A newly-opened "panda" pet cafe in southwest China's Chengdu City, also known as the home to the giant pandas, has drawn people's attention and raised concern.  

All because the "pandas" in the cafe are not real pandas but actually Chow Chow dogs, which have been dyed to look like China's National animals – the giant pandas.  

According to the owner of the cafe, surnamed Huang, besides for having drinks and food available for the visitors, the cafe also offers a special dyeing service for pets which costs 1,500 yuan (212 U.S. dollars). 

However, the dean of Huaxi Veterinary Hospital, Li Daibing, suggested that generally, "It's not recommended to dye pets, because it might damage their fur and skin."

"Whether it would cause damage to pets depends on the specific dyestuff," said Li. 

In recent years, animal cafes emerged not only in China but all over the world, creating an ideal place for animal lovers to enjoy a meal alongside the lovely pets in the cafe. However, people should consider which treatments are the best for the animals they love.

Besides, if you have plenty of your time to stay in Chengdu, then the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding is a must-see tourist attraction. But do remember to plan and book in advance.

Apart from the cute giant pandas, Chengdu as a bustling hub in southwest China's Sichuan Province has a lot to offer. Be it delicious food, lively nightlife or relaxing tea house culture. Chengdu is definitely an amazing city in China that you can't miss. 

Travel tips in southwest China's Chengdu

1. We recommend you to take the subway to travel around in Chengdu City, as traffic can get heavy.

2. Sichuan cuisine in Chengdu is incredibly hot and spicy, so remember to ask waiters/waitresses before you order. 

3. The weather in Chengdu is similar to London, so prepare for foggy, cloudy, and rainy days.