Hello all,

So here we are in Yangshou, a beautiful slice of China's countryside, having hit Xi an and Chengdu prior to this there is a lot to update you with.

Xi'an home of the Terracotta Warriors and spinach noodles. We arrive at this fabulous city feeling knackered, after being bombarded by people and stared at for about the millionth time we finally make it to the hostel. Heading out into the city we stumble upon a massage parlor, no not the type with a happy ending. After a few attempts by both parties to converse we sat down in the chairs unsure what we had agreed to. What ensued for the next hour and a half was painful! Our legs were slapped, heads pressed and our spine cracked, a very Chinese experience.Unsurprisingly we both ached after this.

One of the 'must do' experiences is visiting the Terracotta Warriors, which were built by the first Chinese emperor with the intention of keeping him safe in his after life. The army is huge and every solider is unique down to the tred on the underside of the foot. It was incredible to see how well preserved they were (the warriors were made about 200 BC!). Back at the hostel we join in the dumpling making party. Let's just say our creations left a lot to be desired and looked more like pasties (well you can take the boy out of Bolton….).

After a lot of persuasion from Paul we headed to Hua'shan Mountain. The ascent takes three hours and generally involves climbing up steps, rising above the clouds; I was grateful that the view at the top is incredible. Arriving back at the hostel drinking takes precedent and international ring of fire commences.

In addition to being home to the Terracotta Warriors, Xi'an is surrounded by a wall, which you can cycle around. Keen to try something different from the traditional bicycle Paul and I opted for a tandem. Our technique was not the problem but the bike (named Frank). Unsure when our bike would give way making it round the wall was a fun challenge.

Next stop, Chengdu. So our main reason for stopping here in the Szechuan region is to see the Pandas. We opted to volunteer with the pandas, which I can easily say was the best thing we've done so far.We got incredibly close to these gorgeous creatures, (from here you soon learn that although they look friendly and cuddly they have huge claws) we were able to feed them and learnt how to look after them. A part of this job involved cleaning up after the animals, not to worry, I have never seen two people happier to shovel s***.

Being in the Szechuan region the food is notoriously hot, the locals find it hilarious when Paul insists that he wants it spicy, they are often surprised when he manages to complete a meal. One of the key ingredients used in the cuisine here is Szechuan pepper. Once bitten the pepper leaves a fragrant taste (similar to swallowing glade air freshener) and then completely numbs your mouth. Interested in the food we opt to do a cooking course with some friends. Under the direction of a non-English speaking Chinese woman and armed with sharp knives we begin. The food is great and we manage to cook scarred only with a few burns. The lady is however surprised when we opt not to add MSG to our food, only in China. Having really enjoyed our time here we travel south east to Yangshou after a quick stop in Guilin.

Our accommodation in Yangshou is different to the traditional hostel and is more like a home stay with a Chinese family. Arriving here the town is picturesque surrounded by mountains, a stark contrast to our other Chinese destinations. Dinner is served every night at 6 pm, it is delicious and there is so much to eat.It's nice to sit round a table with other travelers and not have to try and decipher what's what on a Chinese menu.

We take advantage of our location and go cycling everyday and everyday we get lost. Despite this we always make it back for dinner. This region is renowned for caves which have hot springs and mud baths in, great place to relax. One of the days, after much haggling, we take a raft down the river Li, which is stunning.

After several days of eating and cycling we're sad to leave Yangshou, however, aware our visa is due to expire imminently we depart the country, next stop Hong Kong.