We took the overnight train to Beijing. The four-berth room had triangular doilies on the backrest and a small vase with flowers on the table. It was great way to spend the 12 hour journey from Shanghai: asleep.

Beijing is polar ice-zone apart from Shanghai. You have to walk at a brisk palce to keep the circulation going, although the native Beijingers seem to have all studied in Newcastle as they manage with far less clothing.

On today's agenda is the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square. We are hoping to meet Mao as well, but don't expect him to be that chatty.