What is the best way to travel from Shanghai to Chengdu, and back to Shanghai?
Any suggestions for a nice place to stay that's not expensive?
Thanks.

Fly, unless you want to stop off in Xi'an on the way, it's two nights on the train. Train timetables at www.chinahighlights.com/china-trains.

How nice is nice? I spent one night at the Sofitel for $100 a night (likely could be bargained down) and six at Sam's Guest House for $15 a night. I quite liked Sam's (I had a double with bath and a window on the verandah beside a courtyard) but it was in no way luxurious. That was '04, not sure what prices are like this year.

What about going by air? Is it possible to do a one day trip Shanghai to Chengdu, see the pandas, then return to Shanghai in the evening?

First flight SHA-CTU is 8:05a - 10:55a.

Last fligth back CTU-SHA is 9:20p - 11:50p.

You will have about 10 hours on the ground. Not impossible.

Well, not impossible, but why go all that way just for one day? Chengdu is an interesting place in its own right - and not just for the food. Besides, my understanding is that the best time to see pandas is early, when they eat.

I believe we saw 7 giant pandas at the zoo in Chungquing. I can't imagine flying all that way, going through all that exhaustion, and not seeing more than just a clutch of giant pandas. There is SO much more.