I don't quite know how but we were one of the few planes to get out of Heathrow on Wednesday. 10 hours later we touched down in Shanghai.

I suppose we were expecting masses of security but we were almost waved through and out the building. It is then it hits you: you have no idea what any of the signs mean and no clue where you are supposed to go. This must be the most foreign place either of us have been in.

Main feelings so far: Shanghai seems to be going through major changes in front of your eyes - buildings going up, the tallest skyscrapers and thousands upon thousands of people. It not that it seems crowded, although the way the traffic appears to go in all directions at the same time while people cross the roads is staggering.

This morning we walked through one of the main parks. People stood around doing their exercises. Small groups flourished swords or fans in controlled tai-chi like movements. Beautiful.

We also had the most psychedelic trip under the river on the Bund Tourist Tunnel. The short tunnel has been filled with lasers, strobes, flash lighting and dry ice making for an Andrew Webber-like experience (without Sarah Brightman fortunately).

Tomorrow we take the train to Beijing.

Just hope this is published on the site as we are having to manage with all the instructions in Chinese!