/sac.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 330px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWQTsIYghD2gFCD9iIpqgYSNCQCB6jv7eO2_YROXEIwM7SdKt3qTtdMCec1mM259VAgXb9NYfecB1BOrUgnOQ_aguCbj_etBvC1ROU_gRiQcAyie1cx0Nb_TSJypwtHe0zohGSy1oPhvI/s400/sac.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5275049616955559954" border="0" /></a>And if everything gets too much - then there are <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">useful</span> sites outside the exhibition halls - like a sacrifice platform to put them naughty kids in their place. Actually there are no ruins - remains consist of mounds. But San <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">Xing</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">Dui</span> does home a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">truly</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">remarkable</span> collection - a good day out.Sid and Meggie Francishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09247503266565690661noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5977909618547201150.post-13680162221025358022008-11-24T01:05:00.000-08:002008-11-25T00:08:02.667-08:00Chengdu Travel Guide - Dazu Rock Carvings Pictures<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBywIIzZZ07EAuIynB_MPIVwvk6dKqIyPMjXamwFWdFUjZVoCiJ4tKyCPtwIKQ4Hz02musvkXeWelDhYd7YL3HktJtAv5AYsAa_gQt1hiJSmEi6A_UaphCBGgw9UsX_BK3j5m7kaRJJQU/s1600-h/d+6.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBywIIzZZ07EAuIynB_MPIVwvk6dKqIyPMjXamwFWdFUjZVoCiJ4tKyCPtwIKQ4Hz02musvkXeWelDhYd7YL3HktJtAv5AYsAa_gQt1hiJSmEi6A_UaphCBGgw9UsX_BK3j5m7kaRJJQU/s400/d+6.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5272151597267650210" border="0" /></a> <span style="font-weight: bold;">Chengdu Travel</span> - After some enquiries regarding the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Buddhist</span> Rock carvings at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Dazu</span></span></span></span>, it seemed a good time to show some of the pics we took during a trip made last January - taking a couple of Italian girls on a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Dazu</span></span></span></span> day trip from Chengdu.<br />By the way the many handed lady above is the god of Mercy - <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">apparently</span> there are 1007 hands, if you don't believe then you best start counting!!<br />To see this and the other pics in their full-splendor - klick on them to get the larger image.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikWzuITWPAqVSGrKc-YGS714lei1xDap61AfCun8KtXqhpH8R6AgrslVROJkJ9mb_aEQkr1RS0MiyKAUQfXV7es8mMi7fMcF9L1JVHg7JDSkBJIrLVWPNhvRkKROaYhUlOhCWTtd9hm-w/s1600-h/d+2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikWzuITWPAqVSGrKc-YGS714lei1xDap61AfCun8KtXqhpH8R6AgrslVROJkJ9mb_aEQkr1RS0MiyKAUQfXV7es8mMi7fMcF9L1JVHg7JDSkBJIrLVWPNhvRkKROaYhUlOhCWTtd9hm-w/s400/d+2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5272151587490428946" border="0" /></a>That last statue is in a small cave, but most of the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Dazu</span></span></span></span> carvings were made on open-air cliff-faces. The work itself dates between the Tang and Song Dynasties (9<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">th</span></span></span></span> -13<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">th</span></span></span></span> centuries). At the biggest site at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Baoding</span></span></span></span> (there are several sites - <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Dazu</span></span> is main town of the area) the scale and state of preservation of this ancient work is very impressive - this picture gives an idea of that, and also shows what kind of viewing <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">opportunities</span> are offered to the visitor.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRw1Z21jrwqHgsmxqv7jdAK0ihy7TRTCyhdgEMhtmJoAMzazvEWxBLRUEF_kJMEgoHYhROrHhfh6HL9gRtN-fo-9uHvPlgkUMWz8h4g7Sl7xq4mGucXO4y2VQej3Ut_DhVLqpc98l94-I/s1600-h/reading.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRw1Z21jrwqHgsmxqv7jdAK0ihy7TRTCyhdgEMhtmJoAMzazvEWxBLRUEF_kJMEgoHYhROrHhfh6HL9gRtN-fo-9uHvPlgkUMWz8h4g7Sl7xq4mGucXO4y2VQej3Ut_DhVLqpc98l94-I/s400/reading.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5272151580393549730" border="0" /></a>Here are the Italian girls - they were working with the then upcoming Olympics and had decided to do the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Dazu</span></span></span> trip from Chengdu. The distance to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Dazu</span></span></span> from Chengdu is about 200km (Chongqing is closer by about 50km) - and it's possible to do most of the drive by motorway. However to give our guests a bit more of a view to the "real" <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Sichuan</span></span></span> - we drove to the carvings, using country roads, passing through the type interesting small towns and villages that most tourists just never get to see. We took the motorway route home.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRkRdc_X-kVnbgweBWEzlNgXKhyphenhyphenKVVISqh6_mGkcoIN-b5tKEgCJB2PiC7P4mDOxBNMAUUyNJEGdy0xC-x98Y8Of1KFjEJjTmSRV0wv7_bkceelY2iRLRe5DsaJu7564TtppmNOhhimt8/s1600-h/park.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRkRdc_X-kVnbgweBWEzlNgXKhyphenhyphenKVVISqh6_mGkcoIN-b5tKEgCJB2PiC7P4mDOxBNMAUUyNJEGdy0xC-x98Y8Of1KFjEJjTmSRV0wv7_bkceelY2iRLRe5DsaJu7564TtppmNOhhimt8/s400/park.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5272150594314183234" border="0" /></a>Here's another section of carvings - this time at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Beishan</span></span>. These carvings, also very interesting, were not so impressive as those at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Baoding</span></span>.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQl9PMI-EDBE5V4zON_zfixVYqlw2wyk6yg8NKjjcJm0S89K47Xc0P9uiot18XznrrU7BvYrEElqn2cpYouILMnXxdhI8s9nT8ah6ILj8KR1IiLK2za91H4IYym7gcTD627MV7fF0YfN8/s1600-h/sculp.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQl9PMI-EDBE5V4zON_zfixVYqlw2wyk6yg8NKjjcJm0S89K47Xc0P9uiot18XznrrU7BvYrEElqn2cpYouILMnXxdhI8s9nT8ah6ILj8KR1IiLK2za91H4IYym7gcTD627MV7fF0YfN8/s400/sculp.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5272150588055316370" border="0" /></a>Viewing the carvings at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Beishan</span></span>.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLxTH41bhBoUjhyphenhyphenh-H9i368bwV0plYV28mt1Df-lnwqsgPTVMbex1e2Wn6FI1FkzEYAtVGWpiUP3XjuTKu-ByIc9LQbQBy4zIyzOYpNLUpLpWoxSsagPXSLB-UEZiE0kN-LU4_16EWvsw/s1600-h/girls.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 227px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLxTH41bhBoUjhyphenhyphenh-H9i368bwV0plYV28mt1Df-lnwqsgPTVMbex1e2Wn6FI1FkzEYAtVGWpiUP3XjuTKu-ByIc9LQbQBy4zIyzOYpNLUpLpWoxSsagPXSLB-UEZiE0kN-LU4_16EWvsw/s400/girls.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5272150571368369186" border="0" /></a>Here's the girls with Meggie - there are a few hangers-on in the background - obviously trying to get into the picture!!!<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT_pGtXc1YwjHBz2IiUBFa4V4o_jKMIO0XylvQOQuYT8GXLgb6f0zHzOZFuSorXJWwTg7y3_-zXCSioJssOLoILBN6BLgeiQe8Vw7a0_G217WwzNFrVB9OA9hwltUFzagy2VVptSLXBDg/s1600-h/d+3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT_pGtXc1YwjHBz2IiUBFa4V4o_jKMIO0XylvQOQuYT8GXLgb6f0zHzOZFuSorXJWwTg7y3_-zXCSioJssOLoILBN6BLgeiQe8Vw7a0_G217WwzNFrVB9OA9hwltUFzagy2VVptSLXBDg/s400/d+3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5272150565298071154" border="0" /></a>Its difficult to capture the scale of this monument in photos - the sites are very impressive.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEtAlrnRG2fpVLTkPTKEeZG3xsPQQ8lAeE9NZZRbgDxlf7obHZ3q0quQKdDdLmUCD5Mvg2q3jZYK-BhyphenhyphenddPY_YFrENi2dTT9JgsOeUDFdrXFSbxpPRNjyZP2Ep6GwMmLyTVa0Vg90rIek/s1600-h/d+7.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEtAlrnRG2fpVLTkPTKEeZG3xsPQQ8lAeE9NZZRbgDxlf7obHZ3q0quQKdDdLmUCD5Mvg2q3jZYK-BhyphenhyphenddPY_YFrENi2dTT9JgsOeUDFdrXFSbxpPRNjyZP2Ep6GwMmLyTVa0Vg90rIek/s400/d+7.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5272153345011844482" border="0" /></a>A few more hands to count.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_6zI5tafXLXxRGw84KNojw9WC0-FWoCKybEfUNpE51_Y_QwVQYNm75lSpetjufc5saDbENInFOJE7xLKSs1IGN8t33QBupzuJxXt3J_wFbFY_MeS5X9FQV01n1ejUizASqzHClNllo6w/s1600-h/cat.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 325px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_6zI5tafXLXxRGw84KNojw9WC0-FWoCKybEfUNpE51_Y_QwVQYNm75lSpetjufc5saDbENInFOJE7xLKSs1IGN8t33QBupzuJxXt3J_wFbFY_MeS5X9FQV01n1ejUizASqzHClNllo6w/s400/cat.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5272150560589357426" border="0" /></a>Its good fun just looking for the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">weird</span> and wonderful. Could this be a rather grouchy man sitting on an armchair cat?<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzq2uFOsdxN7mLTuYPvia1pk6YwLDdE5yd4tHC8mTVq6Z9DiOdAGUc5KwYHuVaHta1_Hzf7QN5EK9L5ESXS-ROtJWlxYUrU74UVoEA3X-6rv-AykIoxg2vXxZQb-ENpEXKFPA5XFuLKI4/s1600-h/d+9.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 374px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzq2uFOsdxN7mLTuYPvia1pk6YwLDdE5yd4tHC8mTVq6Z9DiOdAGUc5KwYHuVaHta1_Hzf7QN5EK9L5ESXS-ROtJWlxYUrU74UVoEA3X-6rv-AykIoxg2vXxZQb-ENpEXKFPA5XFuLKI4/s400/d+9.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5272149509215304002" border="0" /></a>It's also a good fun place to play around <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">with</span> a camera.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpMIXPz3jqalTjsrLCEDes2kdYIsi6V-l10XlYmz_HnS6a0iAbxC5-08WkLOkyltNx3KTn1EGrEVtLOb0gKEjFVRstNqlCcln-llljEa9YxEj-nv-eSuQT6RYoGJVwdkmvpa7PMugN7ak/s1600-h/lady.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpMIXPz3jqalTjsrLCEDes2kdYIsi6V-l10XlYmz_HnS6a0iAbxC5-08WkLOkyltNx3KTn1EGrEVtLOb0gKEjFVRstNqlCcln-llljEa9YxEj-nv-eSuQT6RYoGJVwdkmvpa7PMugN7ak/s400/lady.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5272149498413736034" border="0" /></a>There's something special about this face.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3Qu5AISGblBILCYVlIaTIJypFSLQJskHwC5ZICXtBliMmLbbXTZz-EQ7PrXkoSKpBOCd_Og1tW6EENXnOzvhm71SVXxrzr0QsPZWxebhNbZ3RDbXJ_JY4xamgeUNFYff8zW5pJOyVbvI/s1600-h/d+8.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 334px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3Qu5AISGblBILCYVlIaTIJypFSLQJskHwC5ZICXtBliMmLbbXTZz-EQ7PrXkoSKpBOCd_Og1tW6EENXnOzvhm71SVXxrzr0QsPZWxebhNbZ3RDbXJ_JY4xamgeUNFYff8zW5pJOyVbvI/s400/d+8.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5272149489853072818" border="0" /></a>This guy reminds me of my old Maths Teacher at Moseley Grammar - we called The Toad.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga9mKXa2bKqU5c1Q_-9naojXsl8agvaFfRt3-Ms8XasHAnx27yfkoL8GuumjgVTX6dctnmSOwP-p2upitl-cWdCMLiqZhtBVzQN0oQ1LBbEs2eprtb1wmDwtSnz3qZV04wNTOiFXJYABw/s1600-h/lotus.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 341px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga9mKXa2bKqU5c1Q_-9naojXsl8agvaFfRt3-Ms8XasHAnx27yfkoL8GuumjgVTX6dctnmSOwP-p2upitl-cWdCMLiqZhtBVzQN0oQ1LBbEs2eprtb1wmDwtSnz3qZV04wNTOiFXJYABw/s400/lotus.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5272149483882866770" border="0" /></a>A monk in his Lotus flower.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbe0wIC8MH4F5cEe9VLoBBaMx_hyphenhyphenRBsGH_wFqo0oKWdQBb8QDUhX-44fC-o0CH5M3L5TW3HldGXyY3MKDdmRQR7WTx6fLCoHdtQwiWtp21i_RXl4T-D_7kr2ERP81qTWPFzhRRx2pCeH8/s1600-h/hand.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 347px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbe0wIC8MH4F5cEe9VLoBBaMx_hyphenhyphenRBsGH_wFqo0oKWdQBb8QDUhX-44fC-o0CH5M3L5TW3HldGXyY3MKDdmRQR7WTx6fLCoHdtQwiWtp21i_RXl4T-D_7kr2ERP81qTWPFzhRRx2pCeH8/s400/hand.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5272149470890824514" border="0" /></a><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">Dazu</span> - a very nice day out.Sid and Meggie Francishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09247503266565690661noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5977909618547201150.post-7882125342564396722008-11-21T22:03:00.000-08:002008-11-25T00:04:52.889-08:00Chengdu Travel Guide - Chengdu Winter Weather<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFM8uUC224o_4o16STXJ9ERltnFhgiDmt5hu0KCLC_BBeUS5ehPIZztAsRNF2c10QElaeuHcRgsytWjN8OVlMzH9n9cg37R6lhvGg1htJHrTuoFUOrr2u395tHSNBefF1aYj1E0P703jw/s1600-h/snow.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 299px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFM8uUC224o_4o16STXJ9ERltnFhgiDmt5hu0KCLC_BBeUS5ehPIZztAsRNF2c10QElaeuHcRgsytWjN8OVlMzH9n9cg37R6lhvGg1htJHrTuoFUOrr2u395tHSNBefF1aYj1E0P703jw/s400/snow.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5271387214348867010" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Chengdu Travel - Don't worry this isn't typical Chengdu winter weather</span> - but it's close by - a winter shot in the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Qincheng</span> Mountains. To find more about the winter weather out here - read on - or just scroll through the pics.<br /><br />Recently we've had a bit of a cold-spell - but today we woke up to blue skies and temperature hike. We're back to average - a nice 16C daytime high, so there's nothing to really fear with <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Chengdu's</span> November weather. And even during our coldest month of January - the average day tempt lies around 9C. In the 5 years I've lived here, only once have I seen a Chengdu frost. And that snow that <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">occasionally</span> falls - well it never sticks, but melts away as soon as hitting the ground.<br />However being outdoors is one thing - going inside is another. Even at this time the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">nighttime</span> temperatures fall quite a bit - dipping under the single centigrade figure to 9C. If you're indoors and <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">don't</span> have adequate heating - and are not wearing at least 4 layers of clothing - this can feel cold!!! For those visiting Chengdu during our colder months - then finding <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">accommodation</span> with good <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">nighttime</span> heating could be rather important if you don't like to wear their outdoor gear while being inside. All good places like Sim's Cozy Garden Hostel - will provide warm <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">accommodation</span>, but its always worth making sure that everything is in order before booking.<br /><br />Outside Chengdu the situation may be different - here its quite possible that hotel rooms have no form of heating. If the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">nighttime</span> is cold you at least need a good supply of blankets - and even better an electrically heated under-blanket - to keep you nice and warm. The higher you go the more important this becomes, since, at altitude, nighttime temperatures can be expected to sink bellow zero during the winter.<br /><br />But enough of that - pictures often speak louder than words - are here are some that illustrate the winter weather of this region.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEki3rlRlYuAvdRec477av0X360cHsYcvWfbsPl88S_v9Navf6a4VmUJOVkZNkbkyoeZx9Mczbl7aucaPf2kcB8e0rymrHy9t-E_TX1t2xEMAapGBMxNHTlpGkflpvOt28hj96GOevoDw/s1600-h/sky.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEki3rlRlYuAvdRec477av0X360cHsYcvWfbsPl88S_v9Navf6a4VmUJOVkZNkbkyoeZx9Mczbl7aucaPf2kcB8e0rymrHy9t-E_TX1t2xEMAapGBMxNHTlpGkflpvOt28hj96GOevoDw/s400/sky.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5271361474718034562" border="0" /></a>What better way of starting than picturing today's skies - patches of blue can be seen - were enjoying a November day at 16C. However as soon as the sun sets it'll get colder.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiayu3v12YZ18E7kcJxcEj0eOWoFQRAELLZbkM1-uWm3c8ahdTrDl_a2-B4Sb344W9FvFLzsUqFnlBr8CG23TDXEnDmfHqevZ0qFY03nfASFiway27VU5AtrpF4W4jp3z8uhyphenhyphen1jyaiiung/s1600-h/view.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 258px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiayu3v12YZ18E7kcJxcEj0eOWoFQRAELLZbkM1-uWm3c8ahdTrDl_a2-B4Sb344W9FvFLzsUqFnlBr8CG23TDXEnDmfHqevZ0qFY03nfASFiway27VU5AtrpF4W4jp3z8uhyphenhyphen1jyaiiung/s400/view.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5271361197213113746" border="0" /></a>I don't actually live in Chengdu - but in the countryside about 15km outside the city. However this pic from our back balcony shows what kind of environment this area supports - lush <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">vegetation</span>, lots of <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">bamboo</span>, also some <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">banana</span> fronds in there. But remember that although we're bordering sub-tropical areas - our climate is temperate and the few Autumn browns that are mixed into this shot show that we also get the usual four seasons.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhirShv5vppp4f5iPQ5vFIsMlnSEqvcumz5rX92P6xWsaFVbdOmz98etsjZlKQjWl-PM8p4bVUv3hUTerkqsHriMPcR3DmM6-nAWNJM6E0wiqVLxnsZJmzpn9Uw4W8j1ZAFlb4zM70sar0/s1600-h/banana.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhirShv5vppp4f5iPQ5vFIsMlnSEqvcumz5rX92P6xWsaFVbdOmz98etsjZlKQjWl-PM8p4bVUv3hUTerkqsHriMPcR3DmM6-nAWNJM6E0wiqVLxnsZJmzpn9Uw4W8j1ZAFlb4zM70sar0/s400/banana.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5271361196672580034" border="0" /></a>Here's a closer glimpse of one of local <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">banana</span> plants. Its warm enough for them to grow - but around here there's not the prolonged heat <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">necessary</span> to produce fruit.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitdOIlWeyHmIflImnzD_HpQj3EqgJq9EFyAWqacCkK4buduKb6S3Bn-pDsx_D5fuFAQrhrhKl7yWSxF4ldv7rZAGadsFN9BpsCSfp2QJ3PKT-WQcHmVNGIE03edXapuOmWzGoK26XLto4/s1600-h/heat+1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 369px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitdOIlWeyHmIflImnzD_HpQj3EqgJq9EFyAWqacCkK4buduKb6S3Bn-pDsx_D5fuFAQrhrhKl7yWSxF4ldv7rZAGadsFN9BpsCSfp2QJ3PKT-WQcHmVNGIE03edXapuOmWzGoK26XLto4/s400/heat+1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5271361197843510322" border="0" /></a>Well its going to get colder tonight - and we want to keep warm. since our house has no central heating system we opt for electrically heated oil-filled radiators. These work pretty well - send off a nice pleasant heat - and are quiet economical <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">compared</span> with other systems.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXYcLB5F7mBNW8BgxnO6v1lJFFoThOWsmVTqCmKkNE3rYKH8z_1bp8N0jeZ8lhp212VoMb0nPxq2x-D8BcIVJ6Lfw8OXp9WbOGLwqONbJMvuo_4Tlx9h0Ut1vrqkuIiWEds9-LxNjN5Vk/s1600-h/heat.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXYcLB5F7mBNW8BgxnO6v1lJFFoThOWsmVTqCmKkNE3rYKH8z_1bp8N0jeZ8lhp212VoMb0nPxq2x-D8BcIVJ6Lfw8OXp9WbOGLwqONbJMvuo_4Tlx9h0Ut1vrqkuIiWEds9-LxNjN5Vk/s400/heat.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5271376907351116738" border="0" /></a>We also have an air-con unit that blows hot air. It' a system like this that heats most of the hotels around here. We don't like this type of heat so much - rather dry, and it's expensive. we rarely use the air-con for heating. Some hotels will expect you to pay extra for a room with air-con heating.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwrgkfMcQKBS4FPFUelszxR3ZmvmoBsjDtIo02i6Q92J11GNgsGSxV-NaQ274eWz9ZjBJNqJJtrcRZFzSQDLIWPa5eVP9wQE1tUawkRJJUhbwhyphenhyphen8ZtWIYw5NyFDsj9HhsCRuel8mrfGXk/s1600-h/Untitled-2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwrgkfMcQKBS4FPFUelszxR3ZmvmoBsjDtIo02i6Q92J11GNgsGSxV-NaQ274eWz9ZjBJNqJJtrcRZFzSQDLIWPa5eVP9wQE1tUawkRJJUhbwhyphenhyphen8ZtWIYw5NyFDsj9HhsCRuel8mrfGXk/s400/Untitled-2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5271361190247847122" border="0" /></a>Here's a more simple heating system - our collection of hot water bottles. These can be great things to warm you up - both in bed and while watching a DVD. They are dead cheap - you can find them in nearly all supermarkets - and in those hotels that <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">constantly</span> supply you with hot water - they're easily re-filled.<br />A word of warning - buy the better models - the real ultra-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">cheapies</span></span> may quickly <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">develop</span> leaks!!!!<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1cmF9Zr9Vv6SN7p-C8h4vFHp24P6LImQeQNXxOtc1RUJgMzzg7YfwzWlOOLJCj2jGaLvXnetz-fJKI8SIVSVesPDiyvXIlcCzCMqnCPLv3U2QGoMfRc6MrwmweblWDUMej0PYtEBVrvQ/s1600-h/lng+johns.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1cmF9Zr9Vv6SN7p-C8h4vFHp24P6LImQeQNXxOtc1RUJgMzzg7YfwzWlOOLJCj2jGaLvXnetz-fJKI8SIVSVesPDiyvXIlcCzCMqnCPLv3U2QGoMfRc6MrwmweblWDUMej0PYtEBVrvQ/s400/lng+johns.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5271361184216881986" border="0" /></a>Closer to home - a pair of the wife's long-johns. This is the local way of keeping warm - I don't wear 'em - but I'm sure they're very effective!!!<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6Uo0O9PkAxjwDR-O72DkN2hjeuRXMIqAppW2C1OD7vi7RuwIGMB4qW3KFFdmEY591ASkjyUH9fvFrlXapdWQQ10yPLuEpgrJ_UQF_V0Eja0nZJUqpsHNe4D4a7VyNmF9xaQdMmKyi5A8/s1600-h/heat+2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 261px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6Uo0O9PkAxjwDR-O72DkN2hjeuRXMIqAppW2C1OD7vi7RuwIGMB4qW3KFFdmEY591ASkjyUH9fvFrlXapdWQQ10yPLuEpgrJ_UQF_V0Eja0nZJUqpsHNe4D4a7VyNmF9xaQdMmKyi5A8/s400/heat+2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5271359196559853074" border="0" /></a>Nearly forgot our fish - now they have central heating.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsDseqHF9PzVvjAhGo9unn7oI3in8HjbHEDa32RVkd6lUFIVCJb9TP6We7b7rFj6VCAMd7ypg2PWT27Zl5SV9mY65xMtCSVbCyDbidW4YiGopy7sNuclFNHdb3o4M-3apF_yqUWD0Jyz8/s1600-h/zhg.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsDseqHF9PzVvjAhGo9unn7oI3in8HjbHEDa32RVkd6lUFIVCJb9TP6We7b7rFj6VCAMd7ypg2PWT27Zl5SV9mY65xMtCSVbCyDbidW4YiGopy7sNuclFNHdb3o4M-3apF_yqUWD0Jyz8/s400/zhg.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5271359197587067986" border="0" /></a>If you climb you can expect to find winter snow - this is <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">around</span> 2,000m at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Qingcheng</span></span> mountains. However this snow soon melted - you have to climb to around 3,000m before the snow stays put over winter.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhX6EyNU-gnUkyZxhMsd_HzpXBEMPKF0c0el3CpiqTxtR1MxTrhNkM_BhyfQcMCj0MH84eemXaYeYWdg44jaGwOWTLdhQWSekIGxOAZdtbNDCN1sjyqmt5oLRmyjf8wndqn_gxjUv19Ck/s1600-h/unhappy.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 340px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhX6EyNU-gnUkyZxhMsd_HzpXBEMPKF0c0el3CpiqTxtR1MxTrhNkM_BhyfQcMCj0MH84eemXaYeYWdg44jaGwOWTLdhQWSekIGxOAZdtbNDCN1sjyqmt5oLRmyjf8wndqn_gxjUv19Ck/s400/unhappy.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5271359189634853746" border="0" /></a>Lots of folk find snow exciting - but this individual <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">guarding</span> a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Qingcheng</span></span> Mountain Temple doesn't seem to be enjoying it.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwKhZCCs052KncDahDot8oXiB0AU4M8Q9FpHUiipYfKZztNorxyfEB_AQcYeol7VB_A_1-WuRNltaSTmOAeTW7gsoQvfaMqX221qYAsGyvSm002HYwHLrHXSdxcJZwKz-lrCCYuiAt2M4/s1600-h/blssom.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwKhZCCs052KncDahDot8oXiB0AU4M8Q9FpHUiipYfKZztNorxyfEB_AQcYeol7VB_A_1-WuRNltaSTmOAeTW7gsoQvfaMqX221qYAsGyvSm002HYwHLrHXSdxcJZwKz-lrCCYuiAt2M4/s400/blssom.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5271359184362162354" border="0" /></a>But luckily spring is never far around the corner - this blossom pic was taken in Chengdu Botanic Gardens during January.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcovQ-tL_lTVMM6nPlclH_SjpY1kUhc9Af4tKXZIO5zsmxjjtVQ2jlZ0lMb9lCiwUEAwzMh6rIdPJwvyVQsd7wTxcUnVClSfuCvvmcDK1X9jWn7Dt19KYU9t8-QhWNe9PRSHzUH1KbWD4/s1600-h/rhd.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcovQ-tL_lTVMM6nPlclH_SjpY1kUhc9Af4tKXZIO5zsmxjjtVQ2jlZ0lMb9lCiwUEAwzMh6rIdPJwvyVQsd7wTxcUnVClSfuCvvmcDK1X9jWn7Dt19KYU9t8-QhWNe9PRSHzUH1KbWD4/s400/rhd.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5271359188208093138" border="0" /></a>And here is spring proper - <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">Rhododendrons</span>, at around 2,000m, flowering during April.Sid and Meggie Francishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09247503266565690661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5977909618547201150.post-81529371460011412302008-11-20T17:59:00.000-08:002008-11-25T00:09:51.606-08:00Chengdu Travel Guide - A frosty November trip to Laba He<span style="font-weight: bold;">Chengdu Travel</span> - We've just come back from another trip with a mother and daughter ex-pat team from Beijing. They wanted to see some real live wild <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Sichuan</span> animals - so where better to go than <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Laba</span> He Forest Park. We'd driven past the park a couple of days before this trip was due to begin - then it was grey and overcast - but not too cold. However when we arrived last Monday the temperatures had suddenly started to fall - we were in for a chilly visit.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifoQVhYWlZWi5QN1eCilnEL8sI9LL5e8aBGxteSA8FrQyBGbGp_CpXayjnrMNnpXkUi-ccNhvZIowhPt1ME9ne9QGVEu-xP4CK-C5U-LQZr_7Y0KatjGQly__JzL3qsDihPufpzfx9b1M/s1600-h/looking.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 298px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifoQVhYWlZWi5QN1eCilnEL8sI9LL5e8aBGxteSA8FrQyBGbGp_CpXayjnrMNnpXkUi-ccNhvZIowhPt1ME9ne9QGVEu-xP4CK-C5U-LQZr_7Y0KatjGQly__JzL3qsDihPufpzfx9b1M/s400/looking.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5270926023690876738" border="0" /></a>we spent a night in one of the Park hotels - they have electric blankets on the beds - but our guests still felt cold during the night. In such situations its best to ensure that the Hotel provides extra blankets - especially if you have Children.<br />The next day we were all up and ready for our walk - and as you can see from this pic the lower parts of the park were free from frost and snow.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTTTolJ3R3C3cP3qJq4o-KrpLaF3Zg8TNRnLrUp29oL8D65lOSl8Eci1rSvYf5215pzgl4AkYxjii7i3rGFWBblc81sF3Qlob5IjFXdpbwrdSV90tTIzlz9cH3LH51kFNbw2omqWztYBU/s1600-h/walking.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTTTolJ3R3C3cP3qJq4o-KrpLaF3Zg8TNRnLrUp29oL8D65lOSl8Eci1rSvYf5215pzgl4AkYxjii7i3rGFWBblc81sF3Qlob5IjFXdpbwrdSV90tTIzlz9cH3LH51kFNbw2omqWztYBU/s400/walking.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5270926212040396338" border="0" /></a>Here we are enjoying the fresh-air.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvEADtEciwzgzGW-eg76uqemdEPImIcuzwZ4zsQlm1vWfoElD5pqad6CIEql7McIIicRz9tPI3Kd9-bVOkagFWQC_9txOib3Ah6K2N_qFDnxx_h0meNW2YdDUfXsULYSDUuE1LlCmaxJU/s1600-h/walking+1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvEADtEciwzgzGW-eg76uqemdEPImIcuzwZ4zsQlm1vWfoElD5pqad6CIEql7McIIicRz9tPI3Kd9-bVOkagFWQC_9txOib3Ah6K2N_qFDnxx_h0meNW2YdDUfXsULYSDUuE1LlCmaxJU/s400/walking+1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5270925558433357810" border="0" /></a>However it wasn't that far up the path that we encountered the frost-line - a bit further on and their was a light flurry of snow.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2CIfpkXAKAOG7gN1vkBOR_doU2kRq_SmtsTi7jYqfjS0T7x5tX3c2ZMm5PLviU9q194h2BiUNDCCYXjIIPpJcptBlWw4sdss1AiiHyNsD5JgKRX4N2zpn4JXrJ8gBkGJP8w6g8-7GzbM/s1600-h/frosty+1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2CIfpkXAKAOG7gN1vkBOR_doU2kRq_SmtsTi7jYqfjS0T7x5tX3c2ZMm5PLviU9q194h2BiUNDCCYXjIIPpJcptBlWw4sdss1AiiHyNsD5JgKRX4N2zpn4JXrJ8gBkGJP8w6g8-7GzbM/s400/frosty+1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5270926509905084210" border="0" /></a>In this pic you can see how the autumn colors contrast with frosty conditions slightly higher up.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1ZrsktMh9EyUobU4NtkY2nAi_NCyGxtBxRBdOdXFqQxI7i1fVWCOISJLw4ydPgwkTBcy1KSGea-ctqLLil1U54uT6NzzKbh6Fi6fbjfAdSi1HTuug-Pe8Guk0ypQG0WQAj6rNiFJY_2I/s1600-h/frosty+2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1ZrsktMh9EyUobU4NtkY2nAi_NCyGxtBxRBdOdXFqQxI7i1fVWCOISJLw4ydPgwkTBcy1KSGea-ctqLLil1U54uT6NzzKbh6Fi6fbjfAdSi1HTuug-Pe8Guk0ypQG0WQAj6rNiFJY_2I/s400/frosty+2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5270925556302206066" border="0" /></a>Here we come to the end-point of our walk (about 3 km up the track - we adjusted the length of our walk to suite the stamina of our smallest traveler) - although cold the conditions make for a wonderfully scenic landscape to enjoy this kind of nature you need to have warm clothing. After or walk our guests wanted a warmer destination - so having a good transport can also help in these kind of weather challenging situations. We drove them to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Leshan</span> and the Big Buddha.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVvMk-R5X1_ZrO6RclzWJVuFSiT0htFD_Oj1t0l0no6PgBmfYn9OIdqCSrt6kv7GfJ8uoftIu04HWKxen-fQnqH9fdjJ8f6B0TGiYW1npQLPDVez0ofFYZxluF-I7rGUbBGAhl8_2MfeE/s1600-h/frosty+3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVvMk-R5X1_ZrO6RclzWJVuFSiT0htFD_Oj1t0l0no6PgBmfYn9OIdqCSrt6kv7GfJ8uoftIu04HWKxen-fQnqH9fdjJ8f6B0TGiYW1npQLPDVez0ofFYZxluF-I7rGUbBGAhl8_2MfeE/s400/frosty+3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5270925551858920018" border="0" /></a>Pine forests in in a frosty setting.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXEbCMKI-ZB__hELjkWeH2wRNJ5-UeejgG0aNmAV-FZuFpAiUvOhSWjaAZeizoH4dF4EKpMTNGQzAYE8ZZEN9EjBpt24ddFjnPv5ghl-e9nPMTVEl8QrjcF28CqWmnWZMjWLzEPPLir0w/s1600-h/Untitled-1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 388px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXEbCMKI-ZB__hELjkWeH2wRNJ5-UeejgG0aNmAV-FZuFpAiUvOhSWjaAZeizoH4dF4EKpMTNGQzAYE8ZZEN9EjBpt24ddFjnPv5ghl-e9nPMTVEl8QrjcF28CqWmnWZMjWLzEPPLir0w/s400/Untitled-1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5270925548024150322" border="0" /></a>We were lucky enough to see animals - here's a Samba deer that we photographed the night before the walk. The park has an illuminated night viewing area - where animals are attracted down with feed. These deer are quite tolerant of humans so it's possible to get quite close. Since there were very few other guests we were the only ones viewing. Getting to see interesting stuff in China outside a crowd is always a big plus!!!!<br />On the way to the viewing are we also bumped into a Great Indian Civet Cat, which was patrolling the side of the road. During the trip we twice ran into sizable troupes of Short-tailed Macaque.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB3A1F8UJmPXMqA3P9F4tJ7DM-qg0BYeTPVkI7XuTacbusGoE2DgQQHv3t6lq7rvZhhux-L4dT9TvBk-tPn-iVy1yZFahaSz7t29Kd2y7IrRiGJM-6rqip-h8gnF1G9o7-FaARBCwusmI/s1600-h/owl.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 336px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB3A1F8UJmPXMqA3P9F4tJ7DM-qg0BYeTPVkI7XuTacbusGoE2DgQQHv3t6lq7rvZhhux-L4dT9TvBk-tPn-iVy1yZFahaSz7t29Kd2y7IrRiGJM-6rqip-h8gnF1G9o7-FaARBCwusmI/s400/owl.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5270925536387012802" border="0" /></a>Here's an amusing looking character - a Collared Owlet. These are tiny Owls - but the other birds didn't take too kindly to its company - they were busy mobbing this tiny hunter - trying to drive it away.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMEpkGqr-tppCg6y5WANyDc3WPKyua641qn_k5v1bxazJXLqWCTra7sHqDLAuB00_15NwKXlkqh452cFALLgMYP4CZeijNscm1Tg-CBxooE-Lksb2jlvoZV-QKjE_1FK8L-BbAEFP_374/s1600-h/black+fa+lg+1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 322px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMEpkGqr-tppCg6y5WANyDc3WPKyua641qn_k5v1bxazJXLqWCTra7sHqDLAuB00_15NwKXlkqh452cFALLgMYP4CZeijNscm1Tg-CBxooE-Lksb2jlvoZV-QKjE_1FK8L-BbAEFP_374/s400/black+fa+lg+1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5270924989298258786" border="0" /></a>A picture that sums up the trip - a Black-faced <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Laughingthrush</span> singing in the snow.Sid and Meggie Francishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09247503266565690661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5977909618547201150.post-47624050919556283172008-11-16T01:37:00.000-08:002008-12-22T22:06:20.594-08:00Tagong - Chengdu Roundtrip - From Chengdu Pandas to The Top of The World - in 5 days<span style="font-weight: bold;">Chengdu Travel</span> - We've been pretty busy over the last couple of weeks guiding folk out and about through <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Sichuan</span></span>. Our last guests were a couple of bird interested travelers who also wanted to experience some of those interesting parts of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Sichuan</span></span> that most tourists never get to see.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtfWJymQh-8Mor_gUEssyHi0KvXZpVWcVq1TkesrArgYbIxAzT_D0_-TqZNxn4Zm68mpWOIdGJs2k8tifocMH1qG7eh6N9IJ52eOsaFsPZaIBDP1Fw0BbcfugX7j8_dNzOnqz1La3j1VU/s1600-h/close+1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtfWJymQh-8Mor_gUEssyHi0KvXZpVWcVq1TkesrArgYbIxAzT_D0_-TqZNxn4Zm68mpWOIdGJs2k8tifocMH1qG7eh6N9IJ52eOsaFsPZaIBDP1Fw0BbcfugX7j8_dNzOnqz1La3j1VU/s400/close+1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5269193545343709074" border="0" /></a>The trip actually started on a very normal note - with a quick visit to the Chengdu Panda Research Center. This site is one of the best places around Chengdu to watch birds - and of course there are a few Pandas there <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">as well</span>.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCg1ygxHIIyWzMT9sO98uzX67blXGpAYR6pvIRRZYlbVcoI6ZZmf2eoD-m65lP1kGFLPhPb62j0sd9HppGsFxNMyBSGrON6IXRAFIBkLT1NW00yHGM4mjccDz7roepf4qndkomc3oCjzA/s1600-h/close+5.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCg1ygxHIIyWzMT9sO98uzX67blXGpAYR6pvIRRZYlbVcoI6ZZmf2eoD-m65lP1kGFLPhPb62j0sd9HppGsFxNMyBSGrON6IXRAFIBkLT1NW00yHGM4mjccDz7roepf4qndkomc3oCjzA/s400/close+5.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5269193187400556210" border="0" /></a>One of the great things about the Chengdu Panda Center is how close you can get to the animals. In the background Meggie is snapping away while Kerry and Che take advantage of getting to actually see something in China without having to fight their way through a massive crowd of people.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzCzRZXGUhCZztt8LkHXc7b6JViOO6uwVSzy65R5K9pJE_Bl1MaNB7LT9gOKA-4S52a72R7mBWT3trLML8HA2-_2yiqf83Uy4p6ilbgOxcAszbmk_IjFyLFSpeEZqR3UGMLAEueG2ukNw/s1600-h/close.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 276px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzCzRZXGUhCZztt8LkHXc7b6JViOO6uwVSzy65R5K9pJE_Bl1MaNB7LT9gOKA-4S52a72R7mBWT3trLML8HA2-_2yiqf83Uy4p6ilbgOxcAszbmk_IjFyLFSpeEZqR3UGMLAEueG2ukNw/s400/close.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5269193186704620834" border="0" /></a>The Pandas were pretty playful and quite active. This is around 10 o'clock in the morning - but because the temperatures are lower during this time of year - the Pandas feel more comfortable and are out and about, rather than being kept inside, in air-con pens, as is so often the case during the summer.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMrdttqNtRdu-VKyqfWkGIwcQyIyeeJ7ZQKnglCdTzwV0NSujgua1e6jEL4SBr_pdgDZv-DIVhO_m2uRysXjKKJzkebEWT0MSbcZ2cBzzziIP8XnBh-5lDwbeRTTBdwQvrZg6tJdxF8gM/s1600-h/close+3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMrdttqNtRdu-VKyqfWkGIwcQyIyeeJ7ZQKnglCdTzwV0NSujgua1e6jEL4SBr_pdgDZv-DIVhO_m2uRysXjKKJzkebEWT0MSbcZ2cBzzziIP8XnBh-5lDwbeRTTBdwQvrZg6tJdxF8gM/s400/close+3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5269193181397247698" border="0" /></a>This guy seemed to be setting up a pose.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi55UDNCCtZfm7SH238P29GNXsx5W73mYNB0R6sR9suXnsp0OnE1j4_9Gc5ONOC9R2WTlvxK6mASBjS5b_tu1tDVVKD3I7-qHSjJQcqnqK-uJyzO8i-1QZ5AVL200jOg4E1UUApU9oaW74/s1600-h/close+4.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi55UDNCCtZfm7SH238P29GNXsx5W73mYNB0R6sR9suXnsp0OnE1j4_9Gc5ONOC9R2WTlvxK6mASBjS5b_tu1tDVVKD3I7-qHSjJQcqnqK-uJyzO8i-1QZ5AVL200jOg4E1UUApU9oaW74/s400/close+4.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5269193181474691010" border="0" /></a>While others seemed more concentrated on a popular subject - bamboo.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG9Mty1yJuGCAZddmvEFkFmfMG6dblg3g73uSNJESFkydf8D-0qLGo_H6N5RKycw7sWaySWFW1ANfH3WgUQ02842xG0gQuHQTGmbHc6Txt_woviECgWCeaANgiKa0-HAt0Dxz9JDUhjBk/s1600-h/close+2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 276px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG9Mty1yJuGCAZddmvEFkFmfMG6dblg3g73uSNJESFkydf8D-0qLGo_H6N5RKycw7sWaySWFW1ANfH3WgUQ02842xG0gQuHQTGmbHc6Txt_woviECgWCeaANgiKa0-HAt0Dxz9JDUhjBk/s400/close+2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5269193176296046818" border="0" /></a>But here we have a meeting - The Panda Union.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEumACZ-lymYoqk5cI-N0QTZI-Q4Zq1k3BYdv9AGqOZvqKNVhx_aLRSuP83e6fW-Tg6deWAP_7vGPX6oru8d1FPji-BvteURY0QrJZKsCiHBfWml4Mc8Ik4gA2YVxAAbc0atJOsI1qJ4A/s1600-h/get+pic.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 356px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEumACZ-lymYoqk5cI-N0QTZI-Q4Zq1k3BYdv9AGqOZvqKNVhx_aLRSuP83e6fW-Tg6deWAP_7vGPX6oru8d1FPji-BvteURY0QrJZKsCiHBfWml4Mc8Ik4gA2YVxAAbc0atJOsI1qJ4A/s400/get+pic.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5269191714990414242" border="0" /></a>Five hours drive out of overcast Chengdu took us to a whole other world of fresh-air and sunshine. This picture is from the second morning of the trip - on the road between <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Moxi</span></span> and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Kangding</span></span> - where Kerry snaps up a photo opportunity.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5e9_NIBbPidd0HUMZPzpjisIICgDqNIMO8QpRzcyFEenJV1e05xhZKHN8CERfLl87Xtpjbc0Y8QKwp3AV2gsu2D9fyX2VMG4ws4J5XQuTM3jMl2R4hgmVV9_hlY1fkgkGD5cazzOJILM/s1600-h/valley.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5e9_NIBbPidd0HUMZPzpjisIICgDqNIMO8QpRzcyFEenJV1e05xhZKHN8CERfLl87Xtpjbc0Y8QKwp3AV2gsu2D9fyX2VMG4ws4J5XQuTM3jMl2R4hgmVV9_hlY1fkgkGD5cazzOJILM/s400/valley.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5269191713919763298" border="0" /></a>And here's what he's taking - a view towards the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Hailuogou</span></span> Glacier area - where snow covered peaks and blue skies are being revealed as early morning cloud is blown away.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlOCuw0Ma7MZFnEolHkEF_SrX9qxInYofCfiVz9NFtavGKAtqGdn4yKsiKzxFRWTC6nFK68WIS9J2hAW4Obi0YIPmJHcNcxBXU8o0kw-sdSrnTO_9FcXKT5aNLuBL6tqv8WUID9QYpN30/s1600-h/yi.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 354px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlOCuw0Ma7MZFnEolHkEF_SrX9qxInYofCfiVz9NFtavGKAtqGdn4yKsiKzxFRWTC6nFK68WIS9J2hAW4Obi0YIPmJHcNcxBXU8o0kw-sdSrnTO_9FcXKT5aNLuBL6tqv8WUID9QYpN30/s400/yi.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5269191719769954818" border="0" /></a>The lower areas around <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Moxi</span></span> are home to the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Yi</span></span> Tribe.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAmalxqzwk62ei7uGZ7gg652w80fHAQ7Z1RnB3wBMEb4hVHHzAFqOO6-hwvVAhlD8nciCA5NIRnmklIAVu1MphAwyyFFKY8XsvLk02PiHYrQZSuboA96789aCV74SoP8TUY_zq5d1jr0A/s1600-h/yi+1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 246px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAmalxqzwk62ei7uGZ7gg652w80fHAQ7Z1RnB3wBMEb4hVHHzAFqOO6-hwvVAhlD8nciCA5NIRnmklIAVu1MphAwyyFFKY8XsvLk02PiHYrQZSuboA96789aCV74SoP8TUY_zq5d1jr0A/s400/yi+1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5269192102125290434" border="0" /></a>A <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Yi</span></span> woman is taking the goats out to feed.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc0KqueeV9lEjCA68tt0pIh5Tbe8NkESiUz3m-S5oAUtqMQNKA9AG1JX_8z1RqbNhMmSl_XFzD27pP3CxUW5WR8Rpda3uZpK1BaayBoC9uGGK17DE8uyDijZA_vG4T2CtiniLQwPyusas/s1600-h/book.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc0KqueeV9lEjCA68tt0pIh5Tbe8NkESiUz3m-S5oAUtqMQNKA9AG1JX_8z1RqbNhMmSl_XFzD27pP3CxUW5WR8Rpda3uZpK1BaayBoC9uGGK17DE8uyDijZA_vG4T2CtiniLQwPyusas/s400/book.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5269191708929936162" border="0" /></a>But we've got birds on the brain - and there are plenty of them about. Here I'm explaining which species we've seen while referring to pictures in the Chinese bird handbook.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNjx6jQIyqkwazx1kpJGXlAupsPvSlO-4B6m0UqXGDYCofoiuq9733gwdYrG_FtuX3aX5gft8Ujmp4YelcUCVTQJmCuzbIQ2q3Af6UpKNWTA1Dieap590P6gRPPIMfFxx6gBKRmZLls4U/s1600-h/yuh.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 328px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNjx6jQIyqkwazx1kpJGXlAupsPvSlO-4B6m0UqXGDYCofoiuq9733gwdYrG_FtuX3aX5gft8Ujmp4YelcUCVTQJmCuzbIQ2q3Af6UpKNWTA1Dieap590P6gRPPIMfFxx6gBKRmZLls4U/s400/yuh.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5269190463448468194" border="0" /></a>At that spot we were watching this bird - White-collared <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Yuhina</span></span>.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8KBVc8tqwyI0KuYk1B1JOzZb4Q-jzwQ5yx2lOT4s0oIVIo3cu4kjYFGPIHDYY5tQWnfGKdSpqDnCO4EAtHiw3WOD8su8jMf-FT0nzkoa6wOW9ujYTrfcJMvwrYk33KPQO45-BlPycntY/s1600-h/picnic.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8KBVc8tqwyI0KuYk1B1JOzZb4Q-jzwQ5yx2lOT4s0oIVIo3cu4kjYFGPIHDYY5tQWnfGKdSpqDnCO4EAtHiw3WOD8su8jMf-FT0nzkoa6wOW9ujYTrfcJMvwrYk33KPQO45-BlPycntY/s400/picnic.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5269192434890441794" border="0" /></a>You can get pretty hungry while birding - and even though we're in November it's starting to get hot. That means picnic.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjng9XRRcl_e1QlAB54t3Oe5qGu_RL-AA3uGPO9ajZBU48sJyq7C57K07xEBeueZMoPunVQFul41RfJ6GK7IcRezS9fJ-GJjTDkdW6Kc0ZqjeWmLHGpXDoDqqS_AAY1yI-FVauFDgBWPr0/s1600-h/cloud.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 251px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjng9XRRcl_e1QlAB54t3Oe5qGu_RL-AA3uGPO9ajZBU48sJyq7C57K07xEBeueZMoPunVQFul41RfJ6GK7IcRezS9fJ-GJjTDkdW6Kc0ZqjeWmLHGpXDoDqqS_AAY1yI-FVauFDgBWPr0/s400/cloud.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5269190457985166018" border="0" /></a>When we drive a little higher we can look back in the direction of Chengdu. Something tells us they may not be enjoying the same kind of brilliant sunshine as us!!!<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhni0yb2fuSr5oBOJaF-Cy3wKQlgSpA-9Xc_CHqUKTMHv_e3hMFwbwvurfEUvlJbKJFJEIUwAqeh8hvlvjD50OajfW45CAwYm3DDR5yv1AQtxFgBzO76PxRMKEZNvSY8jZeGcJRLGZrGfk/s1600-h/path.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhni0yb2fuSr5oBOJaF-Cy3wKQlgSpA-9Xc_CHqUKTMHv_e3hMFwbwvurfEUvlJbKJFJEIUwAqeh8hvlvjD50OajfW45CAwYm3DDR5yv1AQtxFgBzO76PxRMKEZNvSY8jZeGcJRLGZrGfk/s400/path.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5269190456382299042" border="0" /></a>This is high - around 4,000m - taking a walk up here can be very tiring.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2Km-uccym6hbiiQKYcmrVLbR_DEo6NV2_f-azi1OzPIPBhf-rUjsLT55wl7if7_r6JW4vY3elxPLpmcHyMNCJl2A2-Gw49ehfWbs22b7KxUzX6SkKSXPy5WaZBlo0Td4e0m2zEzA52vA/s1600-h/oxy.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 353px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2Km-uccym6hbiiQKYcmrVLbR_DEo6NV2_f-azi1OzPIPBhf-rUjsLT55wl7if7_r6JW4vY3elxPLpmcHyMNCJl2A2-Gw49ehfWbs22b7KxUzX6SkKSXPy5WaZBlo0Td4e0m2zEzA52vA/s400/oxy.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5269190453574498242" border="0" /></a>Here are two supposed cures for altitude problems - a can of oxygen that you can pick up for 20<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">RMB</span></span> a piece - and Tibetan herb medicine that has some extract from Rhododendron. I've only taken the pills - and they seem to make me feel better - but then again, for most folk, the longer you're up at altitude the more used and acclimatised you get to this type of environment.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgumKV2gN17PCwQ9ZiUi9JPTBinosfVzxqPd6kKxXuhlkcdO_L1ELfqNlvwxIhgho_pooTB0ZBRSYhjmWTKkFopZaZKEPTGe92IM-ISxuQjraT_N8wUd7KphBYRHHKGEaZYqkB2F3awal8/s1600-h/hrn+lark.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 316px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgumKV2gN17PCwQ9ZiUi9JPTBinosfVzxqPd6kKxXuhlkcdO_L1ELfqNlvwxIhgho_pooTB0ZBRSYhjmWTKkFopZaZKEPTGe92IM-ISxuQjraT_N8wUd7KphBYRHHKGEaZYqkB2F3awal8/s400/hrn+lark.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5269190451650466514" border="0" /></a>There are birds that are tough enough to survive at these kind of altitudes - this guy, who's sporting a Zorro mask, is called a Horned Skylark.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_j41Ziy7DinMj1sjSEmkgS9A_SdVeFwyFsxsy2DCNPvLoMY6tdycCa5-SyeVBh7mzl0fTRNzf4c1XD9f9BBnBKeLZbtavXIi_jRjOJQxlX5Dnrzlc1-TmtMAzPRof9QkQY2X76lM3a7w/s1600-h/watching.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_j41Ziy7DinMj1sjSEmkgS9A_SdVeFwyFsxsy2DCNPvLoMY6tdycCa5-SyeVBh7mzl0fTRNzf4c1XD9f9BBnBKeLZbtavXIi_jRjOJQxlX5Dnrzlc1-TmtMAzPRof9QkQY2X76lM3a7w/s400/watching.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5269189175525335330" border="0" /></a>Over the mountain through <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Kangding</span></span> and we're into the third and fourth day - on the Grasslands around <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Tagong</span></span>. This picture seems to suggest we've given up birds for yak watching - but I think we've spotted something with feathers.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-FxykTsOegP_auOZs2jj6Wl1V37BNYbuVzs1xpslzjwy29BOWWaCqqE_-dtujWklrTKF2L8HwYXiavBVTKjgfEmm3DQtRDTieu9vi9xqITg4lgR71VRbyMypNoMaMxL1F_olpGszUq7U/s1600-h/gd+bun.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 301px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-FxykTsOegP_auOZs2jj6Wl1V37BNYbuVzs1xpslzjwy29BOWWaCqqE_-dtujWklrTKF2L8HwYXiavBVTKjgfEmm3DQtRDTieu9vi9xqITg4lgR71VRbyMypNoMaMxL1F_olpGszUq7U/s400/gd+bun.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5269189180733862754" border="0" /></a>We could well have been checking out a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">Godlewski's</span></span> Bunting - a pretty common bird around here.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI9JSPchGJTjYwZQeQmIvdXn5zvVKVovEVMWFo2hqSWcpasg2A8NLHEnq3nqZ-tasAg4_AwLendKq5rPanoOahrASGSLgKrcyrWktB8lo4AbP4VSE9cdJ3zIcwVXWKF9X-jyDi0TqZbn0/s1600-h/prayer+flags.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 282px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI9JSPchGJTjYwZQeQmIvdXn5zvVKVovEVMWFo2hqSWcpasg2A8NLHEnq3nqZ-tasAg4_AwLendKq5rPanoOahrASGSLgKrcyrWktB8lo4AbP4VSE9cdJ3zIcwVXWKF9X-jyDi0TqZbn0/s400/prayer+flags.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5269189167338384594" border="0" /></a>And it's not just small birds - here are massive Himalayan <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">Griffons</span></span> (a type of vulture) - soaring over the prayer flags.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOY53eZhkRawl4OY1AKXKpPsIgn3dB3ty_DntdZc3JXr0b4L7tSi0y3uYYG8rYkLhO6nDYW43EVNh2ss845YQHMxsv3PH5Y8bJsMH4Ub-45c7SCQykaFOAY95IHGqMmSRbi90Ks6Uy12k/s1600-h/girl.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 360px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOY53eZhkRawl4OY1AKXKpPsIgn3dB3ty_DntdZc3JXr0b4L7tSi0y3uYYG8rYkLhO6nDYW43EVNh2ss845YQHMxsv3PH5Y8bJsMH4Ub-45c7SCQykaFOAY95IHGqMmSRbi90Ks6Uy12k/s400/girl.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5269189169815099138" border="0" /></a>We're also being watched. In this pic old meets new - the horse and rider plod on as the speeding Land Cruiser throws up a cloud of dust.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM1ILsgFO_t7GYW1Cky4M0TXwnF8mHGuhLYDu_UVMARMMBz664w2UujO_HSQi9thX4BWhrcpZ6d0A83hVbnDqBJpBykcnIAvAiqSws9hik8TIm2lyLT_DT3agOJPZiyF9NPWXa0ARRPxk/s1600-h/dung.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 286px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM1ILsgFO_t7GYW1Cky4M0TXwnF8mHGuhLYDu_UVMARMMBz664w2UujO_HSQi9thX4BWhrcpZ6d0A83hVbnDqBJpBykcnIAvAiqSws9hik8TIm2lyLT_DT3agOJPZiyF9NPWXa0ARRPxk/s400/dung.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5269189148397995602" border="0" /></a>This pic is dedicated to my nephews - they seem to appreciate this kind of subject more than artier pieces. Drying Yak dung - nearly ready for burning in the stove.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5RC5XgpV4rrmQPgfw4KgRFCluBrgeP4-Jghi1VoR4FHJ2mBwP9VIyy7PBj09lW_F2QXOUEWLYMncTwpiJ5HC3eAhOKzi78rpZyHGXNoLnxPahjOfsz1xYXwFwyscAYMgQ7OXQ-rqDYlI/s1600-h/horses.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 303px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5RC5XgpV4rrmQPgfw4KgRFCluBrgeP4-Jghi1VoR4FHJ2mBwP9VIyy7PBj09lW_F2QXOUEWLYMncTwpiJ5HC3eAhOKzi78rpZyHGXNoLnxPahjOfsz1xYXwFwyscAYMgQ7OXQ-rqDYlI/s400/horses.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5269188299722065074" border="0" /></a>Sorry guys we also have to give some room for art - horses on a sun flooded grassland.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisp1ar676dANgnlL9gIJHpBN5b3uTuz3f2M5r7NHqyUoM5TuH3DUbPAZbSpFFRw-3MYD2k4p5b40i8f4v6ODRs4lzB7aqnfgSUx6LP4ENwDPW_iz37QnkZ9Fl8V9aSOQR2t32dgUuPO9M/s1600-h/binoculars.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 397px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisp1ar676dANgnlL9gIJHpBN5b3uTuz3f2M5r7NHqyUoM5TuH3DUbPAZbSpFFRw-3MYD2k4p5b40i8f4v6ODRs4lzB7aqnfgSUx6LP4ENwDPW_iz37QnkZ9Fl8V9aSOQR2t32dgUuPO9M/s400/binoculars.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5269188304967964946" border="0" /></a>On the subject of guys - here's the local gang checking out my binoculars.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhks1piHDQLTfzm6ouvs5zx4KdplG3NFg-Y6_dlxC5D-s5J5xcJZ-rwDpwnfuP-xf4hfMVvp4tCPD0rlGfL31oUyzW6zKxEaLvFc-AGYxJHNer7QksViVYpZg75nWUjF4Y5UwXNL6Lu9NU/s1600-h/toast.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 375px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhks1piHDQLTfzm6ouvs5zx4KdplG3NFg-Y6_dlxC5D-s5J5xcJZ-rwDpwnfuP-xf4hfMVvp4tCPD0rlGfL31oUyzW6zKxEaLvFc-AGYxJHNer7QksViVYpZg75nWUjF4Y5UwXNL6Lu9NU/s400/toast.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5269188296765478786" border="0" /></a>All this high altitude fun is best done on a full stomach and a good breakfast. On this trip we made great technological advances - we brought along a toaster. It's my home-baked bread that's been toasted in our grubby machine.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1kv98V5IUz2PXIV1-bGFRRXNk7dkONBHBOdM2ce89pyDn7YxZqMhAKdfMy6sFI7hIHrKw5-6aspug4KUQuCgZ4qusmMMFYfkTT1uFQOx5v1u_pHBhCSMtTfiqNX0ZSCXF5AkVSuTf6A4/s1600-h/xialai.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1kv98V5IUz2PXIV1-bGFRRXNk7dkONBHBOdM2ce89pyDn7YxZqMhAKdfMy6sFI7hIHrKw5-6aspug4KUQuCgZ4qusmMMFYfkTT1uFQOx5v1u_pHBhCSMtTfiqNX0ZSCXF5AkVSuTf6A4/s400/xialai.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5269188284592353474" border="0" /></a>All good things must come to an end - day five - we're on our way home. We made a few stops on our way back to Chengdu - this is the old town at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">Xilai</span></span> - around an hour out of Chengdu.Sid and Meggie Francishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09247503266565690661noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5977909618547201150.post-60680411638446919592008-11-02T23:32:00.000-08:002008-11-25T00:17:37.559-08:00Chengdu Travel Guide - A trip to the Bi Feng Xia Panda Center<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieUBPg1kpnVL8O0wH0pQaDzMjpmmDrVMDun3PQfwwJLY5aTDuk5-_pFn-XkG3NzuSquYdXjx2vwm8SHdTqhtJ5Km1VZ45L-ebGAPs7ZD7DW4-iRzkA6J_xIHa7ja8KTUDWRZsBGiEbW9k/s1600-h/incubator.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 336px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieUBPg1kpnVL8O0wH0pQaDzMjpmmDrVMDun3PQfwwJLY5aTDuk5-_pFn-XkG3NzuSquYdXjx2vwm8SHdTqhtJ5Km1VZ45L-ebGAPs7ZD7DW4-iRzkA6J_xIHa7ja8KTUDWRZsBGiEbW9k/s400/incubator.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264340241194188066" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Spot the Panda</span> - there's a Panda in there. Closer pics further down.<br /><br />With the recent <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Sichuan</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span> earthquake - a very popular travel destination was badly damaged and removed from the tourist route - The <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Wolong</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span> Panda Center. Because of this <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">disaster</span> the majority of the Pandas at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Wolong</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span> needed to be re-homed - so they were transported to the Bi <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Feng</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Xia</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span> center near <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Ya'an</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span> - a city that's just over a 100 motorway kilometers from Chengdu. Many travelers have been asking about the center - but, over the net, it seems very difficult to find good information about the place. So with the aim of satisfying our own <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">curiosity</span> - and to get some useful info and pics to right a blog report - this Sunday's expedition headed towards Bi <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Feng</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Xia</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span>.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYDjqa1BxdvRHzn3NLa04CBHFjy4jZPBQnDzhNK_bsWlrUfxIe56M5pfKe9BeOP7SY_8UY6lqxXneY_othgCLbLn6DSWJQXyqGXAeTTeH8uPP-zAAWi5p8XwIlZIXs3SNmp_YeaW88SUQ/s1600-h/gourge.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYDjqa1BxdvRHzn3NLa04CBHFjy4jZPBQnDzhNK_bsWlrUfxIe56M5pfKe9BeOP7SY_8UY6lqxXneY_othgCLbLn6DSWJQXyqGXAeTTeH8uPP-zAAWi5p8XwIlZIXs3SNmp_YeaW88SUQ/s400/gourge.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264340017812324978" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Chengdu Travel</span> - We started from Chengdu at 9.30 in the morning and reached the Bi <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Feng</span></span></span></span></span></span></span> <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Gorge</span> turn-of just before 11.00. From here you have to drive about 10km kilometers up a very scenic road that leads you towards the Panda Center. As you can see, we were lucky with the weather - after a rather wet <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Autumn</span> - this Sunday decided to be rather sunny.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWKmkxyEnuwKbzXFoW93TCbpSQHhVoS3vsvEF5x_1phB5AOkj-3mDJFCWBmRQl0U5aSaBhpqtmwo7x8iNQr7Be01fKDmlgM8q0797UQu0RMw_tqEEMeWDHFOcfOMIwTWHX4JQsupMZXZM/s1600-h/car+park.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWKmkxyEnuwKbzXFoW93TCbpSQHhVoS3vsvEF5x_1phB5AOkj-3mDJFCWBmRQl0U5aSaBhpqtmwo7x8iNQr7Be01fKDmlgM8q0797UQu0RMw_tqEEMeWDHFOcfOMIwTWHX4JQsupMZXZM/s400/car+park.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264340010229963202" border="0" /></a>The main Entrance where you buy your tickets.<br /><br />Bi <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Feng</span></span></span></span></span></span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Xia</span></span></span></span></span></span> consists of two main attractions - the Panda Research Center - and a safari park type zoo - where you get on a bus to drive through areas with Lion, Zebra and all the other stuff you find at these type of places.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Since we had no desire to visit the safari area, we gladly discovered that the Panda Research Center is completely <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">separate</span> from this zoo, <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">in fact</span> it's in a whole other part of the gorge - and were <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">relieved</span> that you can buy a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">separate</span> ticket, which just gives access to the Panda area. The cost of this ticket is 80<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">RMB</span></span></span></span></span></span> for adults. We had 2 small children with us - they were let in for f</span><span style="font-weight: bold;">ree.</span><br />Around this <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">entrance</span> area are lots of restaurants and hotels - so it's quite possible to stay out here - although with <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Ya'an</span></span></span></span></span></span> being only 15km down the road - its also quite convenient to overnight there. We saw a city bus going up to Bi <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">Feng</span></span></span></span></span></span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">Xia</span></span></span></span></span></span> - it was no. 4 - so I assume that's the bus you take from <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">Ya'an</span></span></span></span></span></span>.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu5Cokpw1ctxd8JjpPQCjHv2SNWi3nMWHkJqRcA4PNHud1_Nl9m8ZDr3J9dxT5Rbu2yikiQLjO1EhBYluWCc9Syy-568ZNDv6SN0yGJP_KYOg9XTljdazY5cvO5NCI5gWQkFfTNMl3kRk/s1600-h/entrance.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu5Cokpw1ctxd8JjpPQCjHv2SNWi3nMWHkJqRcA4PNHud1_Nl9m8ZDr3J9dxT5Rbu2yikiQLjO1EhBYluWCc9Syy-568ZNDv6SN0yGJP_KYOg9XTljdazY5cvO5NCI5gWQkFfTNMl3kRk/s400/entrance.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264339642452298290" border="0" /></a>Going down!!!!<br /><br />The Panda Center is situated within the gorge, and the main <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">entrance</span> is at the top. So if you want to see Pandas - then it's down, down, down.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj40GvrPpkJe8d9rNfe7kWsLQX94qhkD4pqmN0hMk-T873v0GCeCmr2mFZc7P1-ImpCdWMj6-w96jFqdeG2Mneg6KCTio1xEi7aHL4NEb0Z_zMcfItFhkqX95_L6wBQxxBcxLOXKm9jjeg/s1600-h/lift.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 257px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj40GvrPpkJe8d9rNfe7kWsLQX94qhkD4pqmN0hMk-T873v0GCeCmr2mFZc7P1-ImpCdWMj6-w96jFqdeG2Mneg6KCTio1xEi7aHL4NEb0Z_zMcfItFhkqX95_L6wBQxxBcxLOXKm9jjeg/s400/lift.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264339644449127762" border="0" /></a>Those first flight of stairs take you to the top of this - an elevator. The floor counter read 99 at the top and we descended to level 1 - the bottom of the gorge.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV2WDYwF_nF6R4sAvskqrw3FU-CHc37rtid9vwT4WnX8HsVVUQydaC-1_DxSCu2ZXlPgs-FoqyeyAN8HIElS-S_MjRSfHXMLYIOaWk-3I1b8gegmSjaMqnqva49XhqUZPhSe_EY5tV9PM/s1600-h/bellow+1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV2WDYwF_nF6R4sAvskqrw3FU-CHc37rtid9vwT4WnX8HsVVUQydaC-1_DxSCu2ZXlPgs-FoqyeyAN8HIElS-S_MjRSfHXMLYIOaWk-3I1b8gegmSjaMqnqva49XhqUZPhSe_EY5tV9PM/s400/bellow+1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264339635663168498" border="0" /></a>And this is what it's like down here - rivers, waterfalls and scenic pathways. Rather nice!!!<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPFiDjoHevjLoMIH6ScH1RIJWsbgo1ZTb0qOEkh_-MCpe5N1ahyphenhyphenKWcj5U2rZDztHR8ahzkLMq9pvK6DsUitGhic7e3ioH8OhO7Wv_9XeoPzS58MjIUf2Wc26FbKwiYYQen6JAx5OANxwo/s1600-h/bellow.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPFiDjoHevjLoMIH6ScH1RIJWsbgo1ZTb0qOEkh_-MCpe5N1ahyphenhyphenKWcj5U2rZDztHR8ahzkLMq9pvK6DsUitGhic7e3ioH8OhO7Wv_9XeoPzS58MjIUf2Wc26FbKwiYYQen6JAx5OANxwo/s400/bellow.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264339624458261138" border="0" /></a> The gang poking about - we're well impressed.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjInn1CGgnxLRjEPhsw2HyKNB9adAqiNmCOeqEx-EIPypD2lYaZU-fS11rRuspPBt2-tH7Qj0WG6CETn35jSTjlRLO_QR2Svc5mcCugO_phQj9tnXi0NZje5_0uzFZSDfxWoRYJRZkN96U/s1600-h/path.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjInn1CGgnxLRjEPhsw2HyKNB9adAqiNmCOeqEx-EIPypD2lYaZU-fS11rRuspPBt2-tH7Qj0WG6CETn35jSTjlRLO_QR2Svc5mcCugO_phQj9tnXi0NZje5_0uzFZSDfxWoRYJRZkN96U/s400/path.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264342153162878210" border="0" /></a>Actually for a beautiful Sunday - this place wasn't that crowded - this was the only big group of people we met on our walk towards the Panda Center. The paths are well looked after - but I think in wet weather they could be a wee bit slippy. I find a pair of soft soled <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">sport's-shoes</span> are a good idea for this type of path.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_yo-Rlu_vZoBRikr2PUB-gD81xOFiP7H8Y0kLUrQ_B4TVDwxSwfAjWDoMWgL9QrBzpOhaaqC3qmbzrE2-K4X4sX1ZDf2fQXrXZCiMIOXfSaahbl8IYsC_ZPp-8JKdXR09iYI5Yv2VdMA/s1600-h/fall.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_yo-Rlu_vZoBRikr2PUB-gD81xOFiP7H8Y0kLUrQ_B4TVDwxSwfAjWDoMWgL9QrBzpOhaaqC3qmbzrE2-K4X4sX1ZDf2fQXrXZCiMIOXfSaahbl8IYsC_ZPp-8JKdXR09iYI5Yv2VdMA/s400/fall.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264339620822300306" border="0" /></a>Some of those waterfalls look pretty neat.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0qpkFj84bFlsHjauNkl01YEFQTfbkMalHMDN-YTZ_DgS6hnNhCrYdU62CH4WiZxs0V-NdWNBfPKbcrL4n_BJ1Wz0mvRTrQ1J3WaNltbbxDnjSZglgJuyp7Go7KkNDqyvTV_fKLzOd0lk/s1600-h/rainbow.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0qpkFj84bFlsHjauNkl01YEFQTfbkMalHMDN-YTZ_DgS6hnNhCrYdU62CH4WiZxs0V-NdWNBfPKbcrL4n_BJ1Wz0mvRTrQ1J3WaNltbbxDnjSZglgJuyp7Go7KkNDqyvTV_fKLzOd0lk/s400/rainbow.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264338692241730722" border="0" /></a>Our nephew - totally fascinated by a rainbow - or is that a waterfallbow?<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpoXM32Hhwlx1lYPksHVl2lhxWcCY2Bh-09bi7MQxgr8X6U5i9MYH8iyesL8uRRLyrt4QhDjSrgpvmmHrXa3lvqMAiS7t8mhxQqxIozhHAcFsSf04mwtrO3lfA9yFxq0mCcr7WouEuGFg/s1600-h/watching.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpoXM32Hhwlx1lYPksHVl2lhxWcCY2Bh-09bi7MQxgr8X6U5i9MYH8iyesL8uRRLyrt4QhDjSrgpvmmHrXa3lvqMAiS7t8mhxQqxIozhHAcFsSf04mwtrO3lfA9yFxq0mCcr7WouEuGFg/s400/watching.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264338690957411234" border="0" /></a>Him and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">Meggie</span> also got a spot of bird watching in - the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">nature</span> is good in this area. Just here they got a White-crowned <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">Forktail</span></span> in their sights.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN2TqhD7W9D4xzO1Vk39zwuiFq19SYmW0GNgBBQoVx8YKonxHeocfSXa181iCfzDYlpnYu75DdHNG985ZSqIQfaexj8d1noFt8OB5_wVZZav7u0kxN0JAdkXe-XCs9z5DVtC0SOYEDYW4/s1600-h/entrance+1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN2TqhD7W9D4xzO1Vk39zwuiFq19SYmW0GNgBBQoVx8YKonxHeocfSXa181iCfzDYlpnYu75DdHNG985ZSqIQfaexj8d1noFt8OB5_wVZZav7u0kxN0JAdkXe-XCs9z5DVtC0SOYEDYW4/s400/entrance+1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264338675861475954" border="0" /></a>The <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">entrance</span> to the research center and the Pandas - it was about a 3km walk on the path, after which you come to a road - from there you can than catch a free bus <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21">that</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_22">will shuttle</span> you a couple of further kilometers to this gate. <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_23">Alternativ</span><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_23">ely</span> you can take this bus the whole distance and avoid the path walk.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEbAxZnqwEbsjntFdTa4GsQV0Q8AVwDcJVrIId_jwxcqG11SVR4CdA0uDswW4OiW41_zJGLtSBAlEOmsWGFHVkzb9laEMhDRxCPJDmBxyRa6XQmr8S07Qi33dNKUMqvWop-Fh_0KBUP4c/s1600-h/cemter.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEbAxZnqwEbsjntFdTa4GsQV0Q8AVwDcJVrIId_jwxcqG11SVR4CdA0uDswW4OiW41_zJGLtSBAlEOmsWGFHVkzb9laEMhDRxCPJDmBxyRa6XQmr8S07Qi33dNKUMqvWop-Fh_0KBUP4c/s400/cemter.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264340626897570914" border="0" /></a>This is where the Pandas live - a view over some of enclosures. Although this place is at least still 2,000m lower than true panda habitat - there's a lot forest trees, which gives a nice natural look<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB3kQqjCIU1V_pMEsRRZKZtfIoeitYqdruW-2Y0OeT4S6OgIURlXTyVJhA1q8vsLuLW5HY_FCkK4U4WTUGfRN749ymZjQrbH2WBsTNc65WTGrJOIZxpdHloKFpceHUoN0vIHcJyL83Jdw/s1600-h/incubator+3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 342px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB3kQqjCIU1V_pMEsRRZKZtfIoeitYqdruW-2Y0OeT4S6OgIURlXTyVJhA1q8vsLuLW5HY_FCkK4U4WTUGfRN749ymZjQrbH2WBsTNc65WTGrJOIZxpdHloKFpceHUoN0vIHcJyL83Jdw/s400/incubator+3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264338676605951586" border="0" /></a>Here's that baby Panda again - you could gaze through a window and look into the incubator where this lazy little fellow was sleeping.<br /><br />To get the best out of these pics - double click, to see them in a larger format.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSE2V5ZELauIWnv0oY5cX29RkgeM72SheMpZq_uDI-Uuo6-Y2pGf9XVWpmCj4XXLQQPnpmCWSzjsjsTKBuLzOBf0GaE7gMUH4d5HD94Cu-6VL0CU3FRctUm1bAXJTKkBXg0Ugko5jn9wE/s1600-h/incubator+1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 298px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSE2V5ZELauIWnv0oY5cX29RkgeM72SheMpZq_uDI-Uuo6-Y2pGf9XVWpmCj4XXLQQPnpmCWSzjsjsTKBuLzOBf0GaE7gMUH4d5HD94Cu-6VL0CU3FRctUm1bAXJTKkBXg0Ugko5jn9wE/s400/incubator+1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264337687206203906" border="0" /></a><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">Yawnnnnnnnnnnn</span> - it's hard work being an animal superstar!!!<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguNjwEFQCwZsdc4cVAyab2FfsGZEvKEQaSKXMlo05VGhGEJ-FIFdo2ncunF71yb5cBMJ0W7ZdQnll-ScMm7lkVBZJwVKFQKcL93nZfFoxidQiyMVhnE39znlzrGKcPKbufFN0TOvu0w_Q/s1600-h/eating+2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 302px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguNjwEFQCwZsdc4cVAyab2FfsGZEvKEQaSKXMlo05VGhGEJ-FIFdo2ncunF71yb5cBMJ0W7ZdQnll-ScMm7lkVBZJwVKFQKcL93nZfFoxidQiyMVhnE39znlzrGKcPKbufFN0TOvu0w_Q/s400/eating+2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264337688445799650" border="0" /></a>But of course there were bigger Pandas - the keeper is calling this one in for food.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO96ylVUwU6C55FmRVsGq_60nr5ESXkU2EwkkaTaSCG5ZaQPKiQe-N7EHW7IJwi_FB8ACYpwvgWmhukfko7XJnb7S9fqfDm9adGEwsc6U8TgDz2I1izmnpB6LaZ0BV-JqkniHSpavGKyM/s1600-h/eating+1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO96ylVUwU6C55FmRVsGq_60nr5ESXkU2EwkkaTaSCG5ZaQPKiQe-N7EHW7IJwi_FB8ACYpwvgWmhukfko7XJnb7S9fqfDm9adGEwsc6U8TgDz2I1izmnpB6LaZ0BV-JqkniHSpavGKyM/s400/eating+1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264337685204936930" border="0" /></a>Now it's inside eating - that goody it's chewing on is called a Panda Cake - which is made up of a whole lot of other stuff than just bamboo. Pandas don't just survive on bamboo - although this plant is by far the most important part of their diet.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-aN7slb0pYjME9EKiaPhEkpGCpm1_LQuQLmQBYYnvetSuMeQRZyvRT2Krl-VKvKcQylE8_de5ELKpfHqIW1WQhBeIgwgDSia9OlicDKxGY_BXwQUM4HXgZhW6BYwSF4rBpkV7iTTMW0M/s1600-h/lazy+bones+1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 309px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-aN7slb0pYjME9EKiaPhEkpGCpm1_LQuQLmQBYYnvetSuMeQRZyvRT2Krl-VKvKcQylE8_de5ELKpfHqIW1WQhBeIgwgDSia9OlicDKxGY_BXwQUM4HXgZhW6BYwSF4rBpkV7iTTMW0M/s400/lazy+bones+1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264444114939917826" border="0" /></a>Lazybones - enjoying the autumn sunshine<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvRidoYe33YejzET01SBe34yNhbapDXwfUvvsH1gV7BYzSin2qafo-BNVPGp3WihlkiFJmSIEnRSlefB4Yg2AV0a0oUMa-nj-kX8b8BIfTdho1REH2tIKSkFfylO-v2t5QnkQok6PvXcc/s1600-h/panda+1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 384px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvRidoYe33YejzET01SBe34yNhbapDXwfUvvsH1gV7BYzSin2qafo-BNVPGp3WihlkiFJmSIEnRSlefB4Yg2AV0a0oUMa-nj-kX8b8BIfTdho1REH2tIKSkFfylO-v2t5QnkQok6PvXcc/s400/panda+1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264337682727898690" border="0" /></a>A young bear, enjoying a bit of Panda gymnastics.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwEhEh7idxz-sMrXDgPPltaLFfqIAQe4g4UIptPnDXI5xzC5schW93B6CXuTOoT9qG2wKoRGkqMz7rb2MPoyvccJEI2JHYEZTIuyheofT6pqP68g1p_gKQ-Aedi0hq5TsQgC4loRaq1iU/s1600-h/road.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwEhEh7idxz-sMrXDgPPltaLFfqIAQe4g4UIptPnDXI5xzC5schW93B6CXuTOoT9qG2wKoRGkqMz7rb2MPoyvccJEI2JHYEZTIuyheofT6pqP68g1p_gKQ-Aedi0hq5TsQgC4loRaq1iU/s400/road.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264342142030806194" border="0" /></a>There's a road that goes through the Panda area - and for an extra 10RMB you can buy a ticket for a small open bus that will shuttle you in between all the enclosures.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-kYXR3moXiQK9UdAXg_lDXAw75sm6RY8pjCffGFRv6PUfq5ALZvu_g0MG9un2tId9Q5Fx-roXPFh8rAnz3MPYd9IJdscOOMk04BbGMdnMeM2TCIL6Iw9YxPEmcRqKzZ_NoaImCO83ojU/s1600-h/path+1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-kYXR3moXiQK9UdAXg_lDXAw75sm6RY8pjCffGFRv6PUfq5ALZvu_g0MG9un2tId9Q5Fx-roXPFh8rAnz3MPYd9IJdscOOMk04BbGMdnMeM2TCIL6Iw9YxPEmcRqKzZ_NoaImCO83ojU/s400/path+1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264342157477889186" border="0" /></a>However, if you're like us - and more inclined to walk - there are also a network of nice quiet pathways.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpgcKJSNosg1kK61O9poXfeXEJqBqLU2EYOZVbE_65D7P8hQc7P3omhMz_tsvJMFgDWtWx657FzDMNCztHYYjJUWuk2vHVjTCxlj6c05CWLDQhZVpWRVSRL7nbNlChmHFL_jrXLFLJN-s/s1600-h/fortune.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpgcKJSNosg1kK61O9poXfeXEJqBqLU2EYOZVbE_65D7P8hQc7P3omhMz_tsvJMFgDWtWx657FzDMNCztHYYjJUWuk2vHVjTCxlj6c05CWLDQhZVpWRVSRL7nbNlChmHFL_jrXLFLJN-s/s400/fortune.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264336585205996242" border="0" /></a>Remember this place isn't just Pandas - apart from the Panda Center that ticket also gives access to a whole lot of other interesting areas. Along this path we met a fortune teller.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinVSEzbBJhehy13pUwzTfIIV3KVcDmbI0oifrk00gjsEGK3iPIU2ffbnnvHLjjtluo3tzkHgOV5yR7OCaYxmPnR9Z-0ruJZgPl4Kr2cYUeXE7FyIYxN7CpUWm5_smOGqrth5bI93PDgZA/s1600-h/green.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 357px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinVSEzbBJhehy13pUwzTfIIV3KVcDmbI0oifrk00gjsEGK3iPIU2ffbnnvHLjjtluo3tzkHgOV5yR7OCaYxmPnR9Z-0ruJZgPl4Kr2cYUeXE7FyIYxN7CpUWm5_smOGqrth5bI93PDgZA/s400/green.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264336580190168514" border="0" /></a>It's great place to chill out - lots of water - and cool vegitation - a nice nature park.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRNKFhL1yiBospq1E5QFLJOQ5MRHyiG4SE1mrH1XhHuVJBWYPF2KWYsuApGRFVOP6lYigWiYnndnCkjkVm5-Jy9nmL4hgr7sycl9DEGULXfqxXWLejE3Vs4hRjWynuCivv-m-2Cs2RRIE/s1600-h/candles.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRNKFhL1yiBospq1E5QFLJOQ5MRHyiG4SE1mrH1XhHuVJBWYPF2KWYsuApGRFVOP6lYigWiYnndnCkjkVm5-Jy9nmL4hgr7sycl9DEGULXfqxXWLejE3Vs4hRjWynuCivv-m-2Cs2RRIE/s400/candles.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264336581905943106" border="0" /></a>There's also a temple - it isn't old - but you can still wish for good fortune by burning a candle or two.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMMn-W9wf8f2nam7f_bQurekHIDH9z30qXaSEkFI0lUOflC8xwuWtkKXxQu6_yMRjc3LlO0R0a6f6X4iqcUVB5gujLCfsxJN6QWN3qHwdt9DWgKu4Ttq3Ac4-kaH7OWe67qTbz8PFrVI0/s1600-h/bin.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMMn-W9wf8f2nam7f_bQurekHIDH9z30qXaSEkFI0lUOflC8xwuWtkKXxQu6_yMRjc3LlO0R0a6f6X4iqcUVB5gujLCfsxJN6QWN3qHwdt9DWgKu4Ttq3Ac4-kaH7OWe67qTbz8PFrVI0/s400/bin.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264333261421456242" border="0" /></a>The bins are well camouflaged - just look for a mossy rock that has a hole for rubbish.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlMkwUbB3kTF5RZPkNs-vyBF9dwgwNWcMwXRVkSepGk_KSzDaPFFXWW6e-CrKhCsTx3TdRpE4NiCT7VUg-GUjN6LP3pDRl9MjOpjcfqdcSLTBVhsGfSl-hvv91WgAjULicVqFXwkEE87M/s1600-h/chair.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 208px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlMkwUbB3kTF5RZPkNs-vyBF9dwgwNWcMwXRVkSepGk_KSzDaPFFXWW6e-CrKhCsTx3TdRpE4NiCT7VUg-GUjN6LP3pDRl9MjOpjcfqdcSLTBVhsGfSl-hvv91WgAjULicVqFXwkEE87M/s400/chair.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264333254047733794" border="0" /></a>If you want to explore and simply can't be bothered to walk - then like royalty of old - you can be transported in a chair.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdIhIgGlY4khWICiQgPZ-ZQyjLiAMX24UhhKOfwT4U8ZQKYzZuomnK4TNbNGcQrQ2WUm6WWLSlIrOWajjfsLh395yiD6XSpSwNwInMmEj93IqWsR7HeLPojAUX0zlRGyKZwZia7IXFyGA/s1600-h/chair+1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdIhIgGlY4khWICiQgPZ-ZQyjLiAMX24UhhKOfwT4U8ZQKYzZuomnK4TNbNGcQrQ2WUm6WWLSlIrOWajjfsLh395yiD6XSpSwNwInMmEj93IqWsR7HeLPojAUX0zlRGyKZwZia7IXFyGA/s400/chair+1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264333260120215138" border="0" /></a>Here's a modern day empress - she looks very comfortable. I feel sorry for the bearers - but I suppose this is a way of making money.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5r2s9qpZPUGpt_cEszH5FgHC9kumzPu-IWLONCxhmBD3at6SF05h9iYgIxcQWTExmgTk73cqr0T6r8Kpozhhyphenhyphent7aopGYqXbEZjWmifVeL0rOpPSZI_aLKAJN-lOWsStIX2gp3DROqLxM/s1600-h/picnic.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5r2s9qpZPUGpt_cEszH5FgHC9kumzPu-IWLONCxhmBD3at6SF05h9iYgIxcQWTExmgTk73cqr0T6r8Kpozhhyphenhyphent7aopGYqXbEZjWmifVeL0rOpPSZI_aLKAJN-lOWsStIX2gp3DROqLxM/s400/picnic.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264332280398035682" border="0" /></a>A rest stop - lots of nice shady areas where you can find somewhere to sit.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYOgdYFF4S_A6Bz6ybqk89G3A86bjJIxkpH5yyLYRiXUJ6BPhQoIsg2sg-_gEl3_QissJhO48cREDUO7ymKXZzUAGUVJQF_4d13TJk2M0LMm7DAfNaZxWP7MAj_I_87OY9T_aSMUSleyQ/s1600-h/food.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYOgdYFF4S_A6Bz6ybqk89G3A86bjJIxkpH5yyLYRiXUJ6BPhQoIsg2sg-_gEl3_QissJhO48cREDUO7ymKXZzUAGUVJQF_4d13TJk2M0LMm7DAfNaZxWP7MAj_I_87OY9T_aSMUSleyQ/s400/food.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264332276840916722" border="0" /></a> When it comes to eating, there are restaurants in side this area - but we always like to get fried potatoes on a stick.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDcTTbcX-KSG4Gk0yF5CssrtSdDZyfVChJmnDIqvBhMxb4-Xfg-6uNtao3wZRdpZ8KgGC9aE2VNWdDSmCNJWUEzFV0enuXYR82YOgln7n5qqoWvX5RKvRAnwkl8fBGNMGSdLd2ZyKoSdo/s1600-h/panda.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDcTTbcX-KSG4Gk0yF5CssrtSdDZyfVChJmnDIqvBhMxb4-Xfg-6uNtao3wZRdpZ8KgGC9aE2VNWdDSmCNJWUEzFV0enuXYR82YOgln7n5qqoWvX5RKvRAnwkl8fBGNMGSdLd2ZyKoSdo/s400/panda.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264332276287114050" border="0" /></a>Of course it's the Pandas that make a trip to this place so special - a good day out.<br /><br />To find out more about this site contact us on - chengduuk@hotmail.com<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><br /></span>Sid and Meggie Francishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09247503266565690661noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5977909618547201150.post-4261454365878260542008-10-26T18:30:00.000-07:002008-12-22T22:03:43.565-08:00Tagong - Chengdu Roundtrip - Tagong Grassland is now open to foreign travelers - our October trip to Tagong<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhwoLnvCGYxINEX-vOY2XubqrTQwwHlcixxQMfp64jRv983YIMnZkG7pLEvgFck6Www8CsFWd1HGAnZcbTr6NSY7p69dVwNIsDnfJgIFctN2U2g9zkHNKt5QywlLhbR4lVaNUqFR5GW0w/s1600-h/gonga.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhwoLnvCGYxINEX-vOY2XubqrTQwwHlcixxQMfp64jRv983YIMnZkG7pLEvgFck6Www8CsFWd1HGAnZcbTr6NSY7p69dVwNIsDnfJgIFctN2U2g9zkHNKt5QywlLhbR4lVaNUqFR5GW0w/s400/gonga.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261645249372127858" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Chengdu Travel</span> - During the summer Olympic period there had been restrictions with regard to foreign travelers being given entry into those fantastic areas to the West of Kangding (Kangding is an easy 6 hour's Motorway and mainroad drive from Chengdu). However we had been getting reports that these were coming to an end and from September tourists were once again being allowed through. Knowing that the best way to check out rumour is to test them - we made the trip to Tagong last weekend - and yes no problems its all open!!!!<br />When we had to stop at the one security check-point just on the edge of Kangding I wasn't even asked to show my passport (I'm a Brit) - in Tagong a policeman came to talk to us - but he was all smiles - informing us of road construction and telling about the best routes.<br />The pic is of the towering 7,000m Gongga Mountain viewed from Zheduo Mountain which is just outside Kangding.<br />This and all the other pics were taken on this last trip - click on them to get a bigger image.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn_BtsTrL16Y4mc8oklS-PkpZKt1HCYnXThnUGPaLG4e_0aFIvJ3mqmVP6OmZQ8PjZSt-rL579ghXJeOzcVRxhoPvPnA68w70sWcmQGGbT7d2XytSfSKjKtm9Go8R1CpH3yZMzydu6j5U/s1600-h/nomads.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn_BtsTrL16Y4mc8oklS-PkpZKt1HCYnXThnUGPaLG4e_0aFIvJ3mqmVP6OmZQ8PjZSt-rL579ghXJeOzcVRxhoPvPnA68w70sWcmQGGbT7d2XytSfSKjKtm9Go8R1CpH3yZMzydu6j5U/s400/nomads.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261645247080107890" border="0" /></a>And this is the end-point - the Tagong grasslands - home of nomadic Tibetan Yak herders. A frosty morning pic taken in the intense sunlight that's found at this 3,000m plus location - take your sunblock (my nose is still a little sore).<br />You can get here - with a good driver - in about 10 hours from Chengdu. If you take public transport give a day to drive to Kangding and then pick up one of the many minibuses for the last stage of your trip on day 2.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzvofXarOHkqbwPS5qcmgnO5DNfMTcSH4wSYi-YubLcU-7GhQGQrNV4jo93cZKPGqmF11Aml7UudBOlEOtJBgOeLOh2x-LxFe2xThpSpndKZkWJdEWPoaym-cWcVAXTsuQiddWPOzNsYU/s1600-h/farmland.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzvofXarOHkqbwPS5qcmgnO5DNfMTcSH4wSYi-YubLcU-7GhQGQrNV4jo93cZKPGqmF11Aml7UudBOlEOtJBgOeLOh2x-LxFe2xThpSpndKZkWJdEWPoaym-cWcVAXTsuQiddWPOzNsYU/s400/farmland.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261644803310903090" border="0" /></a>This area isnt just nomads and grasslands - there are also farming communities - with lovely villages and more tranquil scenery.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6-VLYhSwVkS162fcEaO7ZIY7MEUspFaXd0b4wPD9jzHqGtCud9HOCiU84br9J3MeQtGbNbTnew5KNlr93A5O3KkWFfYeZCWabQudTMWyStCU47iRp2CCHm35IXq67MWZaXZXvZ_e5r3E/s1600-h/prayer+flags.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6-VLYhSwVkS162fcEaO7ZIY7MEUspFaXd0b4wPD9jzHqGtCud9HOCiU84br9J3MeQtGbNbTnew5KNlr93A5O3KkWFfYeZCWabQudTMWyStCU47iRp2CCHm35IXq67MWZaXZXvZ_e5r3E/s400/prayer+flags.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261644806146555218" border="0" /></a>But of course we also have our mountain scenes - this is at 4,300m at the Zheduo Pass - prayer flags and peaks making for a photographers dream.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJXhLgh8cC1oxXJeiyVkbIuP_szD5Xb7G8fT9obkx2EK84qux0BBZ5m8M0CiBiqTyKM6tAZiFTL-zshOKQr3CovnJdjJW26xkg22CXYV7b0oWe_1TUpdINTRmcUhZ11dNAApBic3zmYGQ/s1600-h/river.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJXhLgh8cC1oxXJeiyVkbIuP_szD5Xb7G8fT9obkx2EK84qux0BBZ5m8M0CiBiqTyKM6tAZiFTL-zshOKQr3CovnJdjJW26xkg22CXYV7b0oWe_1TUpdINTRmcUhZ11dNAApBic3zmYGQ/s400/river.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261644800069893698" border="0" /></a>The light here is just incredible - the river that flows through Tagong, here there is forest on the valley sides.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5hLAamP68OwwKUti4e_efTs9RD8ifId2YPQY3fomulfKf0e4Dv5840FLjLWeDslZ0RnmtADahQGKssUJFFPMA0jkUf24TZGzG-xy4IW-J1MlcK_TWze_N9N1Op5gulms2fyesW3S8jdA/s1600-h/road.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5hLAamP68OwwKUti4e_efTs9RD8ifId2YPQY3fomulfKf0e4Dv5840FLjLWeDslZ0RnmtADahQGKssUJFFPMA0jkUf24TZGzG-xy4IW-J1MlcK_TWze_N9N1Op5gulms2fyesW3S8jdA/s400/road.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261644797930259714" border="0" /></a>A lot of the roads are being rebuilt to a high standard - and much of that work is already finished. Trvel here is easy - and getting even easier. In normal tourist seasons there is no need for 4WD.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-4rMGTaL5W4HeTFzlgPXU_E0GB0XK2kSvSA8-pRr3bSEAP4jaZ4SIHzldg4g5RnCavR9VfXvkUuISqLdc5mU675RCQuAT3f58mIIt83IPYtSZIFWYV45Pqs9-b0dIuJ19V4woMoxTjZU/s1600-h/meg+photo.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-4rMGTaL5W4HeTFzlgPXU_E0GB0XK2kSvSA8-pRr3bSEAP4jaZ4SIHzldg4g5RnCavR9VfXvkUuISqLdc5mU675RCQuAT3f58mIIt83IPYtSZIFWYV45Pqs9-b0dIuJ19V4woMoxTjZU/s400/meg+photo.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261644792622633122" border="0" /></a>There's my wife - I kept on losing her with the camera!!!!<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1eYi2itZCw-8hFUzMWp8M2LD2f-qlEaUB5J-tvbEY9Qm5IuxnhONKkVXg5Yj2MInNAiZ_7RxQWe_iEczqb-ubvwDTnjYS7rBz8Usmoia-4OUrqrQfFw3bmhOgMYCv-lHoYN2Zl7Sis4w/s1600-h/high.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1eYi2itZCw-8hFUzMWp8M2LD2f-qlEaUB5J-tvbEY9Qm5IuxnhONKkVXg5Yj2MInNAiZ_7RxQWe_iEczqb-ubvwDTnjYS7rBz8Usmoia-4OUrqrQfFw3bmhOgMYCv-lHoYN2Zl7Sis4w/s400/high.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261643872743331570" border="0" /></a>This is what it looks like when you get very close to the vegitation line - its a tad chilly here, and snow was starting to fall. This is on the road to Moxi.<br />You don't have to be an ace mountaineer to get up here - just drive a car and walk up a track. However go slowly - the air is thin.<br />with regard to altitude sickness - here are tips -<br /><br />1. - making sure not to over exert yourself when high<br /><br />2. - taking oxygen - you can buy small cheap spray canisters of O2 with a mask. I've never used them, and can't vouch for the quality of content - but by the evidence of rubbish cans lots of tourists use them.<br /><br />3. - taking Tibetan herb medicine - which being organic shouldn't mess with other medications. I've tried this and it seems to work - but then again there is the placebo effect and mind over matter!!!!<br /><br />4. - to stem the symptoms - drink lots of water - getting altitude sick often feels like a hang-over - you get de-hydrated.<br /><br />5. - If you really do get sick go down again. In normal cases you recover very quickly when you descend.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjntdViQZh9NdahaW5z-tixZztc4WpKEKDYpQKRP7hUYa3_Xh6HVCU1Ad_iXorSNh6rlZtnjSVgJQLMF7lTyTJjspkU-v9bh5efQvhmUxEtsR6Bv8H_VorhGCOrE6n5OKhTAp3V2MZKGE0/s1600-h/zhedou.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjntdViQZh9NdahaW5z-tixZztc4WpKEKDYpQKRP7hUYa3_Xh6HVCU1Ad_iXorSNh6rlZtnjSVgJQLMF7lTyTJjspkU-v9bh5efQvhmUxEtsR6Bv8H_VorhGCOrE6n5OKhTAp3V2MZKGE0/s400/zhedou.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261643863415923554" border="0" /></a>This is nice country - again a view up from the Zheduo Mountain - this time from the new airport road.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihZU-6LPrkV7GleGk2PcOzdY0iJ-c4cDaxeIQNqHdnpfyjqLVN4zSky5yYsBeaIEl68x2WUuyz8YeYWNVFwiz11EKg79oVWZDnhOx-fDs3KOndzq8K1dT6lGOmA8gmY4CRM3lb4X_9lY8/s1600-h/morning+temp.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihZU-6LPrkV7GleGk2PcOzdY0iJ-c4cDaxeIQNqHdnpfyjqLVN4zSky5yYsBeaIEl68x2WUuyz8YeYWNVFwiz11EKg79oVWZDnhOx-fDs3KOndzq8K1dT6lGOmA8gmY4CRM3lb4X_9lY8/s400/morning+temp.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261643860897543858" border="0" /></a>The new temple on the Tagong Grassland - basking in the early morning sunlight.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqMDBAsUhlSeXAF8-OmKsN3q5tqoAET1MFkt5vTD9duLrmnn8NEkyJeL-x2YUXzq_Q_qGLZhGS9S5bTPmI7fgjzIhGaYnUGP0DkaY9_SMwAE9wE1CK97JYIS5QXXCOG2xnZdQhbbVXsTc/s1600-h/looking+down.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqMDBAsUhlSeXAF8-OmKsN3q5tqoAET1MFkt5vTD9duLrmnn8NEkyJeL-x2YUXzq_Q_qGLZhGS9S5bTPmI7fgjzIhGaYnUGP0DkaY9_SMwAE9wE1CK97JYIS5QXXCOG2xnZdQhbbVXsTc/s400/looking+down.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261643846588049010" border="0" /></a>Looking down onto the grasslands near Tagong - on that airport road.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizaC8F67dvgfvv9KLXTapm-L0KW1KC0i2D82bSrykhx6bu8tFekv_amDasaXU2NdEaYw2lDornBuPLONiM2i1LAHRiAzfjJudHMucklWLjPej_ApPvf7r3hWDbBpX7Zx_PQqtvvXFZZb4/s1600-h/yala+1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizaC8F67dvgfvv9KLXTapm-L0KW1KC0i2D82bSrykhx6bu8tFekv_amDasaXU2NdEaYw2lDornBuPLONiM2i1LAHRiAzfjJudHMucklWLjPej_ApPvf7r3hWDbBpX7Zx_PQqtvvXFZZb4/s400/yala+1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261643838337469730" border="0" /></a>A backdrop to the Tagong Grasslands is the holy Yala Mountain - this shot gives you the holy feel!!!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtHagkXa8QZ_t2YbYr65po0sMow0hTIdcvJkT_Wz9VnyK7pLGAylyk-JtLBlEmj3PpZrGsBOiuiW0ipqvqV0nuYziXXgE4jmzdCRbDIx3-n8n_bkank3A5gaC-fMiUaKkEqYX6y4g8Ax8/s1600-h/valley.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtHagkXa8QZ_t2YbYr65po0sMow0hTIdcvJkT_Wz9VnyK7pLGAylyk-JtLBlEmj3PpZrGsBOiuiW0ipqvqV0nuYziXXgE4jmzdCRbDIx3-n8n_bkank3A5gaC-fMiUaKkEqYX6y4g8Ax8/s400/valley.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261643008071998274" border="0" /></a>More rolling grassland at Tagong - there's also a few autumn colours that enliven this pic.<br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsGOaBgtYvrkgP5wwN48JE4D0lmYLQuOLFxz3m03CyClYqWiNkVpgk84QpPKp6-MMsyUtNIx7EmYIoDQmABkq38yXv8QWlenLXF6ISl3DDyID8F6pLS_Tr8Q_qgVfNc4KP1O6ViEmc16I/s1600-h/stupa.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsGOaBgtYvrkgP5wwN48JE4D0lmYLQuOLFxz3m03CyClYqWiNkVpgk84QpPKp6-MMsyUtNIx7EmYIoDQmABkq38yXv8QWlenLXF6ISl3DDyID8F6pLS_Tr8Q_qgVfNc4KP1O6ViEmc16I/s400/stupa.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261643002298967442" border="0" /></a>Mustn't forget Stupas - here is one and that Yala Mountain.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieZ7MLWPjFM9gtxvjpA1O6ihtiQnL2IRwyXtLKFI9AStxvrbipFs0gPaYAO08dIX3hzjqc6osXsLt51qYgHUKTHHGMUkT5Rhyphenhyphen9ax-na-Jiqf-kPQ5Sl3ZLfZUtT2Li1hCRw4M9iN0g5SI/s1600-h/chough.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 325px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieZ7MLWPjFM9gtxvjpA1O6ihtiQnL2IRwyXtLKFI9AStxvrbipFs0gPaYAO08dIX3hzjqc6osXsLt51qYgHUKTHHGMUkT5Rhyphenhyphen9ax-na-Jiqf-kPQ5Sl3ZLfZUtT2Li1hCRw4M9iN0g5SI/s400/chough.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261642980775877938" border="0" /></a>Most of the people we guide this way are birders - but even if you're not a wildlife freak its hard to ignore the fantastic nature here.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpYQm9H2c4fHmBmY_O4_dtu9cJ-FQ88YuxhB82SnjgqrQy1M5AaugS55boqFq3fH-AUULBDpEJ7OvbzaDdAErsA2T72VI7N5KymilL2P1EU9CLDXFfEvK_1u5cTG0LxQIaTtwU11dgdfg/s1600-h/sparrow.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpYQm9H2c4fHmBmY_O4_dtu9cJ-FQ88YuxhB82SnjgqrQy1M5AaugS55boqFq3fH-AUULBDpEJ7OvbzaDdAErsA2T72VI7N5KymilL2P1EU9CLDXFfEvK_1u5cTG0LxQIaTtwU11dgdfg/s400/sparrow.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261642971165491954" border="0" /></a>It might be just a Sparrow - but you don't often see 'em sitting on Tibetan prayer flags.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3v-H4f5GB1RPPUoIfdKAXi7JCRW-WFdz9Il2YckcceU6fgy63EwdPsGzPwonnNc66beEn1hlKtyQAJGIcR9kMwweH_x9IjdEITEyPz5z6jB5Xj49KxoX5GxjvvTPHNSIEJOpezIWIHxQ/s1600-h/him+grif.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 194px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3v-H4f5GB1RPPUoIfdKAXi7JCRW-WFdz9Il2YckcceU6fgy63EwdPsGzPwonnNc66beEn1hlKtyQAJGIcR9kMwweH_x9IjdEITEyPz5z6jB5Xj49KxoX5GxjvvTPHNSIEJOpezIWIHxQ/s400/him+grif.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261642963671973650" border="0" /></a>Vulture meets the moon - lots of big birds floating about!!!<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD038PHeAP5IZC7QLONL_X63URDHUcGyr4_01zlG_eh3GpLgbJkbJDVM4xpO6siIYnZekjyjVnnk-4lLFTf0sNYQn3neSeXpRdwshGOgOSHHizzPOH7Q1se9HYDKe6JmKj72tWJtoYbFk/s1600-h/Tagong+Temple.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD038PHeAP5IZC7QLONL_X63URDHUcGyr4_01zlG_eh3GpLgbJkbJDVM4xpO6siIYnZekjyjVnnk-4lLFTf0sNYQn3neSeXpRdwshGOgOSHHizzPOH7Q1se9HYDKe6JmKj72tWJtoYbFk/s400/Tagong+Temple.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261642009796139186" border="0" /></a>Here's the old Tagong Temple - an important place for Tibetan pilgrimage. Lots of prayer wheels and a great whiff of yak butter!!!!<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwg9xNH7khNELln7Xc7fuD3R4WLtNZqi7iWgSdEqnobeMCrz5TDX7uVE8I-XJLULvI0wskLAEDN5-B9CgTIFEPyMhEZev0kzCV3IlzvIhXYAuEV6Auf9nTwJ4_V7P5cTEt6ucn8vBPSkQ/s1600-h/temple.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwg9xNH7khNELln7Xc7fuD3R4WLtNZqi7iWgSdEqnobeMCrz5TDX7uVE8I-XJLULvI0wskLAEDN5-B9CgTIFEPyMhEZev0kzCV3IlzvIhXYAuEV6Auf9nTwJ4_V7P5cTEt6ucn8vBPSkQ/s400/temple.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261642002323400706" border="0" /></a>A smaller temple on the road out of Tagong - these places look very neat.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEpsn3znTiaoKcGjIqtRGqTxckaRxrZyGwRYutNgQDG_opcuBegXfJiPjecAYVm5mlfOs-Pb9Z0D_uTXruA1BsDurfPnGC5_jyxjs4g_OA08bmeq5ZJhpnJYSGRJNlKgTtc62kXQBe5bM/s1600-h/PA219033.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEpsn3znTiaoKcGjIqtRGqTxckaRxrZyGwRYutNgQDG_opcuBegXfJiPjecAYVm5mlfOs-Pb9Z0D_uTXruA1BsDurfPnGC5_jyxjs4g_OA08bmeq5ZJhpnJYSGRJNlKgTtc62kXQBe5bM/s400/PA219033.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261642005673089010" border="0" /></a>There she is - found her again - this time hiding behind a Stupa.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicrYlFMBK3h8hxqwdROQlD4YU6_pkZxya94tTS4_09piDoe4L0zCF6C2sLxv8Qm7_AToIeInuEcaqGVJ_6NJVbMOepLBuTLj3wsLYjTtskUgA7nwZOSqrYhlKHSVIyOL6ldELYY05ez54/s1600-h/nuns.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 322px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicrYlFMBK3h8hxqwdROQlD4YU6_pkZxya94tTS4_09piDoe4L0zCF6C2sLxv8Qm7_AToIeInuEcaqGVJ_6NJVbMOepLBuTLj3wsLYjTtskUgA7nwZOSqrYhlKHSVIyOL6ldELYY05ez54/s400/nuns.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261642003343152130" border="0" /></a>We have a van so we like to give folk lifts - for the price of a photo. Here are 3 nuns - on a pilgrimage to Tagong Temple.<br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtmq6SvppaOv1oEn1N6zXX17jYlvi4akbCwY0AanAIb2B6jbIP4G08LqlKzDErKNMxV3wRMX-4wVoBOlBq3xfGUDjUfZ8rc2wauhySKVptOIixUUo-i8spAPLtPuAryt58lgIWd0wH2jQ/s1600-h/ladies.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtmq6SvppaOv1oEn1N6zXX17jYlvi4akbCwY0AanAIb2B6jbIP4G08LqlKzDErKNMxV3wRMX-4wVoBOlBq3xfGUDjUfZ8rc2wauhySKVptOIixUUo-i8spAPLtPuAryt58lgIWd0wH2jQ/s400/ladies.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261641999243935410" border="0" /></a>Three farming girls - those hats look so pretty.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSLqdHP9g2N4LaxW2npxhVUKVvw_BNS2h60XFTw9Mah0SeZDYTparorswF0ixra1RUXJbB3gGrrWElRV161Yl2Ha-TI3G7UKmpLa2pcw0AvubTEZaOBMTw2p6Y-Sjax_VvEG2HZAfzWSs/s1600-h/exploding+crisps.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSLqdHP9g2N4LaxW2npxhVUKVvw_BNS2h60XFTw9Mah0SeZDYTparorswF0ixra1RUXJbB3gGrrWElRV161Yl2Ha-TI3G7UKmpLa2pcw0AvubTEZaOBMTw2p6Y-Sjax_VvEG2HZAfzWSs/s400/exploding+crisps.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261641051686910194" border="0" /></a>For us the most serious effects of altitude, and changes in air-pressure, were exploding crisp (for you Americans thats - chip) packets - here's another one that's about to go. Wonder if there's money in producing a high altitude packet.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggfjlNSmbEB8iuTnLSTRu41DGiAyKtTtBs31jIIkPe6sHulyk_sjTlFqRYRGL6F9EAqKloo4iOdgiTbLXIdDgVHnRXe_SnU-9nh16fS5kw7IysBH1G9KQvFfbSYTEQc1jvBDKqFTWYVOo/s1600-h/airport+road.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggfjlNSmbEB8iuTnLSTRu41DGiAyKtTtBs31jIIkPe6sHulyk_sjTlFqRYRGL6F9EAqKloo4iOdgiTbLXIdDgVHnRXe_SnU-9nh16fS5kw7IysBH1G9KQvFfbSYTEQc1jvBDKqFTWYVOo/s400/airport+road.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261641036181827634" border="0" /></a>Here's that airport road I've been talking about- the surface still isn't finshed - but its perfectly okay in dry conditions. On this road you can get to Kangding in about 3 to 4 hours (a lot slower if you're always stopping to take the scenery in) .<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFLQkRg4wLexsF3fGTiVKsObZi8_8vmrBskBqSr-Xcqsa9F3q4FP8F2_lj-CxbURAF3JHLkPFIQoB-lgp5q4tS23lfdNARI77vyBUoy6lIncA2eLfRPtmYvNi9azoT7cwOhT66m4HPKwU/s1600-h/breakfast.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFLQkRg4wLexsF3fGTiVKsObZi8_8vmrBskBqSr-Xcqsa9F3q4FP8F2_lj-CxbURAF3JHLkPFIQoB-lgp5q4tS23lfdNARI77vyBUoy6lIncA2eLfRPtmYvNi9azoT7cwOhT66m4HPKwU/s400/breakfast.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261641028191555074" border="0" /></a>Our Hotel landlady - we always stay at this friendly place. The food is Tibetan, which includes - yak butter tea - some Tibetan cheese (it doesn't taste much like cheese), barley flour which you mix with yak butter and sugar - and lots more yak butter tea.<br />Actually I'm not going to rave on about this diet - and the old lady chuckled when she told that she was sure some foreign guests only ate through being polite!!!!<br />A few other restaurants in the town where you can get away from yak butter!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!<br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglbPxnKriwTrfKAVx_b7iwO7wtMwSKbDCHQ9WHRE0Y2RIA2l6Ms1HGEcEUY5iP8ljwKzjBC511PTRfeIWpR62JTmpSdslypDt_8VB99ua9zGg5pASRpdpFeTRSEnM7Xhkga8d6eR_n4Sk/s1600-h/landlady.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglbPxnKriwTrfKAVx_b7iwO7wtMwSKbDCHQ9WHRE0Y2RIA2l6Ms1HGEcEUY5iP8ljwKzjBC511PTRfeIWpR62JTmpSdslypDt_8VB99ua9zGg5pASRpdpFeTRSEnM7Xhkga8d6eR_n4Sk/s400/landlady.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261641018108619410" border="0" /></a>Here she is again - a great place to stay.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj63dFoR2fcZOlj-W30sHdvMOshd40sH8THzFYYK7ukG8EMMs4cOfxKi3pNQLBIVezgKPBr50LKNixSbbFAd-nkpSqTsyqOeCFZ9Pr7v7lUI_9RYPPiPKcci8n9LMxIToRUUAz3uqTd3_w/s1600-h/bedroom.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj63dFoR2fcZOlj-W30sHdvMOshd40sH8THzFYYK7ukG8EMMs4cOfxKi3pNQLBIVezgKPBr50LKNixSbbFAd-nkpSqTsyqOeCFZ9Pr7v7lUI_9RYPPiPKcci8n9LMxIToRUUAz3uqTd3_w/s400/bedroom.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261641016766344802" border="0" /></a>Our bedroom - no posters on the wall here.<br />There are electric blankets to keep you warm - but bathroom and toilet conditions are basic. A bowl for washing and a hole in the floor type toilet for doing other business - but down the road there other establishments that cater for those who need a bit more pampering<br /><br />To find out more about the grasslands, contact us on - chengduuk@hotmail.comSid and Meggie Francishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09247503266565690661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5977909618547201150.post-84464807643659677112008-10-26T06:02:00.000-07:002008-11-25T00:27:37.642-08:00Chengdu Travel Guide - Viewing the big Buddha from the Leshan side of the river.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixpu7wKqxGR1xv_FMWzTv0Bq48GzGL7PfaV63wSnaZZWXOvh_wefiAO_ETv7zlbRqb9BlVEk9H-n-yGBWQo1lAWC_7vt-icaXAQM69agksEdu3dQmnpCdQ8omxGdhbIUTsbqMXmdX_E4U/s1600-h/bb1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixpu7wKqxGR1xv_FMWzTv0Bq48GzGL7PfaV63wSnaZZWXOvh_wefiAO_ETv7zlbRqb9BlVEk9H-n-yGBWQo1lAWC_7vt-icaXAQM69agksEdu3dQmnpCdQ8omxGdhbIUTsbqMXmdX_E4U/s400/bb1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261448071713066834" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Chengdu Travel</span> - Some of the best views of the Big Buddha are to be had outside the Buddha park - on a small pebble Island that can be reached by a 1RMB ferry from the Leshan side of the Minjiang/Dadu River. From this island you get to see the huge size of this statue - and see the two other smaller figures that flank it (you cant see these from the park and stair ways that flank the the monument). My pics are taken from this Island on a cold, misty day last winter.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy08D0QI6jROAVdCq3fWmxs5tvELBiTxWj7vGCap7EAd-p__spQzHvM2HCMsnhIOiA_EhL9G37mZwHC6Np-nhCi_M_2U6IawlERXjylDAiSSMxWEwF-d74kY7oSEBshBS5F2pFzP-FY2o/s1600-h/bb3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy08D0QI6jROAVdCq3fWmxs5tvELBiTxWj7vGCap7EAd-p__spQzHvM2HCMsnhIOiA_EhL9G37mZwHC6Np-nhCi_M_2U6IawlERXjylDAiSSMxWEwF-d74kY7oSEBshBS5F2pFzP-FY2o/s400/bb3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261448069280155522" border="0" /></a>Here's the face - when I first got to see this, as a long-haired backpacker in the 80's, it wasnt so well restored - no nice pink paint and it had a bush growing out of one of the ear. I kind of prefer it that way but I suppose all that repair work is also to stop it falling to pieces. If you look to the sides of the head you can see the handrails of the park path/stairways that go around the statue - you can also guage how huge it is!!!!<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKzqwPm-C-3N65OzXufQQsxC5fnET5ixcKSjFokB8djkY3bcTL1_DvMw_RIySXi7NyUo4C-L8QJViB-1lfRA7er16W3m1dQO3ql4jWi48-Oov6xfBjLxhS1awpo88cBRRQfTo2nZIKDFM/s1600-h/bb2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKzqwPm-C-3N65OzXufQQsxC5fnET5ixcKSjFokB8djkY3bcTL1_DvMw_RIySXi7NyUo4C-L8QJViB-1lfRA7er16W3m1dQO3ql4jWi48-Oov6xfBjLxhS1awpo88cBRRQfTo2nZIKDFM/s400/bb2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261448064159747186" border="0" /></a>Another view with the river - you can also ride in a boat to take a look - but that's far more expensive that going to the Island - but of course you get much closer. On the subject of close, my pics are taken with a telephoto lens - and although you get a great view from the island - you're not right up close to the big boy. For those who need close - then going to the park is the best option. but for quick, easy and cheap - the island makes a great alternative.<br />To get to the island just find the river in Leshan town and walk in an up-river direction untill you come to the Buddha - and then you'll see the island and the ferry. You may also see some crazy winter swimmers - who brave both the cold and all those toxic chemicals that must be floating around in that soup .<br /><br />To see the pics in a bigger format - just click on an image.Sid and Meggie Francishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09247503266565690661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5977909618547201150.post-50555206605734736002008-10-17T00:00:00.000-07:002008-11-25T00:32:18.792-08:00Chengdu Travel Guide - on top of the world - pics from Western Sichuan<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEMFzvdzEbN5CojQPBFo8q9Gu8g4FIVKyhgnMCQPaU-wsFH8k3CTm3wGhShrXW4Y3ILsTtwoZRvsxExOmA8KcIQqqRiUiNa8BQp8Dk7X7LvMjhRMWAic2ERSvhov9fAym-KNvNM-xTwQs/s1600-h/Untitled-1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEMFzvdzEbN5CojQPBFo8q9Gu8g4FIVKyhgnMCQPaU-wsFH8k3CTm3wGhShrXW4Y3ILsTtwoZRvsxExOmA8KcIQqqRiUiNa8BQp8Dk7X7LvMjhRMWAic2ERSvhov9fAym-KNvNM-xTwQs/s400/Untitled-1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5258117533233208834" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Chengdu Travel</span> - Sichuan is a gateway to Tibet – with large parts of Western Sichuan lieing up on the Tibetan Plateau. When entering this area, the visitor will be among soaring mountain ranges, Yak grazed grasslands, nomadic herders and Tibetan temples – a land of Eagles and Vultures – oozing unique, never to be forgotten travel experiences.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKBUEq97FvDL_wNMtyBDQVdIHlnSbVTU_9VEz8Bbb9-t52VD4MPocDQpeayDKjw72a6M_pqH8LWtlnJl7_wNJcPh_yJH8Cx8qR4_leyQC2GoqD19zQraihVVa0JrMqLX3KTpoqO8WDs7o/s1600-h/grass.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKBUEq97FvDL_wNMtyBDQVdIHlnSbVTU_9VEz8Bbb9-t52VD4MPocDQpeayDKjw72a6M_pqH8LWtlnJl7_wNJcPh_yJH8Cx8qR4_leyQC2GoqD19zQraihVVa0JrMqLX3KTpoqO8WDs7o/s400/grass.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5258021201638081826" border="0" /></a>Rolling grasslands - pasture for the Yak herds. This is a common landscape in these areas.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCNg2TO4wyEceBr37ZqETzR-dyx9AdTnEdNBocnxNc2z6gMWJ3I_VI2RgjkLqnq2zhyphenhyphenQvMEcZvpS-Q2S8kAycliMN_EsG-NvxeNz8w4mYO215nao252Vv2SchOQgwJRRzvStRy9Hs4VoM/s1600-h/m1.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCNg2TO4wyEceBr37ZqETzR-dyx9AdTnEdNBocnxNc2z6gMWJ3I_VI2RgjkLqnq2zhyphenhyphenQvMEcZvpS-Q2S8kAycliMN_EsG-NvxeNz8w4mYO215nao252Vv2SchOQgwJRRzvStRy9Hs4VoM/s400/m1.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5258017708066559218" border="0" /></a>Here, at high altitude, the air is thin - and the environment takes on a harsh rocky beauty, really living up to its top of the world billing.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5d-cblnut_gcW9cdTh1Um3aEcnnJPNocnJjDj7Uk_R0m08_473QRxfIC4pnoHyp5H-oRus-U1u28Sxu171gaD7GyRgD_dy80ePfyrwXCnWRjRMuudaHdJT9WGFLH-qjiThEXip1lJJ4M/s1600-h/dege.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5d-cblnut_gcW9cdTh1Um3aEcnnJPNocnJjDj7Uk_R0m08_473QRxfIC4pnoHyp5H-oRus-U1u28Sxu171gaD7GyRgD_dy80ePfyrwXCnWRjRMuudaHdJT9WGFLH-qjiThEXip1lJJ4M/s400/dege.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5258018439894052274" border="0" /></a>Alpine forest clings onto the valleys - while snow peaks dominate the skyline.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi2a2dF4vIeTDlqhqPllbV2CJu4oq23Ew-XqZq9HPLYfikgQyI3otqRhy7p26RAbTQhfXQn8VX3tuI12lCf2bj8RgssAOPpMYOpQVv8X8RDyBz6a1b3lPoJBP8XBWWZgcTBK6gT6hB8Yk/s1600-h/yala+temple.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi2a2dF4vIeTDlqhqPllbV2CJu4oq23Ew-XqZq9HPLYfikgQyI3otqRhy7p26RAbTQhfXQn8VX3tuI12lCf2bj8RgssAOPpMYOpQVv8X8RDyBz6a1b3lPoJBP8XBWWZgcTBK6gT6hB8Yk/s400/yala+temple.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5258018424218000482" border="0" /></a>A Temple near Tagong - with Yala mountain as the backdrop. This photo was taken on a frosty November morning.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6OEuOj4_t4_1WS4vhqqlcf1LTiLvp6rY02RG6xoCfJbsVjznnYlRvF8bmbOwuP6bjGySx6wt_p_2PmuM0gtzxbByyoqMT1ItOPzGYpc2hgN6__nlXDcV9QV9OCriWAJ-HGZdg8bpXPu0/s1600-h/yak+boys.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6OEuOj4_t4_1WS4vhqqlcf1LTiLvp6rY02RG6xoCfJbsVjznnYlRvF8bmbOwuP6bjGySx6wt_p_2PmuM0gtzxbByyoqMT1ItOPzGYpc2hgN6__nlXDcV9QV9OCriWAJ-HGZdg8bpXPu0/s400/yak+boys.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5258018425569276658" border="0" /></a><img src="file:///C:/DOCUME%7E1/ADMINI%7E1/LOCALS%7E1/Temp/moz-screenshot.jpg" alt="" />A couple of Yakboys doing some inprovised rodeo - actually this Yak is pretty passive - and these animals can also be used as both transport and pack-animals. One of our Tibetan friends told us he used to ride a Yak to school!!! However one thing you've got to watch out for, if you walk on the grasslands - are those dogs that are set to guard the herd - fierceTibetan Mastiffs. But you'll be alright as long as you dont go walking about at night.<br />The boy in the red coat is a novice monk - he's also got my binoculars!!!!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbwykBQzUv5JfDldnVEwt7TLvtncP5sZ2lhyphenhyphenflhhs6E9xFAgHKoiMFsKByypcoa3S8pew2m8QoxcXQxwTAvNkGK5xGS0JD3OkFSB9xtQA_KBKW_VOQpoJcNzKatzU_tJtSKgzKUQ5xhMg/s1600-h/jewelry.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbwykBQzUv5JfDldnVEwt7TLvtncP5sZ2lhyphenhyphenflhhs6E9xFAgHKoiMFsKByypcoa3S8pew2m8QoxcXQxwTAvNkGK5xGS0JD3OkFSB9xtQA_KBKW_VOQpoJcNzKatzU_tJtSKgzKUQ5xhMg/s400/jewelry.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5258021203821145186" border="0" /></a>A lot of ethnic costume is still worn in these parts - here's a girl we found in the temple town of Dege. Her headress is adorned with turquoise.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBPIErroHuME42QmVw3yEBht-9xrN4MMoFK8QXGAKdjt62CEIOD4AnYlH026yjNyo28XM-II1XKFSea5es2OxXdWy5qPrB28K4SutxdHBQufesTflGLCbhPgUYyyZN_dq8Tso1YPmjDQA/s1600-h/morning+monk.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBPIErroHuME42QmVw3yEBht-9xrN4MMoFK8QXGAKdjt62CEIOD4AnYlH026yjNyo28XM-II1XKFSea5es2OxXdWy5qPrB28K4SutxdHBQufesTflGLCbhPgUYyyZN_dq8Tso1YPmjDQA/s400/morning+monk.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5258017713563978130" border="0" /></a>A monk blinking in the early morning sun as walks past the temple at Tagong. The sun can be strong at these altitudes - its a good idea to bring a good supply of sun-cream.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdajbob4kX0HlwUbOgvonD1iuCOCkrxm1f-nLRZCbrptlJmPIqtXhXhSaTOUM1it_9mXYM283xSbRa1yI01gW9Bp9khaHh3HR1h7RGFc1F7Uo9MqJd9MlOyVP64X2Xl7V7r-cdUaJjVTw/s1600-h/prayer+flags.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdajbob4kX0HlwUbOgvonD1iuCOCkrxm1f-nLRZCbrptlJmPIqtXhXhSaTOUM1it_9mXYM283xSbRa1yI01gW9Bp9khaHh3HR1h7RGFc1F7Uo9MqJd9MlOyVP64X2Xl7V7r-cdUaJjVTw/s400/prayer+flags.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5258017726659563714" border="0" /></a>Prayer flags dot the valleys and often placed at the higest points of passes and tracks. These are at Litang - and are being blown by a summer squall.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh4JCPP55WR4V3MD0DP50y0zyrjVan3qIFmfUr7XYcukWaqEjMZGRQD0M5c_ULAi2hdyLNj7ynivFM8g0gQpfUQXrMzuFhuMWC3Yq03CRFmAp1iAdwihEFCcWHk94U_5M5I-ZsJeZMIXY/s1600-h/beggars.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh4JCPP55WR4V3MD0DP50y0zyrjVan3qIFmfUr7XYcukWaqEjMZGRQD0M5c_ULAi2hdyLNj7ynivFM8g0gQpfUQXrMzuFhuMWC3Yq03CRFmAp1iAdwihEFCcWHk94U_5M5I-ZsJeZMIXY/s400/beggars.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5258114643036917378" border="0" /></a>Old ladies outside the temple at Tagong.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4lZiN45Lu5eDy22YM4K8kXhDxFqXGkeTIIyGhDaRmBwkTJceKsIpmmVUSpyT84ma0Vb6UOwy_f63bCg38Ou5VgWuPaqAvfcUWUKNpn6hYI_aohRfkh_lM2VG8_nXKuzkymERDcoDJVK0/s1600-h/pika.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4lZiN45Lu5eDy22YM4K8kXhDxFqXGkeTIIyGhDaRmBwkTJceKsIpmmVUSpyT84ma0Vb6UOwy_f63bCg38Ou5VgWuPaqAvfcUWUKNpn6hYI_aohRfkh_lM2VG8_nXKuzkymERDcoDJVK0/s400/pika.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5258018416885392994" border="0" /></a>A bit of grassland nature - this is a tiny Rabbit called a Pika.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5SYzy_J2Mr4Egm-p7f5dNXRgee0zo6gSG6F0qpMfRHqoL3x9fHpuFQBX7gSQQMvo69WjtGxzCgZwkwcW1b6MCG6uN7yHrRCns0wlDd9IMSSzEe6a-mE_NiUFujbYsm6DSyxJC8mH9HzA/s1600-h/j1.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5SYzy_J2Mr4Egm-p7f5dNXRgee0zo6gSG6F0qpMfRHqoL3x9fHpuFQBX7gSQQMvo69WjtGxzCgZwkwcW1b6MCG6uN7yHrRCns0wlDd9IMSSzEe6a-mE_NiUFujbYsm6DSyxJC8mH9HzA/s400/j1.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5258017731410015410" border="0" /></a>Our first car - an old canvas topped jeep- "blimey its cold up here!!!" Nowadays we drive about with a little more cover - and a little less clothing.Sid and Meggie Francishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09247503266565690661noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5977909618547201150.post-9516133236898225172008-10-14T23:09:00.000-07:002008-11-25T00:33:32.514-08:00Chengdu Travel Guide - More Pics from Laba He on our Red Panda day<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnsmwLtbRcC7NTU0BHrN0g9PgOFrxruwUZPmHfWZ-CRqJk_iOryVJC4bdiXmP8ubhaDFwAQ20p0QReCKPxIal__zEvq4OeEUD_rr-FBMVUTHyJCJ-eGfzYIeNhOhUgOO7y_Mhx7lq2j24/s1600-h/forest.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnsmwLtbRcC7NTU0BHrN0g9PgOFrxruwUZPmHfWZ-CRqJk_iOryVJC4bdiXmP8ubhaDFwAQ20p0QReCKPxIal__zEvq4OeEUD_rr-FBMVUTHyJCJ-eGfzYIeNhOhUgOO7y_Mhx7lq2j24/s400/forest.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5257260294796178994" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Chengdu Travel</span> - A view into the forest. This is primary growth - and a major conservation point, with regard to this habitat type, is that destructive domestic animals, such as goats and cattle, are not found within the park - their grazing can destroy so much plant growth and regeneration. The vegitation is very thick with large areas of bamboo. It's very difficult to travel directly through this kind of forest, so a lot of viewing is done from the tracks that wind up the valleys.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYvj8bUhaPp6hOK-qUHpz9zqo7xQEQmggjjFDU7oUD8XKQ8S830zA1tG0G92Yiwe-rnJMYQbWu2GGdBjbcGEywcmO_nctm2XwrhWxNUsoVoC5ASiN-C7K4a03JeL5P4yTE69kz1kUzrrQ/s1600-h/monkey+1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYvj8bUhaPp6hOK-qUHpz9zqo7xQEQmggjjFDU7oUD8XKQ8S830zA1tG0G92Yiwe-rnJMYQbWu2GGdBjbcGEywcmO_nctm2XwrhWxNUsoVoC5ASiN-C7K4a03JeL5P4yTE69kz1kUzrrQ/s400/monkey+1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5257260298097216466" border="0" /></a>Sometimes you'll get to hear blood curdling screeches and yells - often from one side of a valley to another - don't be too alarmed its Short-tailed Macaques calling to each other as the troupe spreads in its search for food. In some Chinese parks you get feral monkeys that will come to tourists for food - however at Laba He the monkeys are very wild - but they have found out that raiding rubbish bins can bribg something tasty. Meggie took the picture of this Monkey about 10 minutes before we found the Red Panda.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNDWfo1kidZu26ZqKBlaxEaH9ND8hekO0PYWgoPh9qRHqKeviElxBkPQnXUgjIeM9bZUNPKaQ7mL_O1nKVopUu3401IkFlNxIeuG663NyphscKQhAAJ0PPgWUurrd6oqImYdntkdv450M/s1600-h/monkey.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNDWfo1kidZu26ZqKBlaxEaH9ND8hekO0PYWgoPh9qRHqKeviElxBkPQnXUgjIeM9bZUNPKaQ7mL_O1nKVopUu3401IkFlNxIeuG663NyphscKQhAAJ0PPgWUurrd6oqImYdntkdv450M/s400/monkey.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5257260299094877362" border="0" /></a>The dominant male - and he's got an eye on us. He's warning the troupe that humans are present - telling them to keep their distance.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmxOeXyiwxcN4b20fVr4Q5jPYBXd6uhe2Ol2_FEzRFYqRGlAUs4gy0S4rtyowAEhXGb91yuWUYxxLCJ-C0MJKzsERX6GbvMifUXWKdci70XpvwYCPMmsOn0s9w_xGPlu9QU5xRTJhkpKs/s1600-h/viewing++stand.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmxOeXyiwxcN4b20fVr4Q5jPYBXd6uhe2Ol2_FEzRFYqRGlAUs4gy0S4rtyowAEhXGb91yuWUYxxLCJ-C0MJKzsERX6GbvMifUXWKdci70XpvwYCPMmsOn0s9w_xGPlu9QU5xRTJhkpKs/s400/viewing++stand.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5257273581129954034" border="0" /></a>This is viewing platform for looking at Deer and Takin - but its lunch time, not too many animals about now - so we use it as a convenient place for making sandwiches<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8en3ZeMX50c9xFacoTbjTy6anYuwGywjgnoLUqIcync1caynhVYvpbNGgByI4pSqWcTAazVeuKesMgV2870jL0w1tIDOjPOeyoWeKDyLRSENuoDnqk5oSmOPQyWoXgMZohuqAbe-DF8k/s1600-h/view.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8en3ZeMX50c9xFacoTbjTy6anYuwGywjgnoLUqIcync1caynhVYvpbNGgByI4pSqWcTAazVeuKesMgV2870jL0w1tIDOjPOeyoWeKDyLRSENuoDnqk5oSmOPQyWoXgMZohuqAbe-DF8k/s400/view.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5257260551787969826" border="0" /></a>From the platform we can view country that is around 3000m high - here the forest is dotted with natural alpine pasture - great habitat for grazing animals. During August, this kind of country carries a thick matt of colorful grassland flowers - quite a sight.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhctPGerabgoLHUVmTWQ1rmmn9c52C0hKq5kuyQglMTp2U-7B-IY0EeiZuJAza4HcT75hGk0iXZg3JSDdElPVgWxh785vwzzU5x8vPytXf-X4RMTC7YTjXtXBycrvxbsm7GA32woGiU7Cc/s1600-h/IMG_7932.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhctPGerabgoLHUVmTWQ1rmmn9c52C0hKq5kuyQglMTp2U-7B-IY0EeiZuJAza4HcT75hGk0iXZg3JSDdElPVgWxh785vwzzU5x8vPytXf-X4RMTC7YTjXtXBycrvxbsm7GA32woGiU7Cc/s400/IMG_7932.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5257260304195599938" border="0" /></a>A view higher up. The mountains here peak at just over 4,000m - and that's the summer altitude for Giant Panda. The mountain range goes on uninterrupted all the way out to the Wolong area - here we are on the edge of one of the world's richest Panda habitats.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyri4EBLzDdfh7fj6JfyqGtjHcr1AgKt-qZ0jgowZCtFLuvV254F-hwMBYNNEtwADgIXFuNRjWAWooG3EVTVxbd4mfuINgWLTbi88dDhh-Iu_uYTorep8XTbi179rt6mHlyDFADfAJXZs/s1600-h/v+forest.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyri4EBLzDdfh7fj6JfyqGtjHcr1AgKt-qZ0jgowZCtFLuvV254F-hwMBYNNEtwADgIXFuNRjWAWooG3EVTVxbd4mfuINgWLTbi88dDhh-Iu_uYTorep8XTbi179rt6mHlyDFADfAJXZs/s400/v+forest.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5257259722526497586" border="0" /></a>But following the laws of gravity - we who go up must eventually come down - we make out descent by a plank way that takes us through more great habitat - and gives Laba He vistors the chance to enjoy the great scenery.Sid and Meggie Francishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09247503266565690661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5977909618547201150.post-78374189102825442052008-10-14T06:59:00.000-07:002008-11-25T00:34:32.073-08:00Chengdu Travel Guide - Wolong as it used to be<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMPtdVW9U8EhTFu6Khtxz3gvmTblixV_kmUtV__FzJxVG1TtHZG-qy_UpUC-BngNEzmhnD10F7y9hPVF4YrSckqCfzhjUBXfVFby6-QhlnPoaeWYZp3svm2AjdplRiHAvuBCvihnqC20Y/s1600-h/panda+wolong.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMPtdVW9U8EhTFu6Khtxz3gvmTblixV_kmUtV__FzJxVG1TtHZG-qy_UpUC-BngNEzmhnD10F7y9hPVF4YrSckqCfzhjUBXfVFby6-QhlnPoaeWYZp3svm2AjdplRiHAvuBCvihnqC20Y/s400/panda+wolong.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5257009577719755234" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Chengdu Travel</span> - The Panda Breeding Research Center at Wolong - as it used to be before the quake - was a very different type of place than the Chengdu Center. This was because, at an altitude close to 2,000m and situated in a beautiful mountain habitat, it was actually located very close to real Giant Panda habitat. Here you can see one of the old Panda pens - still containing large forest trees - with the Panda habitat of Wolong valley making up the background. Unfortunately this center was badly damaged by the May quake - with most of the Pandas now being moved to the Bifengxia center near Ya an.<br />The Chengdu center, differs from Wolong since it's situated in the surburbs of a very large city - and being in the Sichaun basin - is about 2,000m lower than where Panda are normally found. Because of this, the environment and climate are very different from what Pandas, in their natural habitat, are used to.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSl5zmgyIR_FAtChNRELT1geKN0Q2-teiferts3eSGcz9hTZHLXL0SOW4GTNqD_sZj0HgI-LdtIhPfB7Yu-xtE6QGzhTSUgSSJBZEAWEGYYX99oLXBnVWqIdaBH0Zx_Q4FqPRWBxAnjtQ/s1600-h/wolong+scenery.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSl5zmgyIR_FAtChNRELT1geKN0Q2-teiferts3eSGcz9hTZHLXL0SOW4GTNqD_sZj0HgI-LdtIhPfB7Yu-xtE6QGzhTSUgSSJBZEAWEGYYX99oLXBnVWqIdaBH0Zx_Q4FqPRWBxAnjtQ/s400/wolong+scenery.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5257009575751597170" border="0" /></a>This is a picture at the back of the old Wolong center - the wild Panda habitat is at the top of those steep valley peaks. We talked to locals who had see Panda during the winter, when they sometimes come down in altitude to escape harsh weather. However even those few folk who live in the forests of the side valleys - usually bee-farmers - may only get to see a panda once or twice each winter - you have to be extremely lucky to get a sighting.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3cG1fLt2uSYYSEkNuS8qr0P63wmM79R8X2k9HyiJdEfLJVIFceKtC0SNnxb0_hzkV8LrMukH6s0lUxwek6etJ2QO2lL3rkfG01wxI-2Eycp9EbivxxO1O0wiKusYd-ba-8EN8LbDKxYk/s1600-h/baby+wolong.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3cG1fLt2uSYYSEkNuS8qr0P63wmM79R8X2k9HyiJdEfLJVIFceKtC0SNnxb0_hzkV8LrMukH6s0lUxwek6etJ2QO2lL3rkfG01wxI-2Eycp9EbivxxO1O0wiKusYd-ba-8EN8LbDKxYk/s400/baby+wolong.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5257009576066900562" border="0" /></a>The big difference with Wolong was that the climate better suited the Pandas. In Chengdu the animals are put into their temperature regulated pens if the temperature exceeds 26C (which during the hot Chengdu summer is quite often) - but in cooler less humid Wolong the animals - at least those which were not in the breeding pens - were always out.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_IXMT8c5x-eFppRVUJjZUDs0zcQ1MgSX1N8hXV3JLvpZywmkanmK2xJEPKR7fHK8zDNPaIZDlCMmdIPicqGn90Z8qVKK2RmwRKu75gnBz_3q6vu0EygDWqy4e0YD_jIXrKXys6WkFUIg/s1600-h/baby+close.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_IXMT8c5x-eFppRVUJjZUDs0zcQ1MgSX1N8hXV3JLvpZywmkanmK2xJEPKR7fHK8zDNPaIZDlCMmdIPicqGn90Z8qVKK2RmwRKu75gnBz_3q6vu0EygDWqy4e0YD_jIXrKXys6WkFUIg/s400/baby+close.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5257009571130429954" border="0" /></a>The Pandas in Wolong were always in magnificent condition - lets hope that the center will soon be able to re-open.Sid and Meggie Francishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09247503266565690661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5977909618547201150.post-60543878902579623052008-10-12T22:14:00.001-07:002008-11-25T00:35:39.248-08:00Chengdu Travel Guide - Finding a Red Panda<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYzjDWgv4cL1b6LVntXy6Uo2porHMja9mWyIhG3I2zInCWdcEGWhyx4FT5OhxipMYLAIYy3uZj2hO3-Tgu-BqCdM6D-GpzPqirLuzKcdYyZzouQEiEyx1gQD81Xast1AcdVW2M0F0vQfw/s1600-h/misty+morn.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYzjDWgv4cL1b6LVntXy6Uo2porHMja9mWyIhG3I2zInCWdcEGWhyx4FT5OhxipMYLAIYy3uZj2hO3-Tgu-BqCdM6D-GpzPqirLuzKcdYyZzouQEiEyx1gQD81Xast1AcdVW2M0F0vQfw/s400/misty+morn.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5256502767882204338" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Chengdu Travel</span> - A misty October morning at the Laba He Forest park - this park is an eay 4 hours from downtown Chengdu. This picture is taken at about 2,000m, where the lush forest environment creates an ideal habitat for the Red Panda.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_PL6ZAhFCFJs3B1vAH67uOmDJ8yvCqf1FNRubAh6bf8S_z9Pl8duFoZquN9v4jUK25h7rD2Faq2Q44bvazDwrNnXE0d53L87CKHi2h6kb9U9tdkJxHpwDHSdY6rXrlDYo8rK739FIPfE/s1600-h/r+panda+5.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_PL6ZAhFCFJs3B1vAH67uOmDJ8yvCqf1FNRubAh6bf8S_z9Pl8duFoZquN9v4jUK25h7rD2Faq2Q44bvazDwrNnXE0d53L87CKHi2h6kb9U9tdkJxHpwDHSdY6rXrlDYo8rK739FIPfE/s400/r+panda+5.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5256502969838282850" border="0" /></a>Indeed the foliage can be so dense that it needs a pair of good eyes to spot the normally quiet Pandas as they go about their daily feeding patrols. Here we have some good luck - a glimpse of movement out of the corner of my eye - a flash of orange brown - and then we focus on the Red Panda recognition point that most often gives it away - a beautiful bushy tail.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKZCVSWmRSW5MZFrY56PG2KNQjenLtBKgrrBA94A8ZObpV8wE0eioXyQPCsNZayNZAF7hiA_34gFxk20cO44exn0R6WwyLTs9xB4MgjifusLU_nym8n-ZVwTWV7L4oNUEcWpGBtSrUSJw/s1600-h/r+panda+2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKZCVSWmRSW5MZFrY56PG2KNQjenLtBKgrrBA94A8ZObpV8wE0eioXyQPCsNZayNZAF7hiA_34gFxk20cO44exn0R6WwyLTs9xB4MgjifusLU_nym8n-ZVwTWV7L4oNUEcWpGBtSrUSJw/s400/r+panda+2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5256503667593576818" border="0" /></a>Red Pandas are great climbers - and they share this forest with other climbing animals like the Monkeys that also live at Laba He. Finding Short-tailed Macaques in this forest is quite easy - they roam in large noisy troupes, often creating a lot of disturbance in the forest canopy. So when we see tree-top movement, straight-away we think Monkey - but this time we get rather excited, it's definitely a Red Panda that's caught our eye.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbLhE5IUBvUJ_wdHx47WgUhjVEkfKXh00BgEeiIHHcP5LUKzAaDBF2FK68REmz93Xu5UWQIShremmoo-XrU3O0hpEYCtKc8s9BavvSXUWn9GHRUzP3YlGtzO-9ruMhWQWLculQxWPEhdI/s1600-h/r+panda+3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbLhE5IUBvUJ_wdHx47WgUhjVEkfKXh00BgEeiIHHcP5LUKzAaDBF2FK68REmz93Xu5UWQIShremmoo-XrU3O0hpEYCtKc8s9BavvSXUWn9GHRUzP3YlGtzO-9ruMhWQWLculQxWPEhdI/s400/r+panda+3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5256504346408381106" border="0" /></a>The Panda moves deftly in between branch and twig, and it's difficult to get photos as its progress is obscured by a filter of forest greenery. But in this shot we can see our Panda stopping to feed on something tasty - maybe one of those berries.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXeTk1X2iNHJO9PO6irJqVkneuBbEKuYbBZMaYGFgTsucTaMHg0DGIJTU_374i8e9UDkL4P8QOidV7QbK5wR-BUfax1lMtx7nEcERfSrIDlWvlMbW6zx-2s2owMdBaghNbB6fnZkWw2k0/s1600-h/r+panda+4.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXeTk1X2iNHJO9PO6irJqVkneuBbEKuYbBZMaYGFgTsucTaMHg0DGIJTU_374i8e9UDkL4P8QOidV7QbK5wR-BUfax1lMtx7nEcERfSrIDlWvlMbW6zx-2s2owMdBaghNbB6fnZkWw2k0/s400/r+panda+4.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5256504639632116482" border="0" /></a>We don't have long to take in this wonderful sight, because soon the Panda is heading for new feeding grounds. These animals are fantastic climbers, moving with expert ease, while performing great acts of ballance.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_zJrFJGLpL4vd9gpTZ-3D7UWFVk6ArfeRdaH7bjz-9_h7x02DH6MF9LYpAxgqKs_X8Wr0SNrX9-7WJtFAmomqpTCkIbT1HbpWXlnStffj5K-7SoMPWNF-Yvx3YsyN9nj2wdNH_Y6Qd8Y/s1600-h/r+panda+1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_zJrFJGLpL4vd9gpTZ-3D7UWFVk6ArfeRdaH7bjz-9_h7x02DH6MF9LYpAxgqKs_X8Wr0SNrX9-7WJtFAmomqpTCkIbT1HbpWXlnStffj5K-7SoMPWNF-Yvx3YsyN9nj2wdNH_Y6Qd8Y/s400/r+panda+1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5256521609017603682" border="0" /></a>And there it goes - once again a wave of a tail - and an awesome nature experience comes to an end.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmziPf1vrJhK7TLdqZ-_C12ohyyBXBmLkF4asd1Fxwbxd4I64lMzpOw9d3D9VDUYiq89BLKIZmMe1andnI6hSNxvsuUCkEMvI4nzYPxa8S2Ko7Dr3JJfZ_16Pi8sIoN889RogwFJ8dGME/s1600-h/guiding.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmziPf1vrJhK7TLdqZ-_C12ohyyBXBmLkF4asd1Fxwbxd4I64lMzpOw9d3D9VDUYiq89BLKIZmMe1andnI6hSNxvsuUCkEMvI4nzYPxa8S2Ko7Dr3JJfZ_16Pi8sIoN889RogwFJ8dGME/s400/guiding.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5256506760777734770" border="0" /></a>On this occasion we were guiding a guest from France and had chosen to take into the park by foot. We trekked up a jeep track - the ascent isn't that steep. However for those who didn't feel confident in walking this park - it's also possible to hire jeep transport.<br />By the way - all the pics are by Meggie.<br />For more info on Laba He contact us on - chengduuk@hotmail.comSid and Meggie Francishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09247503266565690661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5977909618547201150.post-65878920725187711422008-10-09T04:22:00.001-07:002008-11-25T00:36:45.399-08:00Chengdu Travel Guide - Qingcheng Mountain<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJjDWv5Y_gIoxfBf_3U5KeEZsg-FPs76jnqOiBePH0oL7CX2_Ul-UTR0O1bxayd_gCMKjcxecp6sQQZO5WjdhVN9EzjilVADhniz3JRuLw9rmN0gz_XABJOkVXc8_z_yp4dFVrmeECu2o/s1600-h/summit.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJjDWv5Y_gIoxfBf_3U5KeEZsg-FPs76jnqOiBePH0oL7CX2_Ul-UTR0O1bxayd_gCMKjcxecp6sQQZO5WjdhVN9EzjilVADhniz3JRuLw9rmN0gz_XABJOkVXc8_z_yp4dFVrmeECu2o/s400/summit.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5255113308447992194" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Chengdu Trave</span><span style="font-weight: bold;">l</span> - The Qingcheng mountains are a popular tourist site - just over an hour's drive from downtown Chengdu. There are two main tourist sites - the front and Back-mountain.<br />This picture was taken at the top of Qingcheng Front Mountain on a clear frosty February morning. The views that day were great - you can see higher mountain ranges out to the west.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK_Z4XojN6zx3TPblHA2HGN6dHx46L8XF6xnkyDl9f2UP8PdCyF2emGBi-2JHUZf7-i3EvNvcRmRwnWtkX1hyphenhyphenlBqg9UpODhInH_js4YhL0oTSEzNDuhlQi06bmBOHK24RhRcjtZhzgotM/s1600-h/oingcheng+shan.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK_Z4XojN6zx3TPblHA2HGN6dHx46L8XF6xnkyDl9f2UP8PdCyF2emGBi-2JHUZf7-i3EvNvcRmRwnWtkX1hyphenhyphenlBqg9UpODhInH_js4YhL0oTSEzNDuhlQi06bmBOHK24RhRcjtZhzgotM/s400/oingcheng+shan.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5255126296475911282" border="0" /></a>Not all Qingcheng is a tourist area - there are lots of tracks that hikers can use - but to get to these you need a guide.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcoa3_lxI91Qm2Dl75rSI8FOjd2f_Xl9Z24PwT-XBMXoteCTTaYeeSxCA87iL1fFdEVHI4SPqf3xEUHomlEL6yEWUwu3kBNxRKkZQ_NpxSGTOSFVk-eieutHh6L8dm5gwVv781DxjKtFk/s1600-h/Untitled-1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcoa3_lxI91Qm2Dl75rSI8FOjd2f_Xl9Z24PwT-XBMXoteCTTaYeeSxCA87iL1fFdEVHI4SPqf3xEUHomlEL6yEWUwu3kBNxRKkZQ_NpxSGTOSFVk-eieutHh6L8dm5gwVv781DxjKtFk/s400/Untitled-1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5255113385249057106" border="0" /></a>Another panoramic view from the top of the front mountain.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyOcd6ZtW-qOOlAaW0KSWDGk-YTHVdWenN19K5sMYUvFkgCj-iOxz_p0ULubH4ved1vby_oCSC2waVs7dRDgBvNtAsdAqa2PNHxGS5U5c48gSVOLHy_VLEdRN9HqakbePhfFw-_fUd-DQ/s1600-h/snow+temple.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyOcd6ZtW-qOOlAaW0KSWDGk-YTHVdWenN19K5sMYUvFkgCj-iOxz_p0ULubH4ved1vby_oCSC2waVs7dRDgBvNtAsdAqa2PNHxGS5U5c48gSVOLHy_VLEdRN9HqakbePhfFw-_fUd-DQ/s400/snow+temple.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5255125797185116866" border="0" /></a>Qingcheng is a holly mountain for Taoists - so there are a lot of temples. By the way snow is not that common on Qingcheng.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGhQKKpEfC6qPRnqBtO3mKp4FvEr7gfaXxEU0qH5rCAfUAc8q9ai9248UfJR1fFbxL0wGSgAbpBh34qarGCT-j9Xr1vN8L02SaOQ1NezGbe8OLJyEHmqS_LEU3eFsWbfINbvxWUNbeLHo/s1600-h/rock+tempel.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGhQKKpEfC6qPRnqBtO3mKp4FvEr7gfaXxEU0qH5rCAfUAc8q9ai9248UfJR1fFbxL0wGSgAbpBh34qarGCT-j9Xr1vN8L02SaOQ1NezGbe8OLJyEHmqS_LEU3eFsWbfINbvxWUNbeLHo/s400/rock+tempel.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5255125569734924770" border="0" /></a>Here's a cool temple built into a rock-face.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGQabp3KjvCgkQfYGG84sZb-3gNe56OjG0mvfc6PIUJoCzUa9wINKH6Bi99HXeMWjBJxA-LmbWnwLgIXOKAWGVs960pkapuOHyIsbJODyYJFm_i-ISu2eio0h70HLIZBJDx1tHpJYRBhk/s1600-h/temple+bed.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGQabp3KjvCgkQfYGG84sZb-3gNe56OjG0mvfc6PIUJoCzUa9wINKH6Bi99HXeMWjBJxA-LmbWnwLgIXOKAWGVs960pkapuOHyIsbJODyYJFm_i-ISu2eio0h70HLIZBJDx1tHpJYRBhk/s400/temple+bed.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5255125446037010338" border="0" /></a>You can sleep in the temples - but it aint no 5 star luxury experience!!!!!!!!!!!!!!<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQsLImlwr84s6lU7uxEeilr4f-sCLZ0uVTHfdzI1uw3kKttFPiAVvJjoyrQahBhwZ8aU8htJyQfnsMGf2s6to5AXh9WCeogE3u-LS0520urv24rDfdIuVgdASCsoEhTt_dhC9gujzueLw/s1600-h/temple.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQsLImlwr84s6lU7uxEeilr4f-sCLZ0uVTHfdzI1uw3kKttFPiAVvJjoyrQahBhwZ8aU8htJyQfnsMGf2s6to5AXh9WCeogE3u-LS0520urv24rDfdIuVgdASCsoEhTt_dhC9gujzueLw/s400/temple.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5255343279259765042" border="0" /></a>Here's a nice wooden building at the temple on the top of the back-mountain. The path up this mountain was damaged by the quake - but, with a scramble, braver souls should be able to get up here. By next summer many more repairs will have been made on this part of the mountain.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghfI_nAwjCUlnHC0yr17jxHG_lEYCv3iHB_ytUzJaZb2NsPCKp4EeGh3-hzuB6nc_U7mE-4b82KF-3hK5s3r2WFoGKLVOGVL1_8Z4OALMR6-v0UekuEeLBb7oyQr_B2yZM5FEHMOZp9Yk/s1600-h/pebble.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghfI_nAwjCUlnHC0yr17jxHG_lEYCv3iHB_ytUzJaZb2NsPCKp4EeGh3-hzuB6nc_U7mE-4b82KF-3hK5s3r2WFoGKLVOGVL1_8Z4OALMR6-v0UekuEeLBb7oyQr_B2yZM5FEHMOZp9Yk/s400/pebble.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5255114652540136914" border="0" /></a>My wife confronts a small pebble that rolled over the path. Actually its quite easy to get passed this quake obstacle.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA_iHI-EINwI1A9_uIueQATm9pZDSsUwZSz3IoieUufttpeO7Dr9sicwasJkksZ_6xfoSYLHjAN9XXBy1Y5PR_JuZcVccSNlai_uVetopJyMtpteuRWdrxM9pp4YqIm7F5Nhyphenhyphen9qqJmels/s1600-h/3+yummy.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA_iHI-EINwI1A9_uIueQATm9pZDSsUwZSz3IoieUufttpeO7Dr9sicwasJkksZ_6xfoSYLHjAN9XXBy1Y5PR_JuZcVccSNlai_uVetopJyMtpteuRWdrxM9pp4YqIm7F5Nhyphenhyphen9qqJmels/s400/3+yummy.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5255126917503170834" border="0" /></a>We like to hike in this area - and sometimes eat with a local farm family. Todays grub is smoked-ham - it tastes preeetttty good!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT_B5nPjor4epAx1_WDqNI2DEzrf9Rgvjp15joHzDiPrajve1yvSLlYuKpgNKF037ETFl2Xwo4A_cn8uwGbKIaVL1CV6C0WQfVEWdSp-FiFze569b39nFyWN-Tl1Gge8a_wCD-DUQeTS4/s1600-h/2+farm+house.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT_B5nPjor4epAx1_WDqNI2DEzrf9Rgvjp15joHzDiPrajve1yvSLlYuKpgNKF037ETFl2Xwo4A_cn8uwGbKIaVL1CV6C0WQfVEWdSp-FiFze569b39nFyWN-Tl1Gge8a_wCD-DUQeTS4/s400/2+farm+house.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5255127464628009570" border="0" /></a>A great Qingcheng farm house with a bark covered roof .Sid and Meggie Francishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09247503266565690661noreply@blogger.com0