Hello, We have been unable to get to a computer in nearly a week so its been a while since last update. We arrived in Yichang after a 15 hour train ride, slightly better this time as we had sleepers so slept most of the way which was great. It was about 12pm when we arrived and the train station was packed with taxi/bus drivers trying to get your business. We ended up with a taxi driver who had no idea of our hotel destination and spent roughly 40minutes running...

Hello, Well we arrived in Xi'an yesterday morning at about 5am after the worst train journey we have ever been on. The station in Shanghai was a nightmare to get around, but we were then moved into the VIP area to wait until directed which was good (obviously felt sorry for us!). The train didnt seem to bad at first, but as the 20 hour journey began and we stopped at hundreds of stations it got worse and worse. We had never seen so many people squashed into one ...

Day 8 Still in Shanghai, a little longer than expected but again trains have been very difficult to book. We have managed to book onto a train tomorrow to Xi`an, though its a 20 hour ride and could only book a hard seat, really not looking forward to that, apprently they are not pleasant but we can see how chinese really travel!! We have had a lovely time in Shanghai, the skylines are amazing at night. We went up the tallest building yesterday, little foggy thou...

Day 5 We had an excellent time in Beijing, We visited the Great Wall which was spectacular - you dont realise how long and steep it is until you see it!! It has been so hot out here that the great wall was tiring!. The Ming Tombs were great and visited a few museums. It was extrremely difficult to arrange transport into Shanghai, we ended up flying as all trains were booked out for weeks. Shanghai has a big exhibition on which seems very popular with all chinese...

First days news!! We were exhausted arriving in Beijing this morning after an extremely long flight but have managed to get stuck into it straight away. Walked for miles, getting lost on many occasions, and then finally realised the tubes were easier, costing 50p for 2 people!! Hotel is basic, but was expected, down a narrow ally way and Martin just freaked out - he saw a rat but then it may have been a very skinny cat. Not sure what we have just eaten but wasn'...