If you go to Chengdu, China
Sichuan Higher Institute of Cuisine
Diane Drey (US contact)
Cooking School in China
13 Laura Drive
Cedar Grove, N.J.
917-670-3690
Special two-week program in English: $2,150 covers tuition, costs for guide, translators, transportation to and from central Chengdu to the institute, welcoming and farewell dinners. Discounts offered to those who register early or enlist a friend to join them. Course dates: April 7-19, Oct. 20-Nov. 1.
The program offers guidance, but students make their own living arrangements.
Flights from Boston to Chengdu typically run from $1,200 to $4,500. Required are a valid passport plus a travel visa, which generally takes two weeks or more to obtain.
What to do
Chengdu Giant Panda Breeding and Research Center
26 Xiongmao Ave.
Walk along shaded paths to view giant pandas playing, sleeping, eating; about $9.
.
Where to stay
Chengdu Traffic Inn Hostel
6 Lin Jiang Zhong Lu
Wuhou 610041
011-028-8545-0470
Friendly service, English spoken; about $16 for single room with two beds;
dormitory $7.
Somerset Riverview Hotel
1 Renmin South Road
Wuhou 610041
011-628-6181-6888
www.somerset.com/china/chengdu
Modern 34-story hotel.
Single about $100.
Where to eat
Lao Ma Tou
27 Yu Lin Zhong Lu
011-026-8555-5705
Hotpot course for one $16.
Yu Jia Chu Fang
43 Zhai Xiangzi
011-028-8669-1985
Two-dozen-course meal with set menu; reservations required. More than six guests, $48 per person
; fewer than six, $96.
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