Day Thirteen – Giant Panda Zoo

Today was National Children's Party Day, coincidentally it was also our day to visit the Giant Panda Zoo. Not surprisingly, the zoo was absolutely slammed with children of all ages. In the end though no one complained, after all – a zoo is all about children anyway.

Our day started with the end of the Yangtze Cruise and the start of the third phase of our trip, Southern China. Here are some fishermen along the shore and of one of the countless suspension bridges we passed under.

 

The giant panda is one of the rarest animals in the world and the national treasure of China. Originating thousands of years ago during the fourth ice age, giant pandas remain relatively unchanged today. They eat primarily bamboo, about 20 kgs per day. There less than a thousand giant pandas remaining in the world today.

 

Zoo snacks and meals on wheels.

 

Some more animals.

 

Zoo visitors.

These little motorcycle-cars were cute.

 

Capitalism begins to creep into China in not surprising ways.

 

The elevated train system here in Chongqing reminded me of Chicago's “L”

China's youth.

Lucie and I used some free time to stroll the streets around freedom square where we encountered this stray dog as well as this puppy for sale.

 

The heat was bearing down on us so we couldn't resist an ice cream.

If they need a bridge, they build one...

 

Our next stop in Chongqing, a city of 10 million, was the old town where this banana tree was growing.

This statue of the first Emperor was said to bring good luck, below him are thousands of red cards carrying the wishes of the citizens.

In the old town we encountered this movie set, filming a new, still very popular, Kung Fu movie!

 

This painting in the gift shop caught my eye, but not my wallet, as we made our way back to the bus for our journey to the next region, Yangshou – the vacation dreamland of China.