It looks like the bad weather/pollution has followed us here. Arrived here by soft-sleeper train (only took 17 hours) as we felt guilty for flying

everywhere (I hate to think how big my carbon footprint is)!
Chengdu, like every other city we've been to in China, has loads of brand new high-rise buildings (with loads more being built). However, it still manages to feel fairly relaxed, especially if you go to places like the People's Park (where you can watch with amusement as people sing karaoke or dance to some cheesy Euro-pop music). We even managed to join the locals and drink green tea in one of the teahouses here - and you know, it wasn't bad!
This is also the place to come if you want to see some pandas as there is a large breeding research centre there. It meant having to get up very early so that you could see them being fed (and when they're at their most active), but it was worth it. They're just sooooooo cute!! Especially the new borns that are kept in a cot (and are wearing nappies)!
Now, if I could just perfect my 360 degree vision when crossing the road................!