We'd arranged to meet Priz & Uday this evening for a meal out. We met them up in Harbin, Uday is from Southern India whilst Priz is Dutch and they're living in Beijing. They took us to a cool little shopping hutong not far from our new hostel and we had a fab meal. This was followed by drinks in a bar we would have walked past if we weren't with them. It just looked like someone's house from the outside but was a snug bar on the inside. Sy got his taste buds ready for Japan by ordering their famous Yamasaki whisky.

The next day, apart from a trip to wumart, to stock up on snacks we had a duvet day. Films, cost beds, cups of tea & chill. Much much needed as haven't really stopped since we left Vietnam.

Today we took Priz & Uday's advise and headed up to the 798 art district to try and get some good shots & take advantage if going somewhere a bit more out of town to explore. It was great with plenty of street art and galleries. We even managed to get a bus there with no problems. It had to happen once in china right!!!

We headed from there to the Olympic park. It was so weird as the moment we came out of the subway it felt like we'd gone back to London. Sy & I really enjoyed our London Olympic experience and it was something g about the walkways, stadiums & stalls that just made it feel like home. The stadium however is much funkier than ours. Called the birds nest the architecture of the stadium was beautiful. We walked around the park warmed up by these lovely hot milk drinks we found.

Making the most of our last day in Beijing we headed up to the summer palace. Reading a tip on trip advisor we started at the top and worked our way down. Much better that way as you enjoyed the fantastic view over the lake at various stops along the way. The temples & quarters of the emperor it was lovely. The lake was frozen over but parts of it were defrosting. We walked for miles down the hill, around the temples then along the lake to the bridge & island.

We headed back to the shopping lane for dinner and stopped at a Hotpot restaurant. We managed to keep the wallets closed in the shops but fear Shanghai might not be so easy!!