Squad: The pandas tuck into their pancakes during feeding time at the sanctuary

Young and old: Pandas on site varied in age and Hanna was lucky enough to spot the little baby cubs early in the morning

From kung-po chicken to entrails soup, we were offered a plethora of tasty and unusual dishes to try as a group allowing us to experience Chinese food as it's really meant to taste.

We dined at various Chengdu restaurants serving traditional cuisine from the Sichuan region.

After visiting the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding we enjoyed lunch at the Chai Men Shu Jun Local Restaurant, and later that evening ate Hoisin duck at the Lotus Restaurant in Wide & Narrow Alley.

The Panda Centre is not far from the hotel and is filled with the black and white bears of all ages, all busily chewing on their bamboo and pancakes and proving why they are possibly the most adorable bear in the world.