I recently joined a JPC exchange trip to visit Chengdu, Sichuan. Leshan Giant Buddha, the Dujianyan Irrigation System, pandas and Sichuan food were most memorable for me.

We visited the Giant Buddha at the riverside of Mingjiang River of Leshan City by boat. The huge and peaceful-looking Buddha was impressive. It was the tallest Buddha statue in the world which was constructed way back in the Tang Dynasty using ancient technology and tools. The Dujiangyan Irrigation System was another magnificent construction I visited. We all marvelled at the ancient yet sophisticated technology and wisdom portrayed by this astonishing system.

It was undoubtedly eye opening to visit the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. We could see cute panda cubs to large grown ones. Younger pandas were actively climbing trees while older ones were having bamboos as breakfast. "It's impossible to see such a substantial number of pandas in Hong Kong", the tour guide told us. Those moments were most precious.

The food for the entire trip was just as expected – pretty much every dish with a strong and spicy flavour which caused strong hit to my mouth. I believe having local dishes was one way to understand local customs and conditions since the choice of food greatly depended on local availability of ingredients and climate.

Lastly, I would like to thank Wan Chai JPC for the well-organised trip. We certainly learnt and laughed a lot not only because of the delicacies and fabulous attractions but also the way we explored the world and the friendship we built.

 

<<Back to top>>