Another day trip to share with you

Another day trip to share with you - Part 1

This time I took so many photos I’m going to divide this photo essay. The first part that I’m posting today is more about the city beside where the most magnificent park I’ve visited so far in China is located, and continues with the entrance to the park, and also the concession walkways that service the tourists. Next article will start our tour through the park gardens themselves. Sichuan Province and the Chengdu City area have some of the most interesting and attractive places I have seen in China.

1   After an hour and a half drive we arrived around noon and stopped for lunch. This statue was across the road from where we ate.

 

 

2   Some artwork next to the restaurant.

 

3   At the store next door they make small signs. I have to share my amusement about the "Moral Office" signs with you.

 

 

4   Many of the buildings in this city use a very traditional form of architecture, which is in pretty stark contrast with the cars in China, most of which are fairly new models.

 

 

5   The entrance to the tourist concessions area is magnificent. This is the entrance to a bridge that crosses a river.

 

 

6   Greeting us in the entrance is the Monkey King. He is one of the most famous figures in China, the main character of the most famous novel, "Journey to the West", written in the 16th century, read by virtually every Chinese person, and by me as well - all 2300 pages. There are movies and TV shows using the theme of the novel. Panda is on his way to greet people as well.

 

 

7   This is the only "selfie" I have ever taken. I couldn't help myself.

 

 

8   The bridge crosses this river.

 

 

9   Then walking to the other side of the bridge I tripped and fell and my camera almost flipped into the river.

 

 

10   One part of the concession laneways.

 

 

11   And another - note the meat hanging outside a restaurant.  The Fujifilm sign seemed a little strange since hardly anyone uses camera film any more.

 

12   The following photos show the ancient city walls described in this plaque and the sculptured artwork imposed upon the walls.

 

 

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15   Some examples of the stores along the walkways.

 

 

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18   A fishy solution for tired feet. Take off your shoes and socks and soak your feet in warm water while being tickled by the little fish.

 

 

19   Sichuan Province is where the Panda Bears live, so there will always be a Panda Bear store.

 

 

20   In the distance a multi-storied pagoda up on a hill.

 

 

21   The box office for entering the park itself. Anyone over 70 is either free or pays no more than the equivalent of one US dollar for entrance, which is one benefit I enjoy at these places.

 

 Next photo essay will be of the gardens of the park. Stay tuned.