After our reservations of getting a sleeper train we actually found the journey to be quiet straight forward and more comfortable than the night flights we have taken. We booked two beds in a four berth cabin, with two bunks on either side and a small table in the middle. We shared the cabin with two Chinese locals one from Chengdu who was very chatty and the other didn't speak. They were both nice people so we could over look the loud snoring during the night.

We arrived in Chengdu at lunchtime our train took 14 hours, we were surprisingly awake after the journey. We would happily take a over night train again!

For the first and last time in China we actually found out hostel in a matter of minuets! It was located down a local alley with people selling street food form carts, we were glad we arrived in daylight as it might have looked alittle dodgy in the evening. The hostel was the best one we've stayed in yet, they helped us arrange shuttle buses and taxis. We also got a breakfast which included a strange side of chopped tomatoes, ketchup and squeezy cheese. This was alongside some toast and egg, not sure were that idea came from!

We booked a shuttle bus with our hotel, it included a tour guide however everyone on the bus was Chinese. So on our way there we listened to a intense speech in Chinese, which must have been important as no one spoke through out it! Luckily some people felt sorry for us and have us a few hints and tips. We didn't stay with the your guide round the Panda Research Base.

The Panda base was quiet big with various areas, some closed off to the public for Giant Pandas and Red Pandas. It also included a genetic research building and a museum. The centre was better than we expected with large enclosures for the pandas, with what appeared to be a natural setting.

Like every other attraction we have been to here it was extremely busy. We actually felt alittle sorry for the pandas with how many visitors were watching, taking photos with flash and talking very loudly. But obviously we can't comment too much as we are one of those visitors wanting to see these beautiful animals. It looks alot like the Chinese people arent used to seeing wild animals, with all the huge cities around China I doubt many people actually see any wild animals. They were overwhelmed with seeing them, shouting and screaming with excitement.

For all the negatives for somewhere like this it does seem a positive thing that they are looking into the conservation and breeding of these animals. The museum was really informative and educational towards the history of pandas and how to help endangered animals in the wild. I suppose there is always two sides to a place like this, but we really enjoyed it. The pandas were fascinating to see and arent actually as fluffy as you think! We didn't see any cubs, as the area was closed off, but it was a good thing considering the crowds of people.

On our way back the shuttle dropped us off at a nearby temple. We didn't go into the temple but It was surrounded by a park with a picturesque lake and a wooden bridge. It led into a meandering collection of alleys with shops and restaurants, it also had a small river winding through with little wooden bridge and temple structures. The place looked exactly like a scene from a Chinese film, it was stunning! Later that evening Matthew decided to be adventureous with his meal and ordered spring greens in a garlic sauce, boiled rice and spicy Szechuan bean curd dish. As well as a vegetable wrap he ordered as a take away snack!

We headed to the airport the next day for our flight over to Vietnam. Although China has been very hard on both of us we are still glad we have visited the country independently as we feel you would be shielded from seeing the real China with a tour company. We learnt more about the place from the people and walking around than the actual sites we visited. Not to day that they weren't spectacular in their own right. China has been a truly fascinating country but it definetly pushed us to the limit.