CHAPTER FOUR
Chengdu , China The focus for the Chengdu / China GEP trip was on animal conservation , and thus many students who are animal lovers keenly signed up to help .
On the second and third day , we went to the Dujiangyan Panda Centre as volunteers . We were directed to firstly clean up a panda enclosure , and our task consisted of clearing the uneaten bamboo , sweeping up stray leaves , and of course , clearing the panda ’ s faeces . We were also directed to bring in fresh bamboo for the panda , before having to leave the enclosure . Did you know that in a day of a panda ’ s life , 12 hours are used for eating , 10 hours are used for sleeping , and that a panda only walks 500m a day ?
On the fourth day , we went to another panda centre , the Wolong Panda Centre . This panda centre was the main research centre before the earthquake occured , and is situated in between the mountains . We also visited the Earthquake Museum at Xuankou Middle School . As we walked around , our guide , Harvey , explained to us the history of the place , and that many lives were lost in that tragic event . While we were there , there was a sombre atmosphere and many of us reflected on the earthquake , and on how lucky we are to be living in Singapore , a country which does not experience natural disasters .
Throughout our days , we also visited several key locations in Chengdu , such as the Dujiangyan Old Town , Water Irrigation System , Jingli , People ’ s Park and Wide and Narrow Alley . We also managed to watch Sichuan Opera , and even took part in a taichi class . These few activities allowed us to embrace Chengdu even more , and be able to understand its history and culture .
74 ST JOSEPH ’ S INSTITUTION