Expert: Tom Carter ~ Travel China Expert - 2/9/2009

Question
QUESTION: Hi. I was watching a program on the Travel Channel and the host went to Chengdu, which I believe is in the Sichuan province although I'm not sure. She went to a panda reserve where she was allowed to interact with pandas and even hold one. Do you know where exactly this is allowed to take place? I was doing some research on the internet and came across the Chengdu Panda Breeding and Research Center and Sichuan Panda Reserve. Do either of those places allow this? Also, is the Sichuan province close to Hong Kong at all, or is it closer to Beijing? Thanks

ANSWER: Hi Danielle,
I won't be much help on this one because I never went to the panda reserve. However I know for a fact that any hostel or hotel in Sichuan can arrange a tour for you. I'd imagine that the Travel Channel had to pay heavily to handle the pandas; from what I've read, pandas are vicious animals that you don't want to go petting. Nonetheless, this being China, I'm sure you can arrange something if you have enough money. Lastly, Sichuan is in Southwest China. It's closer to Hong Kong (Beijing is on the other side of the country), but as it is a popular tourist destination, you can arrive there from any Chinese city with ease. Good luck and have fun!
Tom Carter
author, CHINA: Portrait of a People
http://www.tomcarter.org
http://www.blacksmithbooks.com/9789889979942.htm
http://www.havenbooksonline.com/shop/index.htm

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: How long would it take to travel from Hong Kong to Chengdu? What's the best method of travel between the two locations?

Answer
Sorry for the delayed reply.
I don't have the train/flight schedule on hand, but I imagine that by plane it would take a couple hours, but my train perhaps 24 hours. Trains are much cheaper, but if you are not accustomed to traveling in China, or have limited time you might want to just catch a flight.
Best,
Tom Carter