Chengdu Driver/Panda Reserve

Hi all,

Am planning a quick trip to Chengdu from Shanghai, really just to visit the Wolong Panda Reserve over a weekend in April. Any idea how long the flight is from SHanghai to Chengdu and if flights are easy to buy once in Shanghai?

Have read the great posts about the driver/tour guide Mickal and was wondering if anyone has visited the Wolong Reserve recently - am trying to get a gauge on if the roadworks have been completed and how much time to leave for travel. I have no idea what else is in Chengdu so am really wanting to arrive in Chengdu on the Friday night and leave the Saturday to drive and visit the Wolong Reserve and then return to Shanghai on the Sunday. Is this do-able?

What sort of prices am I looking at for a return flight Shanghai/Chengdu/Shanghai; hotel stay for two nights, driver/guide if I am travelling on my own? Also should a female travelling on be concerned for personal safety given I do not speak Chinese?

Thanks for your input and comments.

Chengdu Driver/Panda Reserve

hi aussie girl, if you are flying in from Australia, best route is stop by Hong Kong or Guangzhou.

I%26#39;ve never been there althoug I am Chinese.

2 cents for your info.

1. Shanghai-chengdu

almost 2.5 hrs flight.

ticket can be booked throught any agency or you can check Ctrip.com, nice service. usually you can get 40-50% discount in this season I guess.

you can check the fare on line there but not sure if it%26#39;s in English also.

and most airlines in China are using electronic tickets now so you don%26#39;t even need to collect the ticket in advance.

2. Wolong.

Wolong is 120km from Chengdu or 50 km from Dujiangyan city.

people in Chengdu is so nice that you don%26#39;t need worry about language.

3. Hotel

you can also book hotel through Ctrip.com.

Sofitel is not bad in Chengdu. price after discount is about 600-800 rmb including breakfast. you can probably find someone else to share a car to go to wolong. ask the hotel to find partner for you .

wish you a pleasant journey!

JC

Chengdu Driver/Panda Reserve

I have just returned from Chengdu and Mickal assisted me there. We usually rough it independantly , but there would have been no better guide than he. Contact him osm028@yahoo.com.ch

Mickal advised that the road to Wolong is a mess and very long trip. He advised Breeding Center in Chengdu and we were not disappointed because of the numbers and getting up close to pandas there.

I think Mickal%26#39;s correct email address should be csm028@yahoo.com.cn IIRC.

Hi Aussie,

Communicate with Mickal for the latest road conditions to Wolong.

The road is a work in process.

If you are determined to get to Wolong, as we were, he is your man.

I cannot speak on the rest of your plan.

Good luck on your journey,

Bob

Hi fellow travellers,

Thanks for your advice and comments. Will get in contact with Mickal and all the positive raves and will hopefully see some pandas somewhere.

Safe travels to you all!

colorsilk