Ever wondered why pandas seem so effortlessly relaxed? This year, CGTN correspondent Ioana set out to Sichuan province to uncover the secrets behind the iconic “panda chill.” Her adventure blends local culture, ancient wonders, wellness rituals, and martial arts—an immersive dive into the art of living “bashi,” a word locals use to describe life at its most satisfying and serene.
The ‘Bashi’ Philosophy: Embracing Effortless Joy
In Sichuan, “bashi” goes beyond a simple mood—it’s a way of life. That easygoing spirit first welcomed Ioana as she picked up the local dialect, trading Mandarin for Sichuanese phrases that roll like laughter in the streets. It was here she realized that slowing down isn’t about doing less; it’s about savoring every moment.
Tea Time in Chengdu’s Old Teahouses
Chengdu’s bustling old teahouses were Ioana’s next stop, where the air hums with conversation and steam curls from clay pots. Between sips of fragrant tea, she watched locals debate politics, share family news, and challenge each other to mahjong puzzles—proof that “bashi” living is as much about community as calm.
A Window into History: Leshan Giant Buddha and More
No journey to Sichuan would be complete without a brush with the past. Ioana stood beneath the Leshan Giant Buddha, its carved stone face watching over the river below. Wandering through thousand-year-old temples and narrow alleys, she felt the weight and wonder of a heritage that still shapes modern life.
Wellness Rituals: Ear Cleaning and Acupuncture
For a deeper dive into local wellness, Ioana tried traditional ear cleaning—a meticulous ritual often offered free in Chengdu parks—and experienced the buzz of acupuncture needles in a bustling clinic. These ancient practices, she discovered, are as core to Sichuan living as spicy hot pot.
Training with Monks on Mount Emei
Atop the legendary Mount Emei, Ioana joined a martial arts class led by monks in flowing robes. Between the mountain mist and the rhythmic sway of bamboo sticks, she learned that discipline and calm are two sides of the same “bashi” coin.
Meeting Sichuan’s Most Famous Residents: The Pandas
Of course, the highlight was a close encounter with Sichuan’s real ambassadors of chill. Watching baby and adult pandas munch bamboo at the conservation base, Ioana couldn’t help but smile at their laid-back antics. It was the perfect punctuation to her journey of “bashi” discovery.
From tea houses to temples, wellness rituals to wild pandas, Sichuan’s blend of ancient heritage and modern ease reveals a simple truth: living “bashi” means tuning in, taking it slow, and finding joy in every slice of life. Ready to slow down and join the panda club?
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
