You will have seen the recurring theme throughout the journal on my time in China, with the words big, vast and huge appearing throughout. Well Beijing, and I hope it won't mind me saying this, is a 'full on', bumper to bumper traffic based city. Be prepared for the smog that hits you and once sunset occurs, all you'll see in front of you as you drive around a city that has 7 ring roads are brake lights. So be very careful if driving.

Tiananmen Square was built to hold a million citizens. There is an endless queue to file past Mao's tomb, which is open from 0800-1200hrs. You get a 7 minute entry and walk past his 'body' lying in state in Chairman Mao's Mausoleum. According to our guide, many Chinese people still make the pilgrimage to see this revered leader

Opposite the Mausoluem is the Gate of Heavenly Peace to the Forbidden City. This is the first of what seems many gates and squares, until you finally reach the golden roofed Forbidden Palace. Then it’s out through the Gate of Divine Might to see the courtyards and private residences within the Forbidden City.

In the evening we went to see a show called the History of Kung Fu that charts the rise of a Kung Fu beginner to Master of his art.

The next day we went to the Jade Factory and ate in it’s on site restaurant which is very convenient. It was then on to the Summer Palace where the Dragon Lady, Empress Dowager Cixi, lived and was a retreat for emperors during the Ming and Qing dynasties.

Another fascinating insight was the visit to the Hutong, a protected residential area in central Beijing where the community lives as they always have. We ate at a local house which had been in the family for over 150 years. Many of the houses do not have their own toilet facilities so provisions are made all over the Hutong, but it can be very busy first thing in the morning.

Then it was off to the highlight, the Great Wall of China. Built over 2000 years ago, the wall stretches all the way from Shanhaiguan Pass on the East Coast to the Gobi Desert in the West. The main entrance is the busiest and we entered at Ju Yong Pass.

Many tourist buses arrive at the same time. The best thing to do is bide your time in the one of the cafes, let the crowds reduce on the wall and then go for it. You'll need stamina, fitness, water and a determination to reach the Beacon Tower. But the panoramic views and the sheer size of the wall itself is well worth it.

On our last night we celebrated with a Peking duck dinner followed by a Chinese acrobatic show which was fantastic. There's a motorcycle stunt team in this and their timing has to be seen to be believed.

China Tips:

If you're a fussy eater take a lot of biscuits with you. You will be served Chinese food for lunch and dinner every day.

If you like western style toilets always take advantage of one when you are able to. Always carry wipes or toilet paper.

All the guide books will warn you about spitting. It does happen, but just ignore it.

On this type of tour comfortable footwear is a must.

Hawkers are everywhere and your guide will advise the right words if you want rid of them.

Beware of dodgy goods. If you got the Rolex at a really cheap price it’s probably not a really cheap 'Rolex' watch.

On our tour the lead guide collected a $60 tip that she distributed to all the guides and drivers throughout the trip. One drink is included at lunch and dinner. But this can vary from tour to tour.