Why Dujiangyan?
Dujiangyan is just an hour train ride from Chengdu City, but for a slow traveler like me, three days and two nights felt just right. While many healthy travelers do a quick day trip, I needed more time to soak in the sights and adapt to the pace. I was travelling with one walking stick on my hand.
Dujiangyan Pandan Valley
Address: Baima Village, Yutang Town, Dujiangyan City, Chengdu
Arrival & First Impressions
After a long car ride from Heishui, I reached Dujiangyan late in the evening, exhausted. No private driver here. His service ended here at Dujiangyan. Too expensive to keep hahaha. I use only e-hailing rides to move around. The vibe was different, more local, more raw.
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| The first panda , I met |
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| This fella...dont even move. I thought he's dead! |
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| another...I care less panda. Just sleep like a wooden log up there |
Panda Valley Experience
The next morning, I headed to Panda Valley with my online ticket. I chose the smaller valley instead of the conservation center, hoping for a closer encounter. But oh my… it was a wet day, and even the pandas were too lazy to wake up for breakfast. Research said mornings are best, but for me, it was the opposite, ok!!!! Lazy pandas everywhere during my visit! Some of them at the open air kind of enclosure and some in the closed with glass wall enclosure.
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| Nice waterfall along the way |
Walking Challenges
Panda Valley requires a lot of walking, not easy for someone with a walking stick. The weekday crowd of local and national tourists was enough to trigger my anxiety. I can’t imagine the weekend crowd, it would be overwhelming. But seriously, I feel this place is a good place to walk for healthy people. Love the greenery vibes and good , clean environment. I wish could enjoy this place more.
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| ok la...can chill out here sipping a good cup of coffee |
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| cost me 40 yuan. No cheap coffee in China. |
Coffee Break & Red Panda Mission
I found a cozy café and enjoyed a hot cappuccino, reluctant to move. But my mission was clear....meet the red panda. No one warned me it was at the far end of the valley, up a wooden pathway in the rain. No umbrella but just a water proof hoodies to cover my head, The enclosure was high up in the trees, and the viewing spot was tiny. Crowds pushed and shoved for the best shot. I can't even compete with the agressive locals. With my walking stick, I couldn’t manage a photo....only a shaky video in the rain. Sad....but true!!!!! isk isk isk (tiber mau nyanyi lagu Metalicca)
Reflections
Despite the challenges, seeing the red panda with my own eyes was unforgettable. Not everything turns out as imagined, but that’s the beauty of travel. Next time, I’ll try Shanghai for a better red panda experience.
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| masa mau jalan balik. gue lagi udah capek at this point! |
Travel Tips for Dujiangyan
* Plan more time if you travel at a slower pace.
* Must Book tickets online , I bought mine via Wechat. You must choose the morning or afternoon slot. (see....this fella is so VIP hokeyyyy!!!!) Must make appointment to just catch a glance of these bunch of lazy ass fella. But I still visit them though. Super cute hahaha
* Expect walking, so wear comfortable shoes and bring rain gear.
* Weekdays are crowded; weekends could be overwhelming.
* Red panda enclosure is at the far end...prepare for a climb. Rasa mau mati time ni. I was chanting 'Todak nak balik mak! Todak nak balik! the whole way. But its a one way route. You still have to walk to the other end to exit. No other choice right?
My other Sichuan post click below link for your reading pleasure ...
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