One week in Chengdu, and the Lovely Pandas

So we were going to be spending one week in Chengdu, we booked to see the Pandas at the Panda Breeding Base the next and we really wanted to make the most of it as we were really looking forward to seeing the pandas! We went with a tour group, and they took you to the Panda site really early so that you caught them in time for feeding time where they are active, most of the day they just sleep! We saw the young pandas first, and they were so sweet!! It wasn't too busy so we got some very good views of them! We then went to see the red pandas, which are beautiful and have more of a mischievous look about them. The big pandas weren't in sight as much when we saw them but we saw them none the less! The pandas were like children in suits, they had some real human characteristics! After we saw a new born panda, which hadn't even grown his black and white fur yet, and then we went to watch a very corny but nice documentary on Pandas and what they do at the breeding base. Before leaving we had a short stop at the Panda museum. Was a really lovely morning, just wanted to pick one up and hug them!
We decided to add some variety to our stay in Chengdu and booked into another hostel for the last 5 nights. Over the 5 days we relaxed, explored the city, visited Dufu Thatched Cottage, Wuhou Temple, etc. and watched a lot of movies! There was also a hot pot night for people in the hostel. There was lots and lots of food, veggies meats etc and there was too massive pots of broth, one very spicy and one mild. Each person had a small bowl of coriander, oil and chilli. What you did was put in what veg and meat you wanted in the communal pots, and then wait a few minutes then take it out with your chopsticks and eat! It was all very tasty and very hot!
Then we left Chengdu for Shanghai, for the World Expo.