1000 buddha cliffs and giant buddha Leshan

We take a bus from Chengdu station to Leshan then a pedicab to visit the Giant Buddha. This buddha carved into a cliff above the water is astounding. Its enormous and all began when one ambatious monk decided to start carving, to give you an idea of size its toenails are 6m wide. We viewed the buddha from a boat on the water and still have sore necks from gazing up at this amazing site. We then made our way to a small town called Jiajiang to visit the equally impressive 1000 buddha cliffs. There are infact around 2400 buddhas carved into the cliffs along the river. The area is relaxing and tranquil with small farms and housing dotting the river side. We visit a temple on the hillside where a monk blessed the boys. We headed back into the township and it was obvious they dont see many westerners here as we were quite an attraction. People were coming out of their shops to stare at the boys as we passed. We make our way back to the bus station and back to Chengdu. http://www.byokids.com.au/ ...your family travel gurus

Chengdu, Pandas and all that spice!!!!

We arrived off the night train from Xian with a good dose of coal in our chests from the coal burning heaters they stoked all through the night. We make our way to a hostel and get settled in. We have come to Chengdu particularly to see the Pandas, the massive centre based here is running an extremely successful Panda breeding programme. Will it didnt disappoint, its impossible to not adore these gorgeous animals while you watch them play. The nursery is a must see with tiny babies learning to stand, roll and give the keepers a hard time. The grounds are large, spacious, clean and their is a large interactive information centre great for kids and adults. We spend a few days living on Mcdonalds and Pizza hut in Chengdu as the food in this sichuan province is the spicest and hottest we've ever experienced and dont bother asking for no spice as its likely that they will either refuse or not understand anyway. One lady flatly refused to not spice the kids chicken wings at a roadside stall even though she understood. Made us wonder if thats how they kill the germs?? http://www.byokids.com.au/ ...your family travel gurus