Our tour of China ended as we stepped off the train in Shanghai. We had a few days to ourselves before we flew out and checked out the sights and shopped. Will add words later S & L

EASTERN CHINA - THE LONG ROAD FROM BEIJING TO SHANGHAI From Beijing we took the sleeper train to the town of Suzhou. This was another Chinese city we hadnt heard of before we left the UK, but once again, it was huge. This place had a population 20% bigger than Sydney. We were now well used to the trains, and whilst not exactly the last word in luxury, they were better than going by road. China's road network may be better than that of its immediate neig...

Beijing and the Great Wall The difference between Beijing and the rest of China that we have visited was immense. It is clear that the government is trying very hard to create a sanitised version of the country, a cosmetic showcase if you like, something that will intensify in the years running upto the city's hosting of the 2008 Olympics. It is all very nice, but the capital is certainly not representative of the rest of China. On a positive note, the ...

The seas, roads, railways and rivers from Hong Kong to Xian. The first 24 hours of our trip around central and eastern China were spent on a ferry, then a bus, then a sleeper train before a final bus to the town of Yangshuo. After travelling independently for so long, we werent too thrilled about the prospect of a group tour, but language and red tape make travel outside of HK, Beijing and Shanghai almost impossible. As we were so keen to see this part ...

Arrived in Hong Kong on 22nd June. On the flight in we had to fly around in circles for a couple of hours due to the poor weather. When we did land, it was pouring, and it hasn't stopped since. We managed to get out, dodging the rain with varying degrees of success. Whilst not ideal, we still got out and explored the city. Interesting place. Some great buildings (Lisa not so bothered) and apparently some great shopping (yawn). Messed about on the water, expl...