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Arrive in Chengdu. There are a number of direct flights to Chengdu from international locations such as Bangkok, Hong Kong and Singapore, and also domestic cities such as Beijing, Shanghai and Kunming.
After breakfast, visit the Chengdu Giant Panda Breeding and Research Center, an important base for the captive conservation of this endangered species, located just outside the city on Futou Hill, a drive of approximately twenty minutes.
Accompanied by an expert from the center, you will explore the grounds where giant pandas thrive alongside red pandas and black- necked cranes, also endangered, amongst more than 300 varieties of bamboo. Despite its taxonomic classification as a carnivore, the giant panda has a diet that is primarily herbivorous, consisting almost entirely of bamboo. As its “carnivorous” digestive system is not properly equipped to break down cellulose, the giant panda must take in 20-30 pounds of bamboo each day to derive the necessary energy and protein. Due to the giant panda’s dependence on the crop, bamboo deforestation has significantly threatened the survival of the species. This, in combination with fragile breeding habits — a female giant panda in the wild will only have 2-3 cubs in her lifetime and is only fertile 2-3 days per year — they are among the rarest, and most protected animals in the world.
Meet with the scientists responsible for developing the center’s advanced panda reproduction program, which has produced more than 46 cubs in 11 litters over the past ten years, home to panda “supermoms” Hua Mei and her daughter Qing Qing, both of whom have given birth to over ten litters.
Visit with adorable panda cubs and learn about the latest developments safeguarding their future.
Enjoy lunch in the countryside at a traditional Sichuan noodle house where the dough is swung into thin ropes and cut into strands at your table, and the broth is flavored with the spicy and savory local Sichuan peppercorn, or “flower pepper.” Resembling a tiny clove, the peppercorn produces a mild tingling, numbing sensation and is believed to encourage a healthy respiratory system.
Visit the Shu Xiu Fang embroidery workshop where artisans craft Sichuan’s legendary textiles, which are renowned for fine needlework, elegant colors, graceful lines, and their design in the style of traditional Chinese paintings. Learn about the intricate process involved with making the quilts, slippers and decorative fabrics for which the region is known.
After an afternoon rest, spruce up for a delicious dinner at Baguo Buyi, a favorite of Chengdu locals. At this rustic, open-kitchen restaurant, you’ll have the chance to sample local fare such as stewed turtle, as well as other, less exotic, but equally popular dishes such as greens in broad-bean sauce, tea-smoked duck and rice bread with wild vegetables wrapped in corn husks.
After dinner, see a portion of Sichuan Opera (the entire production is quite lengthy and can get dull) at Wuhou Temple, where performances are held in the traditional courtyard setting with tea service, and guests are seated in bamboo chairs. Quite different from Peking Opera, and even more so from Verdi’s or Puccini’s, this local style of opera is distinguished by the “face changing” technique originally achieved by blowing off the chalk of one painted mask to reveal another below. Elaborate acrobatic stunts, sharp wit and lively characters are hallmarks of Sichuan Opera, as is audience participation. Shouts of encouragement, pleasure, and even disapproval are welcome. You will be ushered backstage for a private meeting with the opera’s performers for a glimpse of the usually off-limits backstage area and dressing rooms. If you like, you can view the opera from backstage.
You will begin your day at the pre-dawn hour of 5:00am (sunrise is at 6:15am) as today is the longest solar eclipse in the 21st century. The site from which you will view the eclipse is Emei Shan or Mount Emei; it was chosen because of its altitude, which is often above the clouds that cover the lowlands at this time of year. The eclipse as seen from Mount Emei will begin at approximately 9:12am, but you will arrive at the summit one hour early and stay one hour after.
Mount Emei in Sichuan province is one of the four sacred Buddhist mountains in China and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Witness the eclipse with a notable astronomer, who will provide the scientific perspective of this cosmic event. This expert guide will point out the difficult to locate strange shadow effects caused by the eclipse slightly before and after the totality. A prominent expert in Chinese history, folklore and astrology will also join you and provide another point of view on the eclipse, describing the fascination with the heavens that the Chinese have had for ages, and how events such as these have fostered the creation of myths and superstitions. Remote Lands will provide protective eyewear as well as small telescope or binoculars to be used during the complete eclipse phase of the expedition.
Start with a hike up the mountain. Remote Lands will provide beverages, snacks and other refreshments for the hike, which takes a full day roundtrip if you start from the bottom. As there isn’t time for this today, take the cable car up to Jinding, where it is a one-hour hike to the summit.
Visit a local family in their home for a rustic Tibetan-style lunch and pu-erh “mountain” tea — a preserved tea pressed into cakes once considered so precious it was traded for horses along ancient Tibetan tea routes. Still highly coveted, the many varieties of this rich, earthy tea are said to “invigorate the spleen” and “descend qi” (calm one’s spiritual energy). Watch a cooking demonstration to learn the unique techniques of Tibetan cuisine, which is much different than the Sichuan fare you have been eating. Over lunch you will have a chance to hear stories of the region’s wildlife and to learn about the Tibetan mountain culture from your host family.
Close by Mount Emei is another wonder of China, the Giant Buddha in Leshan. Carved out of a stone cliff face, the Buddha is situated at the juncture of three rivers: the Min, Qingyi, and Dadu. Carving began in the Tang Dynasty in 713 and ended in 803, a monumental 90-year effort that resulted in a 233-foot high Buddha. It is said that a game of mahjong can be played on his big toe, and his hair is comprised of 1,021 separate buns that form an elegant coif. In additional to the statue's undeniable artistry, it was also built with efficiency and longevity in mind. There is a drainage system built into the head, arms and torso, which dispels rainwater and helps keep the statue dry. Visit this UNESCO site with an expert on the spread of Buddhism in China and learn more about this fascinating landmark on a short hike around the area.
Back in the city, share a hot pot dinner with university students and professors at Kuaile Laojia, an atmospherically lit restaurant renowned for the complex flavors of its special house broth. Each table is fitted at its center with a pot of boiling broth and spices into which you will dip a variety of bite-sized morsels. The students will share their thoughts about Chengdu’s quickly changing culture, and their favorite dipping delicacies — which range from goose tongue, chicken feet and organ meats, to cauliflower, green beans, sprouts and dough-buns. Don’t worry, regular cuts of chicken, lamb and beef are also available!
Depart Chengdu for Shanghai or Beijing to meet your flight home or onward.