How to spend S$101 (you big spender, you) in a day   by Serene Lim   UNLIKE sexy Shanghai or historical Beijing, Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan province, is known for its decidedly carefree vibe where its denizens love nothing more than to while away the time while soaking up an unforgettable hotpot. It isn't for nothing that Chengdu's the first Asian city - and one of three internationally - to be awarded UNESCO City of Gastronomy. And its biggest trump card could those too-cute black and white creatures you find at the Panda base here. (Though not in the hotpot.)   Visit the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding: S$32.05   You've watched Kung Fu Panda, but how could anything beat the real deal? At Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding (www.panda.org.cn), you can finally see them in the flesh in their natural habitat - alongside other endangered species like red pandas and golden monkeys - while learning more about the conservation projects. Besides entrance fee (58 yuan; S$11.10), it's best to get an English-speaking guide (100 yuan) and hop on the tour bus (10 yuan) to properly enjoy the sprawling facilities.   Lunch at Gingko restaurant: S$38.16   Sichuan cuisine gets an haute update here. Described as "the Rolls-Royce of Sichuanese restaurants" in Chengdu, Gingko (12, Linjiang Middle Road) has gained fame for its sleek interiors and posh fusion nosh. But you can still get reasonably-priced favourites like Steamed Crab With Peppercorns. Order wisely and your bill should be about 200 yuan per person.       Tea at Heming Teahouse: S$5   Do what the city's folks do best: Relax. Take a walk in Renming Park where people spend their time playing chess, singing, living out the joie de vivre philosophy. Then stop to have some tea. It's said the best teahouses are in China and the best in China are in Sichuan. Heming Tea House, located in Renming Park and surrounded by willow trees, is one of the oldest and prettiest around. Prices are inexpensive and you probably won't bust S$5 here.       Street Food Dinner at Jinli Ancient Street: S$12   Jinli Ancient Street may be a tad kitschy with its Qing dynasty-era buildings and plethora of curio stores. Nevertheless it's hard to be a wet blanket - not with the cheery festive atmosphere. Follow the spiced scent to the end of the street where you'd find local vendors concocting the city's famed mapo doufu, dragon wontons and steamed lard cake.       Sichuan Opera at Shunxing Old Tea House: S$13.36   End the day with a fascinating performance of the art of "changing faces". There are Sichuan opera shows performed here every night from 8pm, and tickets cost 70 yuan with a cup of tea. Yep, you can be this much more cultured in Chengdu.       Total: S$100.57   Prices and conversion rates accurate as of press time.         This article was featured in Today June 30, 2011. http://www.todayonline.com/Travel/EDC110630-0000186/Travel-101-,,,-Chengdu