Our destination today is the Bamboo Forest - and we were going to see Pandas. I figured it would be a big tourist attraction - and I was right. We drove through a forest of bamboo - before ending up in a giant parking lot teaming with a million people.
There were a lot of these Panda battery cars you could pay extra for to get closer to the funicular railway that you could take up to the highest point very close to the Panda enclosure.
We stayed in the van as our driver negotiated to get the gate opened to the special parking lot a ways ahead. We then drove up the last little ways to a parking lot that had fewer than 20 cars parked. Then we got on a Panda car for a ride to the top. There were some empty spaces and other people kept trying to get on - and got chased away. This Panda car was only for special VIP's!
And off we go to the funicular.
We are led up some back steps to this platform where we were ushered into the premo spots of the car for viewing. After we had chosen our spots - other people who had paid more were let into our compartment.
No idea what this is for - but it does entice children.
Even VIP's have to walk up the final steps.
We join the masses to view the two pandas. It appears to be naptime.
The second panda is down the hill on the other side - also napping.
You like his nap position?
This is their indoor play area.
We did not add our wishes here.
We then had our photo taken with this giant head of Confucius - before heading off to see a lion dance. See next post.
So pandas sleep like cats and small children, in any position... That´s a lot of infrastructure for two creatures.
ReplyDeletewow all that for two pandas
ReplyDeleteThey are a protected species. I think the Chinese really honor the few that are left.
ReplyDelete