When the wanderlust bug in my stomach
starts to get cranky, there is no point avoiding it. I will be down with
depression, lack of appetite, lack of interest in everything. To those who know
me, they will quickly get me the mouse. The cure is to get to my hero airline-
AirAsia! *with tadaa sound* AirAsia offers 12 destinations in China from Kuala
Lumpur. Which part of the republic? This time, to the land of adorable giants,
Chengdu!
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| When the wanderlust bug in my stomach starts to get cranky |
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| The cure is to hop on an AirAsia flight |
Quiet
Zone in AirAsiaX
There are certain things that I would like
to keep to myself but that would be called selfish. So, I will reveal my new
flying approach- I flew to Chengdu via AirAsiaX Quiet Zone. This zone is right
after the Premium Flatbed cabin and spans from row 7-14. It is only available
in AirAsiaX (flights above 4 hours). I
felt a relief when I discovered this zone. This zone aims to maintain a quiet
environment. Lights on these rows are dimmer to create a softer ambience for
relaxation. Only passengers above 10 years of age are allowed in this zone.
This means, no putting up with wailing babies and tantrum-throwing kids. Best
of all, meals will be served first so that passengers can tuck themselves in
for a more undisturbed sleep. I have been served a splendid combination of
marinated roasted chicken with special stuffing with sweet and savoury
cranberry gravy, roasted potatoes and vegetables. AirAsiaX displayed their
dedication in in-flight meals by preserving the taste and quality. The flight
to Chengdu took approximately 4 hours 20 minutes. I was more rested and touched
down China looking as fresh as a daisy!
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| Peace and quiet in the AirAsiaX Quiet Zone |
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| Off to Pandaland |
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| Good hospitality by AirAsiaX stewards |
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| My meal- Roasted chicken stuffed with special filling with cranberry sauce and vegetables |
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| Departing for Chengdu |
When I arrived in Shuangliu International Airport, summer was evident as I felt no difference in the weather from where I came from. A lot of Chinese words greeted and me and verified that I have reached China. I started my journey in Chengdu in a car, cruising from the airport to the hotel. “Chengdu should not be underestimated” I monologued. Structured highways illuminated beautifully at night. The city is organized in a way that merchandize of the same types are cluttered together to ease shopping. It was also exciting to see Chinese versions of Starbucks and McDs. Chengdu is a rising star alongside Shanghai and Beijing as tourism and business hub. These are what you should not miss when in Chengdu.
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| Arrived at Shuangliu International Airport |
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| Chinese Starbucks |
Chengdu
Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding
You cannot leave Chengdu without seeing a single panda. This research base is the pioneer in protecting and breeding the
endangered animal. If you are uninitiated about pandas or bears at all, this
visit will surely have you converted into a panda fan. These national treasures
come in the most adorable and fuzzy form. Seeing them chew bamboos and frolicking
in the outdoors is certainly an antidote to stress. Blending among the flora
and fauna of that park makes a great family outdoor activity. The verdant park
offers many photographing opportunity with nature. I went in the park as a
tourist and came out with panda fever! I promised myself a panda soft toy
before returning to Malaysia.
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| Entrance of the Panda Research Base |
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| Pandamania! |
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| Adolescent pandas lazing |
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| Adult pandas in the outdoors |
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| Capture the peacock fanning his tail for goodluck |
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| Serene bamboo forest |
Le
Shan Giant Buddha
When in Chengdu, do not miss the
opportunity to see the Le Shan Giant Buddha with your very own eyes. This
UNESCO World Heritage site is indeed a magnificence to behold. It is quite
unbelievable that the 71m high sitting Buddha is hand-carved out of a cliff. To
me, it looks like a scene out of Storm Riders where Ekin Cheng and Aaron Kwok
battled swords. It took ancient people 90 years to build in year 713 in the
Tang Dynasty. Anyone before the Buddha will be awed with dropped jaws. The
statue of Maitreya has symmetrical posture and looks which have been elegantly
captured in its solemn stillness. Charter a boat to view the Buddha from the
river or to the island itself to climb up to the top of the Buddha. It is truly
Chengdu’s wonder and trademark.
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| Amazed at the Le Shan Giant Buddha |
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| Popi popi |
TaoPing
Qiang Village
Modernization can consume tradition and culture
in the city. For those who have a relish for undiluted culture, a visit to the TaoPing
Qiang is a must. It is a 2 ½ hour drive away from city center. It is one of the
few preserved ancient villages in China. The way of life and home structure are
still the same as it is 1000 years ago. The architecture unintentionally
survived battles, wars and earthquakes. The technique used to build the homes
has already extinct. Till now, there are still native dwellers living in the same
ancient buildings that homed 56 generations. Take a look at olden water and
drainage systems that are maintained. Villagers are still seen in their ethnic
costumes. In TaoPing Qiang, I tried my luck with dried yak meat and got some
trinkets back home as souvenir.
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| Interesting trinkets at the village |
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| The structure that survived wars and earthquakes |
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| Kitchen of real homes still used till today |
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| Corn dried as fodder |
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| The view of from the village is native and untainted |
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| 98-year old native still going strong |
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| She brought out a headgear just for the photoshot! |
Wuhou
Memorial
Wuhou Memorial holds the Legend of the
Three Kingdoms. This place will definitely captivate those with a penchant for
Chinese history. Even to people without Chinese education like myself, the
depths of Chinese intelligence and stories of emperors, warriors and imperial
advisors will blow you away. The memorial ultimately homes 2 grand treasures
and the tomb of Liu Bei. The first treasure is ancient poem from Zhu Ge Liang
and the second is a pair of tablets by Zhao Fan, indoctrinated by Mao Ze Dong.
Liu Bei’s tomb is famed for its modesty was built by Zhu Ge Liang. Visitors
also get to walk on paths that have been stepped upon by Zhu Ge Liang thousands
of years ago, capturing what the legendary figure experienced when strategizing
his battles. Here, take home a replica of Zhu Ge Liang’s fan made of crane
feathers that inspired him a long time ago.
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| 1st treasure- Zhu Ge Liang's ancient poem |
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| 2nd treasure- ancient tables by Zhao Fan |
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| Path frequented by Zhu Ge Liang while strategizing |
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| Deep thoughts on Chinese legends |
Mount
Emei
Mount Emei is one of the four Sacred
Buddhist Mountains in China. It is also listed as one of UNESCOs World Heritage
site. This trip is for those who are physically inclined. It is 3099m above sea
level and climate is cold due to the latitude. 663 steps had to be trodden
before reaching the cable car which brought us up to the peak. During the 663 steps,
there is no escape from fresh air. Lush greenery and its pristine surrounding
are rare from what we get from the city. At the top, sits Buddhism architectures
that hinted martial arts practice long ago. All along the trail, there were
stalls selling food like sausages, buns, instant noodles and hot drinks to thaw
the fingers. I savoured my beef instant noodles amidst the chilly weather
backdroped by the green forrest. It was the best tea-time of the year!
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| Primates greeting us on the way hiking up the mountain |
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| Stalls selling snacks but beware if you have a weak tummy |
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| Lush greenery along the trail |
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| Buddhist structure and temple |
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| Golden temple at the peak |
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| Best tea break ever! |
Shopping
in Chengdu
To those who need some retail therapy,
there are plenty of prestigious international brands at the IFS shopping mall.
Find for the building with a giant panda climbing to the top. It is just next
to Chunxi street which offers just as much opportunity to swipe the credit
card. Tai Koo Li is a also another recommendation for shopping. For street bargains and budget buys, I went to
Kuan Xiang Zi alley and Lotus Pool. Resist the urge to buy your keychain
souvenirs until you reach there. You can thank me for it later.
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| IFS shopping mall |
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| Go to the sky roof of IFS mall to look at the panda face-to-face |
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| Chun Xi street |
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| Do not get your keychains anywhere else buy here at Lotus Pool Market |
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| Taking a breather after shopping |
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| Kuan Xiang Zi Alley |
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| Budget buys and lots of souvenirs for loved ones at home |
Food
in Chengdu
Food in Sichuan is one of its kind. Famed
for spicy food, I had my fair chance to tease my tongue. The kick of authentic
Sichuan food is contributed by the Sichuan pepper. The pepper, still attached
to the stem is added not only for the spiciness but also the numbing sensation.
Of course I had to try the Ma Po taufu which originates from Sichuan. The
Sichuan hotpot is a must when in Chengdu. The favourite meal comes in herbal or
spicy soup with lots of meat and veggies to be cooked in the soup. Dinner over
the steamy pot certainly compliments a merry environment with family and
friends. In Pandaland, fresh fruit stalls selling local fruits like peaches,
lychees and fresh figs were really tantalizing as it is a rare sight back in
Malaysia. Chinese pastry shops also caught my attention. I caught whiffs of the
aromatic biscuits and could not resist from getting a few home.
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| MaPo Taufu |
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| Sichuan food is spicy |
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| Try the Sichuan hotpot |
Jiu
Jai Gou and Tibet
Destiny has not brought me to Jiu Jai Gou
yet. This superb wonder land is said to be magical beyond words. Chengdu is so
far the only hub for people to reach there. Chengdu is also a famous
interchange for travelers to Tibet. I
will return for my magical moment in Jiu Jai Gou.
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| Jiu Jai Gou- My magical dream |
All good things have to come to an end. My
summer trip left me mesmerized and ready to take on the daily challenge when I
am home. It was a very insightful visit with cultures experienced and scenery
savoured. I left Chengdu with a heavy heart. However, my Quiet Zone was waiting
ahead. An early snack and peaceful slumber all the way back to my home sweet
home safely- a great way to wrap up my wonderful summer holiday.
Disclaimer:
This trip is courtesy of Sarah Mai from www.smallnhot.com
Check out http://www.smallnhot.com/2015/07/flying-with-airasiax-holiday-experience-chengdu-china-2015.html
