How The Temple House Chengdu offers a luxurious, modern gateway to traditional China (7)

At the Confucius Temple, Hanna (pictured) dressed up to practise the six arts: Rites, Music, Archery, Rubbing, Calligraphy and Mathematics

I was a little disappointed that the centre looked like a zoo, with lots of concrete enclosures, but there was plenty of woodland and vegetation for the smaller red pandas to roam around in freely.

Morning is the best time to visit as pandas spend a lot of time sleeping, and it turned out we lucked out with our timing as we saw the baby pandas getting a little play outside too.

No visit to Chengdu would be complete without a visit to this sanctuary, but it's not the only quirky place in the city worth checking out.

Centuries old expertise: An archery show of excellence was performed for the guests of the temple

Dujiangyan Irrigation Project in the Qin Yang District is a 2,200 year old irrigation system on the Minjiang River to prevent flooding. It's amazing place to explore, walk around and grab food at thanks to its array of little shops, street food stops and restaurants.

Nearby is the Confucius Temple where travellers with families might want to visit to try out the six arts: Rites, Music, Archery, Rubbing, Calligraphy and Mathematics, which are all part of a special experiential package.

If you fancy a more relaxing time of it, a trip to The Temple House spa is a must. I enjoyed an indulgent full body massage and I can honestly say it was the best I've ever had. The masseuse's pressure was perfect, the oils fragrant and my body kept comfortable with heated mittens placed on my feet and hands as she kneaded out the knots in my body.