Radio86 journalists Asa Butcher and Iona Orbinski-Vonk are travelling in China for the first time in their lives. Their destination is the fascinating Sichuan province - the home of panda bears. In this blog, Asa tells our readers how an Englishman is faring in the Middle Kingdom.

After exploding watermelons to exploding Apples, thankfully the only thing exploding upon our arrival in Chengdu was the cacophony of car horns competing for attention. It is 'Hu dares wins' on the streets of Chengdu.

Let's rewind. Iona Orbinski and myself, Asa Butcher, have arrived in Chengdu, West China, for a 12-day trip exploring, experiencing, tasting, smelling and hearing everything this crazy city has to offer.

First impressions consist of a blend of awe at the scale of construction, bemusement at the amount of Western brand names lining the street, invincibility of the helmet-less moped riders and the stubborn persistence of every motorist to add their horn's contribution to the city's soundtrack.

I can't help smile at many of the unfortunate signage posted in English and beside me, as I type, is a courtesy kettle with the warning ”Don't cook food” and another helpfully explaining how to remove the power cable: "When pull room card out from power-box, this incessantly power supply is still working. However, in case of power failure, it is out of work." Obvious, really!

Well, a suitcase remains to be unpacked, the shower needs to be tested and more titillating signs need to be found.

Click here to read Day Two...

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