Who: Ed Talbot of Arvada, Yanming Firmin and Jim Firmin of Louisiana
Where: Chengdu, at the Research Base for Giant Panda Breeding. We are standing in front of the Red Panda enclosure.
Best meal: Chengdu is famous for the local specialty, hotpot. Chinese here in the heartland have never been stingy about spice. One standard is Ma Po Do Fu (tofu topped with a bit of minced beef, floating in chili bean sauce). Our favorites were served at the Anchor restaurant in Chengdu.
Best deal: 100 Yuan (about $12.50) for the entrance fee into the Research Base for Giant Panda Breeding, which is a short distance outside Chengdu.
Best time to go: The most comfortable season of the year is early autumn (September to early October). During that period, temperatures are reasonable throughout China (about 50-72 degrees) with limited rain.
Best travel tip: A visa application form can be obtained from the local Chinese embassy, consulate, or official website of the Chinese embassy. You will need two passport photos showing the applicant’s full face and a current passport that is valid for a minimum of six months from the date of travel.
