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Nylon
4 days ago
- Nylon
Make your next vacation destination Chengdu for its panda, food, culture and gorgeous scenery
Having only been to China on an exchange trip years ago when I was on an exchange trip in secondary school, I have never thought of returning to China as it wasn't a top priority destination for me. So, when I was given the opportunity to visit Chengdu, I was a little hesitant. The climbing panda at IFC Mall in Chengdu. This, of course, was largely fuelled by the fear that every food in Chengdu was of mala-standard, and my half-past-six command of Mandarin. Despite the fears, I decided to take the plunge with the help of destination guide to make the best of my trip to Chengdu. Here's a look at some must-visit locations when you're in the city. If there is one thing that could get me overly excited about visiting Chengdu, it is seeing those adorable panda bears. As a world-class facility dedicated to the conversation, research, and breeding of giant pandas and other endangered wildlife, the base features a breathtaking landscape with lush vegetation and a simulated ecological environment that reflects the wild habitat of giant pandas, in addition to offering visitors interactive and educational exhibits to enhance public awareness of conservation efforts. The Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding is the must-visit destination where you'll get a rare opportunity to see giant pandas both indoors and outdoors. I was lucky enough to see the pandas in their outdoor enclosures which was great as the space was huge and I didn't feel like I had to jostle with other folks just to get a video or photo. With that said, I would recommend to visit the base early in the morning when the weather is cool as that's when you'll see the pandas lazing about or having their breakfast. The crowd is also much more manageable than in the afternoon. And yes, for us merch-buying folks — there are many souvenir shops within the base where you can shop for those must-buy panda merch. Held from 28 May to 3 June, the 9th International Festival of the Intangible Cultural Heritage is an event that gathers nearly 600 national and international cultural heritage projects from performing arts to traditional crafts and folk customs. Since I was in Chengdu on the opening day, I had a chance to attend the opening ceremony at the Chengdu International Intangible Cultural Heritage Expo Park. Co-hosted by the Sichuan Provincial People's Government, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, UNESCO, and the National Commission of the People's Republic of China for UNESCO, the festival was like a large gathering of cultures where we were not just treated to traditional performances and folk customs of Chengdu, but also to other customs and dances from countries like Italy, Mexico, France, Algeria, and Thailand. While the opening ceremony may not be an experience open to the public, you are still able to enjoy the festivities that surround the festival dates at the park. One of the most-talked about food when you're in Chengdu is hotpot and no one does it quite as grand as Margo Manor Hotpot — a large garden-like open air restaurant that makes you feel like you're dining in one of those period dramas. Aside from the never-ending list of ingredients that you can enjoy with your hotpot, which include strange ones you might have never heard of like duck blood, black tofu and different variations of beef tripe, the restaurant also aced in the entertainment factor with performances on the lake. While we were dining, we saw performers coming out to greet us as they sang on little boats that circled the lake we were seated next to. At one point, we even witnessed a scene from one of those 'wu xia' shows, where a woman was floating through the air and walking on water! Safe to say it was a truly interesting dining experience that you would have to try for yourself in Chengdu. A first of its kind in China — the Sichuan Cuisine Museum is an interactive museum where you don't just get to see and smell different types of Sichuan cooking but also taste the food. Our first stop at the museum was to try out the various Sichuan cooking at a food hall of sorts where we could get tasting portions of different food such as dumplings, dan dan noodles, kung pao chicken, glutinous rice balls, and spicy noodles. After we were fed, we headed off to see how different sauces were made and even witnessed a chef who blindfolded herself to show us how she cuts noodles in an extremely thin manner. Our visit at the museum ended with a hands-on experience where we got to make our very own red bean panda bao by following an instructional video that played on the big screen. While I had hoped to taste my creation, we didn't get a chance to see our creation go to steam but here's hoping that someone else enjoyed my tasty creation. While I'm still not a fan of Sichuan cuisine per se, I do have to say that it was a good place to experience all the different types of Sichuan food and forms of cooking, under one roof. If you're in Chengdu, don't miss the chance to head out to Jiuzhaigou Valley, which is located on the edge of the Tibetan Plateau. A UNESCO World Heritage Site and easily accessible by high speed railway in just 2 hours, the valley is a sight not to be missed, especially with its crystal-clear lakes and breathtaking mountains. The first thing we noticed about arriving in Jiuzhaigou is the drastic change in temperature which was below 18 degrees. This temperature will stay and get colder in the night so it is best to prepare warm clothes if you are looking to visit the valley. Unlike the big cities, Jiuzhaigou is like a resort town of sorts, with its main attraction being the Jiuzhaigou Valley National Park. But, visiting that alone could take up more than your whole day, especially with all the hikes that you would need to do. Although I am no nature gal myself, Jiuzhaigou Valley National Park is a gorgeous sight to behold especially with its natural lakes and mountains that just looks as if it came straight from a painting or a scene in those Chinese period dramas. Even though most of the spots in the park get crowded from time to time, the huge space around makes it easy to navigate and you can still get beautiful photos or videos from almost any angle. And, just like any other tourist attractions, the park also has Tibetan costumes for rent so that you can take photos like the local — something that our tour guide didn't recommend as rental prices may not be cheap. An important thing to note when you're visiting the park is to listen to your body, especially given that the conditions are different from when you are on ground. As you venture deeper into the park, you are bound to hit higher altitudes so it is common to feel more out of breath when you climb up or down the staircase, or even while walking long distances. All in all, the visit to Jiuzhaigou was a magical one which made me appreciate our natural world and the beauty it contains, and this is a place that I would love to go back to when given the chance.
South China Morning Post
08-05-2025
- Entertainment
- South China Morning Post
Style Edit: Grown Alchemist unveils exclusive May offers at Hong Kong's IFC Mall for Mother's Day, including the Facial Reboot Myo-Code treatment and special prices on curated product collections
Australian biological beauty brand Grown Alchemist is celebrating the merry month of May with unrivalled promotions and an exclusive facial treatment at its Hong Kong flagship store at IFC Mall. The brand combines advanced biotechnology with potent botanical ingredients in its quest to unlock the skin's natural ability to repair and regenerate, delivering holistic, science-driven treatments and products in forms consistent with Grown Alchemist's signature minimalist aesthetic. Grown Alchemist's Skin Defense Primer. Photo: Handout For Mother's Day, the brand is offering big discounts on three curated collections. Priced at HK$1,100 (representing a saving of HK$480), the Face Edit is a complete 24-hour biological transformation system in three products. The Instant Smoothing Serum contains Grown Alchemist's full-spectrum hyaluronic acid complex, plus Myrothamnus extract, which hydrates, protects and promotes regeneration of the skin barrier. The Skin Renewal Serum contains Niacinamide (vitamin B3) and Echinacea for overnight rejuvenation, while the Skin Renewal Night Cream adds Grown Alchemist's Reishi mushroom restoration complex to impart a radiant glow overnight. Advertisement The Instant Smoothing Serum by Grown Alchemist. Photo: Handout The Hand Edit at HK$432 (a saving of HK$108) allows customers to choose three signature hand creams and receive a complimentary deluxe sized one. All the brand's hand creams incorporate advanced biological complexes that promote intensive cellular repair. Finally, the Facial Edit offers first-time clients 30 per cent off their first treatment at Grown Alchemist, with a Mother's Day exclusive of 10 per cent off a second treatment plus a free Restorative Hand Cream at the IFC Mall flagship, all valid through the end of May. The Hand Edit, a Mother's Day special from Grown Alchemist. Photo: Handout Among the treatments on offer at the IFC flagship, Grown Alchemist's Facial Reboot Myo-Code is a stand-out. The hard-working facial promises visible lifting through fascia-based contouring without the use of needles, reducing puffiness. The therapy is ideal for skin that is tired, dull or prone to roughness, and promises sculpted, glowing skin, without the need for invasive procedures. Grown Alchemist is also offering discounts for facials in May. Photo: Handout For another not to be missed flagship exclusive, the Awards Edit collection also includes the aforementioned Instant Smoothing Serum, as well as Grown Alchemist's Gentle Gel Facial Cleanser and Skin Defense Primer. The Gentle Gel Face Cleanser from Grown Alchemist. Photo: Handout The set – containing three formulations that have all won international awards – is now HK$780 (a saving of HK$340). A beauty essential for anyone living in an urban environment, the Skin Defense Primer has been formulated to provide protection against environmental aggressors including pollution and blue light.
South China Morning Post
26-03-2025
- Entertainment
- South China Morning Post
Where an Italian chef in Hong Kong eats seafood, sandwiches from home, and more
Marco Antonio Li Voti is the chef de cuisine at the IFC Mall branch of Sabatini Ristorante. He spoke to Andrew Sun. Advertisement I grew up eating different cuisines. My mother has Lebanese and African origins and my father is Italian, so home food when I was a child was different every day. That helped me appreciate different cuisines from a very young age, so I have an open mind. It's interesting to note connections to my own heritage and cuisine. But I've loved pizza since I was a child, eating it almost every day after school. It's what we in Italy consider a merenda meal, or pre-dinner, when I went to my father's pizza restaurant after studying. Steamed scallop with vermicelli noodles and garlic at Genuine Hilton Lamma Fishing Restaurant, on Hong Kong's Lamma Island. Photo: Handout Fried pepper squid at Genuine Hilton Lamma Fishing Restaurant. Photo: Handout
South China Morning Post
26-03-2025
- Entertainment
- South China Morning Post
Where an Italian chef in Hong Kong eats seafood, sandwiches from home, Japanese and more
Marco Antonio Li Voti is the chef de cuisine at the IFC Mall branch of Sabatini Ristorante. He spoke to Andrew Sun. Advertisement I grew up eating different cuisines. My mother has Lebanese and African origins and my father is Italian, so home food when I was a child was different every day. That helped me appreciate different cuisines from a very young age, so I have an open mind. It's interesting to note connections to my own heritage and cuisine. But I've loved pizza since I was a child, eating it almost every day after school. It's what we in Italy consider a merenda meal, or pre-dinner, when I went to my father's pizza restaurant after studying. Steamed scallop with vermicelli noodles and garlic at Genuine Hilton Lamma Fishing Restaurant, on Hong Kong's Lamma Island. Fried pepper squid at Genuine Hilton Lamma Fishing Restaurant.
South China Morning Post
19-03-2025
- Entertainment
- South China Morning Post
The hottest new openings in Hong Kong, March 16-22
Falcone Chefs Roberta de Sario and Josh Stumbaugh of Falcone. Photo: Falcone Neo-Neapolitan pizzeria Falcone has gone from sea to sky, opening its second location after the IFC Mall outlet, right atop The Peak. The new restaurant is decked out in the same maximalist, mid-1970s Italian decor, with a menu featuring exclusive dishes such as tuna and basil strozzapreti and salsiccia e zucca pizza, alongside crowd favourites like pacchianella, and it's all molto bene. Advertisement Shop G02, G/F, Peak Galleria, 118 Peak Road, The Peak O'Thai O'Thai's crab meat in egg cream curry. Photo: O'Thai New to Hung Hom, this Thai eatery offers street-food-inspired grub with stunning harbour views. Led by Wijannarongk Kunchit, a Thai chef with more than 30 years of experience, the restaurant serves dishes such as Ibérico pork neck, crabmeat in egg cream curry and dry-aged Wagyu bavette with red or green curry, which are both – like much else on the menu – seasoned with the perfect amount of kick. Shop G1, One Harbourfront, 18 Tak Fung Street, Hung Hom MOMA Moma features a rare, spacious patio in the middle of Soho. Photo: Gavin Yeung With its tastefully minimalist interiors and that rarest of commodities – a spacious patio in the middle of SoHo – MOMA is a welcome slice of Scandi-inspired hospitality. The cafe-eatery serves mainstays of Nordic cuisine such as Danish tebirkes pastries, Norwegian fiskesuppe, smørrebrød open-faced sandwiches and more, making it the perfect spot to sup a quick fika while people-watching.
