Cousins Reunite to Savor Spicy Food and Pandas in Chengdu

For many, Chinese New Year represents a time for family reunion. As a single South African media worker in my 30s, most of my family resides on the east coast of South Africa. However, in February 2024, my little cousin moved from Durban to Chengdu, Sichuan Province.

Cousin Dale was preparing to embark on his career as a kindergarten teacher in Chengdu. This marked his second job since graduating from university and his first experience working abroad. Motivated by loyalty to my aunt, his grandmother, I felt compelled to check on him. In my role as a caring older cousin, I packed an air fryer in my suitcase and flew from Beijing to southwestern China, not having figured out a more efficient way to send the appliance beforehand.

Before heading to Chengdu, I made a stop in Chongqing. There was little reason to travel all the way to this famous city without experiencing its allure. Known for its steep inclines, endless escalators and staircases, tall buildings on hillsides, and daringly located hot pot restaurants, Chongqing’s charm was undeniable.

What I discovered was a city that offered both serene spaces and the vibrant energy of a metropolis. I stayed for two nights at a luxurious hot spring hotel on the city's outskirts, finding rejuvenation in the views of a nearby lake and the comforting warm water. The breathtaking vistas of the Jialing and Yangtze Rivers in the inner city left me in awe. The highlight of my time in Chongqing was savoring hot pot in a cave, where the city's World War II bomb shelters have been creatively converted to attract tourists eager for the famous mala hot pot.

After my adventures in Chongqing, I boarded a train to visit my cousin. Checking into a hotel close to his residence, I then made my way to his apartment, where I could see he was glad to see me. Being the thoughtful cousin that I am, I brought him some bed linen, aware he had no plans to buy any extra.

Dale appeared settled into his new environment. His apartment was conveniently situated within the same community as the kindergarten he would be working at. Together, we strolled through his neighborhood, discovering nearby supermarkets and various amenities. The enticing aroma of mala broth filled the air; it's not just a stereotype—Chengdu takes its spicy hot pot very seriously. Notably, there were two hot pot restaurants right on the ground floor of his apartment building, with families eagerly queuing for a taste.

Our first meal together was inside one of those establishments, where Dale enjoyed his inaugural hot pot. I appreciated sharing this moment with him as we discussed his aspirations during his time in China. Observing him deftly navigate the spicy flavors with chopsticks, we reflected on the similarities between this experience and the flavors of Durban's renowned mutton curry.

During my visit, we allocated a day for exploration but found ourselves at an impasse regarding our destination. While I wished to visit the Sanxingdui Museum to immerse ourselves in one of China's oldest civilizations, Dale had his heart set on seeing pandas, whose charm resonated with our Chengdu location. Despite the distance to Sanxingdui, I ultimately conceded to his wish and together we ventured to see the pandas.

Our afternoon at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding was wonderfully fulfilling. We adeptly navigated the public transport system to reach the base. It felt as if Dale was a good luck charm, as we were treated to incredible views of the pandas. We spent hours admiring them eagerly, hoping to catch a glimpse of one particular panda that was, according to Dale's colleague, rumored to wave.

Known as the world’s largest giant panda conservation center, the base is home to over 240 giant pandas, and the interactive museum provided valuable insights into their history and habitat. Our time there was both fun and educational. While waiting for our bus to return home, a conversation blossomed with a woman nearby. Introducing ourselves in Chinese, I proudly referred to Dale as 'biaodi,' meaning 'little cousin.' Ultimately, this trip allowed me to reconnect with family, explore a new cultural locale, indulge in delightful spicy dishes, and expand my knowledge in a memorable way, leaving southwest China with a heart full of joy.