See China's giant pandas in the wild

Chengdu, China's fifth biggest city, is the place to stay to see one of the country's most famous animals – the panda.

For the first time, a European airline is offering direct flights to the city, making a visit to the home of the world's most famous endangered animal that bit easier.

Panda-lovers will want to visit China Panda City, which is located in a northern suburb of Chengdu.

Panda City houses 20 pandas in 148 acres, and together with another wild panda reserve in the area the two centres account for 85 per cent of the world's wild panda population.

Though Panda City is an international centre for the protection, generation and scientific research on pandas, it is open to the public.

However, there is more to Chengdu than cute and lethargic bears, as it also has vast visitor attractions including the Temple of Marquis Wu, which was first built in the sixth century, the Dujiang Dam, which is more than 2,250 years old, and the sacred Mount Qingcheng, which has many Taoist relics, buildings and scenic views.

There are tours available to all main attractions in the area, which are particularly good if you travelling with a group or large family, and if you really want to get a feel for Sichuan.

An 11-day tour of Sichuan starts in Chengdu and moves onto Leshan the next day, where you can see one of the areas most famous sights, the Giant Buddha of Wulong Temple.

On day three there are more Buddhist relics to see with a trip to the Thousand Buddha Cave before travelling by car to retreat and take in the views at Emei Mountain.

While you are there, you can visit the summit of the mountain by cable car, and the Wannian and Baoguo temples, before spending the next day at the Panda Centre.

Next on the itinerary is a trip to Jiuzhaigou, a valley and nature reserve known for its many waterfalls and colourful lakes, which is also a UNESCO world heritage site.

On the last day of the trip there is another chance to see the pandas at the Wolong Nature Reserve and Panda City, before a car transfer takes you back to Chengdu.

The tour costs from £716 per person and includes local hotel accommodation with private facilities, private tours with an English speaking guide, all entrance fees to visitor attractions, all meals and transport.

More information is available from www.chinaholidays.co.uk.

Direct flights to Chengdu are available from Amsterdam via KLM for £420 per person, departing March 2007. For more information see www.klm.com.
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