Tale of two cities and a panda

Separately, in November, Chengdu saw the opening of the legendary Cafe de Flore in Chengdu, giving the city a chance to sample French roasted coffee, and experience the Parisian spirit of Rive Gauche - elegance, culture and romance.

The food, the music, the coffee and the scenery, much loved by celebrities, artists, poets and novelists including Ernest Hemingway and Henry Miller, has become an instant hit.

Then, for shopping buffs, there's Chengdu IFS' flagship shopping center, which has more than 600 brands, from home and abroad, covering jewelry, watches, fashion garments, kitchenware and high-end stationery.

Antiquity Plaza, as the complex also has an IMAX movie theater and numerous restaurants featuring cuisines from around the globe.

Among the complex's other attractions is a 15-meter high fountain made with 300,000 clear crystals and red and blue French-style lamps.

The New Year crystal fountain is inspired by common street scenes in Paris, where residents enjoy sunbathing, taking pictures or meeting friends.

Chengdu is also working with tenants at its urban complex on parent-child activities and workshops to share the culture of La Rive Gauche.