Hello! Heading to Chengdu for 3 nights (2 1/2 days) in early January. I'll be staying at the Sofitel by the river (I know it has mixed reviews, but got their opera suite for very cheap on a flash sale and with various perks it seemed hard to refuse).

Is it fine (as in both safe and pleasant) to walk in Chengdu? (mostly in the centre, roaming towards People's park, Tianfu square, Jin Li street and the likes or basically any other central area people would recommend!).

In a vastly original move [ ] I do fancy a half day or day trip to meet the pandas. In this thread, four different places are mentioned - is it worth going to one of the three more remote ones compared to the panda research base in Chengdu proper? Are there major differences between them beyond the "hold a panda" option (I'm considering it but it seems quite expensive. I need someone to convince me that they have done it and it has changed their life forever!! ). Great thread with lots of other useful recommendations which I'll be sure to use!