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The great loop of China - April 2018 - Page 3

Day 7 - Friday, 20 April 2018

From the old to the new old

From Beijing to Zhengzhou by bullet train

Today I moved cities, from a 30 million person city to somewhere between 10 and 12 million people, its hard to measure.
Zhengzhou is where I am, and its safe to say its not on the regular tourist trail. I knew this going in, but it was reinforced when I checked into my hotel. Apparently I have booked a room for 2 people, even though I am just 1 person, so the check in girl was very concerned that I might only use one of my 2 breakfast vouchers each morning. She really tried hard to explain to me that to get value I should find someone from my company I am here working for or visiting, and treat them to a hotel breakfast each morning. I told her I was here for tourism, she literally answered, in Chinese, Why?

The journey itself was uneventful, first I had to get to Beijing West high speed train station, which took 2 subway transfers and a lot of carrying my suitcase up and down stairs, luckily I am up to the task.
Getting into the giant, but older station itself requires airport security, they actually checked my passport, x-rayed my bags and checked my ticket at 3 different locations. Inside the station it was chaos, there are newer stations in Beijing, the railway to Shanghai goes from the southern high speed rail terminal which is more like a modern airport, and there is apparently now an even newer one I have yet to go to which I assume is staffed by robots and uses lasers to guide you to your 3d printed train.

The train ride today was not too long, but absolutely full. There is no point trying to take photos out the window of a train traveling at about 320 km/h, I have tried before, it doesnt work well. There were a lot of farms to look at, but the thing I noticed is they have planted big trees in every farm, the vegetables grow between rows of trees. This is almost universal, I assume the government pays the farmers to do this.

Arriving at Zhengzhou was very easy, and the east high speed station here is very modern as the pics will show. Like Beijing I believe there are 3 different big high speed stations as this is a crossroads for all of China. I am leaving from a different station so that will be exciting. I like stations and said station a lot today.

The great loop of China - April 2018 - Before leaving Beijing, I took a walk to breakfast, through a Hutong. I found a Cafe Bene which I think is a Korean brand. I had a really good coffee

Before leaving Beijing, I took a walk to breakfast, through a Hutong. I found a Cafe Bene which I think is a Korean brand. I had a really good coffee there but it was somewhat ruined by a large group of French tourists who came in and were all dying. They needed to go to the hospital! One woman actually passed out and hit her head on the table, and jolted herself back to life. If I die of a disease while here, blame these French people! I burnt my throat drinking my coffee as fast as I could so I could leave, I wished I got a take away.


The great loop of China - April 2018 - If a taxi isnt terrifying enough, you can go in a 3 wheeled electric motorbike taxi. Most of the time they dont tip over.

If a taxi isnt terrifying enough, you can go in a 3 wheeled electric motorbike taxi. Most of the time they dont tip over.


The great loop of China - April 2018 - Here is the street scene outside of Cafe Bene. The trees here will form a complete canopy over the street soon, lots of streets in Beijing are like th

Here is the street scene outside of Cafe Bene. The trees here will form a complete canopy over the street soon, lots of streets in Beijing are like this.


The great loop of China - April 2018 - The Beijing West station is quite far from the centre of the city, and even further from the central business district, this isnt the station itself b

The Beijing West station is quite far from the centre of the city, and even further from the central business district, this isnt the station itself but it was obvious its a highly developed area.


The great loop of China - April 2018 - Here is a small part of the station, I could not get it all in the photo, to do so would mean trying to cross the road, there were fences to prevent t

Here is a small part of the station, I could not get it all in the photo, to do so would mean trying to cross the road, there were fences to prevent that.


The great loop of China - April 2018 - The inside of the station is quite modern, but not as modern as the more modern stations which have more modern amenities.

The inside of the station is quite modern, but not as modern as the more modern stations which have more modern amenities.


The great loop of China - April 2018 - Once you get nearer your platform, you go into a crowded waiting room, and do whatever you can to prevent a line from forming!

Once you get nearer your platform, you go into a crowded waiting room, and do whatever you can to prevent a line from forming!


The great loop of China - April 2018 - The trains. I do like trains. I especially like ones that go really fast.

The trains. I do like trains. I especially like ones that go really fast.


The great loop of China - April 2018 - The inside of the train. These are very long trains, there are 3 classes, I am in the cheapest class of course, I travel among the people. There are a

The inside of the train. These are very long trains, there are 3 classes, I am in the cheapest class of course, I travel among the people. There are also 2 dining cars, although one is exclusively for first class. Carts full of food and drink come past constantly. The trains are fast and very very quiet, I was also surprised at the lack of lung particles being coughed up constantly, most people went to sleep and were silent.


The great loop of China - April 2018 - Zhengzhou East station. It reminded me of Shin-Osaka.

Zhengzhou East station. It reminded me of Shin-Osaka.


The great loop of China - April 2018 - Here is a view of Zhengzhou new city, its quite far from where I am now which is the old city, hence the title of todays chapter.

Here is a view of Zhengzhou new city, its quite far from where I am now which is the old city, hence the title of todays chapter.


The great loop of China - April 2018 - I was a bit early to head to my hotel to check in so I looked for food. Duck necks were on offer, I didnt feel like crunching on vertebrae, so I went

I was a bit early to head to my hotel to check in so I looked for food. Duck necks were on offer, I didnt feel like crunching on vertebrae, so I went to....a bakery! I thought I had ordered cheese on toast, it got heated up for me, and looked good, then I bit into it and it was sweet. It is indeed cheese on toast, but with blueberry filling. Surprisingly nice!


The great loop of China - April 2018 - Finding my hotel was not hard. It stands out above everything and has a UFO on the top. I already described checking in, it seems to be a great hotel

Finding my hotel was not hard. It stands out above everything and has a UFO on the top. I already described checking in, it seems to be a great hotel and I think I am paying about $55 a night. It was just about the only hotel I could find to book in Zhengzhou.


The great loop of China - April 2018 - Now we get the pics of my room, its actually an apartment, absolutely enormous.

Now we get the pics of my room, its actually an apartment, absolutely enormous.


The great loop of China - April 2018 - It has a full kitchen and full sized fridge. The stove and oven is hidden under that blanket thing, I dont think it has ever been used.

It has a full kitchen and full sized fridge. The stove and oven is hidden under that blanket thing, I dont think it has ever been used.


The great loop of China - April 2018 - I also get a view in 2 directions. Now this is going to look like I am staying in the middle of a bomb site, but the newer buildings are on the other

I also get a view in 2 directions. Now this is going to look like I am staying in the middle of a bomb site, but the newer buildings are on the other side of the hotel which is the main shopping pedestrian street and enormous mall area.


The great loop of China - April 2018 - Since I am on a corner I also get a different view out of my bathroom, which is also huge. After taking this photo I went downstairs to buy some drink

Since I am on a corner I also get a different view out of my bathroom, which is also huge. After taking this photo I went downstairs to buy some drinks to put in my huge fridge and the police were on my floor with the staff trying to get into someones room! They motioned for me just to keep going, I did.


The most China of places I have ever been

Wholesale fabric markets of Zhengzhou

Zhengzhou is a lot different to Beijing! It seems to be a tier of development below Chongqing, which up until now was the most China of places I have been to. I will be back in Chongqing soon to do a comparison.
To give you an idea, no traffic lights! Huge intersections where its just every man for himself, with enclosed motorbike taxis parked in the middle of the road, buses going either side, food carts set up in the traffic with people standing there eating dinner as trucks go past missing them by inches.

At first I spotted what I thought were some huge malls, so I wandered over to them, they are huge malls, but they seem to be for wholesale clothes buyers, they were closing early, and there was rubbish everywhere. I dont think I was wanted here, people were staring at me and pointing etc. and a heap of delivery guys were very amused that I wanted to look inside.

I then headed to the long distance bus station to buy a ticket for tomorrow, there is definitely no English, I thought that would be fine, but there was some confusion over my lack of passport. Eventually I worked out you now (since March) need your passport to buy long distance bus tickets, not to worry the station is very near my hotel so I wandered back and got my passport and bought a ticket successfully. If you did not speak any Chinese I think this would be impossible.

Eventually I worked out the central train station, the long distance bus station, and the wholesale clothes market, were all not really for tourists, and not really for the new generation of Chinese middle class. Back alongside my hotel, and 2 levels under it, I found areas which were a bit shinier!

Perhaps the interesting thing about this is, when I got to the east railway station this afternoon and looked out over the skyscrapers, it looked extremely futuristic, a stark contrast to where I am right now in the centre of town. Perhaps the plan is to build a new city, move everyone over there, demolish the old part and rebuild it! That is very possible, over in Lanzhou they literally removed a mountain.

The great loop of China - April 2018 - The mall area outside of my hotel has shops, a lot like what I remember from the crossing into Shenzhen from Hong Kong. To try and get young people to

The mall area outside of my hotel has shops, a lot like what I remember from the crossing into Shenzhen from Hong Kong. To try and get young people to loiter, they have erected the worlds ultimate selfie station.


The great loop of China - April 2018 - It is hard to tell in this photo, but this entire roof is a 3d screen. Things jump out at you. I never really saw anything like it before.

It is hard to tell in this photo, but this entire roof is a 3d screen. Things jump out at you. I never really saw anything like it before.


The great loop of China - April 2018 - This is the central railway station. It does have high speed services, but I couldnt get one to Xian (my next destination). I recently realised the st

This is the central railway station. It does have high speed services, but I couldnt get one to Xian (my next destination). I recently realised the station that I am leaving from on Monday is not connected to the subway. It is however connected to the high speed line from the central station, so I checked if I could get a ticket between two high speed stations in Zhengzhou, and I could! On Monday I will take a 6 minute train ride.
I realise the above sounded very confusing, because it is.


The great loop of China - April 2018 - This is the inside of what I thought would be a modern shopping centre. There are multiple levels of this.

This is the inside of what I thought would be a modern shopping centre. There are multiple levels of this.


The great loop of China - April 2018 - This huge building is also what I think is just wholesale junk clothes markets. There were signs suggesting levels 9 and 10 were restaurants but I cou

This huge building is also what I think is just wholesale junk clothes markets. There were signs suggesting levels 9 and 10 were restaurants but I couldnt get up there, the place seemed shut.


The great loop of China - April 2018 - I cant really convey the intersections in still photos, look at all those little things parked in the middle of the road..... there are no traffic lig

I cant really convey the intersections in still photos, look at all those little things parked in the middle of the road..... there are no traffic lights!


The great loop of China - April 2018 - This is also a wholesale clothing market. It was also shut. I then realised there was a whole other world under me, and that crossing the street in th

This is also a wholesale clothing market. It was also shut. I then realised there was a whole other world under me, and that crossing the street in the traffic above ground was only for fools and long haired lost Australians.


The great loop of China - April 2018 - There are lots of alleyways filled with food carts and little food stands such as this, 3 identical ma la tang shops in a row. They didnt really have

There are lots of alleyways filled with food carts and little food stands such as this, 3 identical ma la tang shops in a row. They didnt really have anywhere to sit though, so I moved on.


The great loop of China - April 2018 - This is back right by my hotel, the cold comfort of neon and stores that are open and trying to attract regular customers.

This is back right by my hotel, the cold comfort of neon and stores that are open and trying to attract regular customers.


The great loop of China - April 2018 - I descended into the underground, and wandered around a very long maze of little stores and people mingling about doing what they could to avoid what

I descended into the underground, and wandered around a very long maze of little stores and people mingling about doing what they could to avoid what was going on above ground. I couldnt find any food down here which I thought was weird.


The great loop of China - April 2018 - Then I realised theres mored than one level underground. Basement level 2 has a food 'street'.

Then I realised theres mored than one level underground. Basement level 2 has a food 'street'.


The great loop of China - April 2018 - I found ma la tang sushi train style, just like the ultra expensive fusion place by my house in Melbourne that charges $38 per person. Here in Zhengzh

I found ma la tang sushi train style, just like the ultra expensive fusion place by my house in Melbourne that charges $38 per person. Here in Zhengzhou, all you can eat is $3. There was no English, and there was some confusion as there are 6 soup choices. The way this all works is you get a bowl of soup on your own personal hot plate, you take things off the train and cook them yourself.
The boss came out from the kitchen and spoke really fast Chinese to me, I told him I can try and understand if he speaks slowly. He told me I am the first American customer he ever had.


The great loop of China - April 2018 - This is Erqi square monument, it was constructed to memorialize a labour strike in 1927. I assume many people died. Nothing much of significance happe

This is Erqi square monument, it was constructed to memorialize a labour strike in 1927. I assume many people died. Nothing much of significance happens in China unless many people die. Now its the centre of the city, and about 100 metres from my hotel.


The great loop of China - April 2018 - On the way back I decided to stop and lose all my money throwing neon hoops at plush toys.

On the way back I decided to stop and lose all my money throwing neon hoops at plush toys.


Tomorrow I have to get up early and hope that my bus ticket I purchased in advance takes me somewhere I want to go, I am not entirely sure! More concerning will be if I can actually get back to Zhengzhou, advance purchasing a return ticket seemed to be impossible, I can only buy the ticket in the city the trip originates from. Tomorrow is Saturday, tickets might be hard to come by, stay tuned to find out if I make it back!

There are currently 5 comments - click to add

David on 2018-04-20 said:

I assume you mean Xi and not Zhi.
Clamped down on freedom? Not sure what that means, Beijing sure seemed a lot more accommodating than when I was last here in 2011. There are lots of police but then there always have been. I have noticed a lot of people claiming to be security volunteers, but they are often just weeding gardens and picking up rubbish.
I have not seen any soldiers at all apart from the sports day activities in Tiananmen square, quite different from say France, where commandos patrol the streets with machine guns.
There is rubbish in the streets here in the clothing areas, the people working there do not seem to care much, they are no doubt very poor. Then the young people in the nicer part of the city seem to be quite different and have all the latest nike shoes and iphones. Its a complex place.


mother on 2018-04-20 said:

i refreshed the fonts. it worked.

I am going back and forth with photos as I come up with questions/comments as I always forget what I wanted to say by the time I get to the end. Firstly, have you noticed a tightening of police presence/security etc since Zhi has clamped down on freedom?

Interesting small carpark in front of station. Wonder who gets to park there?

maybe you are in a clothing manufacturing town. All the shops seem to be clothing related. Also, a lot of walking streets - no traffic - which are wide enough for cars. Noticed this in your Beijing photos too. must be anti pollution policy. While China has huge problems in that department, at least they seem to be trying to do something about it.

My students have no sense of danger when the cross the road here. Could be cos they are used to being in the middle of busy roads with traffic all around and surviving?

The food place looks fun. HOpe you told the boss you are Australian.


David on 2018-04-20 said:

You might need to hard refresh to see the new fonts (ctrl + f5), the text font (big blocks) should be different, darker than the font used for the comments I put under the photos. Since you had no problem with the old font anyway, it doesnt matter.


adriana on 2018-04-20 said:

Font looks the same to me. Maybe my computer doesn't have roboto. I'm still seeing only clean streets and stations in your photos - I am surprised. my students leave their mess behind all the time. Another flash hotel - even flowers in your room!


David on 2018-04-20 said:

The font should be better now, for the main text I switched to Roboto, which is the most popular google font. I also made it darker, but still not quite black, apparently no one ever uses pure black. I can see commas now.


Day 8 - Saturday, 21 April 2018

Everybody was kung fu fighting the rain

Getting to Shaolin from Zhengzhou by bus

Apparently the main attraction 'near' Zhengzhou is the Shaolin Monastery / Temple / Amusement Park / Tourist Trap.
I say near because it was 2 hours in each direction to get there. I had pre purchased a bus ticket, because today is Saturday and I knew anything tourist related would be busy, this ticket would get me most of the way there, but would not get me home again, pre purchasing a return ticket was not possible, at least thats what we agreed at the bus station last night. The bus took ages to leave the central Zhengzhou region where I am staying, the traffic light free region! After an hour of walking speed, we rejoined civilization and made good progress, soon after we went on a very nice modern smooth freeway, and soon after that, we arrived in Dengfeng. The journey was filled with fog and rain, but from what I could see, the scenery looked spectacular. There were heavy forested areas, lots of blossoms in orchards, wineries with wine bottle shaped buildings and then every now and then a deep ravine. All the ravines seemed to be a park of some sorts with paths running through them.

Dengfeng itself is apparently a historic town (more like a medium sized city) with a lot of things to see, it is right by historic / sacred / culturally significant Mount Song - birth place of the Song dynasty, which I would love to climb but cant due to time restrictions. Today I would see none of that, not even a glimpse of the huge mountain, because by now it was pouring with rain!

The next challenge was to find a bus from Dengfeng new station to the Shaolin whatever it is. ALL information on the internet is wrong. The bus from Zhengzhou central no longer seems to go to the old bus depot which is closer to the temple, instead it terminates at the new bus station. Every review on the internet I read said DO NOT GET OFF AT THE NEW BUS STATION! But I had no choice today. I was ready to take a taxi as per the dire warnings, but to my surprise there were a lot of shuttle buses there to meet me all charging about $1 to go the last 20km to the temple entrance.

I will describe the temple park in the pics, but I think it was a waste of time going! Not much to see, huge crowds, some things not operating due to the rain, and holy crap did it rain, there was basically a flood as the whole place is filled with little creeks criss crossing. My feet are saturated.

The return journey turned out to be pretty easy, I left earlier than the crowds so I could get a seat on every bus required, but it took forever, even within site of the Zhengzhou bus station, so close that I could have walked there in 5 minutes if they only opened the door, it still took another hour! I regretted drinking the big bottle of water I had been saving until I thought we were getting close!

The great loop of China - April 2018 - The wet modern entrance area to the Shaolin temple, home of the kung fu panda movie, and apparently home of all kung fu and related activities.

The wet modern entrance area to the Shaolin temple, home of the kung fu panda movie, and apparently home of all kung fu and related activities.


The great loop of China - April 2018 - Despite the rain, so many people! They seemed to be having an amazing time splashing about. Seemingly like they had waited their whole lives to be her

Despite the rain, so many people! They seemed to be having an amazing time splashing about. Seemingly like they had waited their whole lives to be here. The entrance fee was exorbitant, over $20 Australian dollars! I did notice that the parking lots in the area where the monks live were filled with Range Rovers, Audi's and a Rolls Royce!


The great loop of China - April 2018 - You can buy the fighting baby figures everywhere in Asia, not just in China, I guess they originate from here?

You can buy the fighting baby figures everywhere in Asia, not just in China, I guess they originate from here?


The great loop of China - April 2018 - Not everything is sparkling and new, I wandered off the path to this abandoned area with no other people. I went closer to climb over the back of this

Not everything is sparkling and new, I wandered off the path to this abandoned area with no other people. I went closer to climb over the back of this but I was concerned it might collapse.


The great loop of China - April 2018 - If you dont take the shuttle buses that run along a parallel road, you can get a decent walk here up a tree lined road. This is pre massive downpour,

If you dont take the shuttle buses that run along a parallel road, you can get a decent walk here up a tree lined road. This is pre massive downpour, later this was a river.


The great loop of China - April 2018 - I entered one of the temple areas. Most of it looked new, but apparently the trees are sacred and ancient, most people seemed very interested in the t

I entered one of the temple areas. Most of it looked new, but apparently the trees are sacred and ancient, most people seemed very interested in the trees.


The great loop of China - April 2018 - The temples here were stacked together with lots of trees, hard to get a clear shot, I couldnt tell if they were old or new, some of the things inside

The temples here were stacked together with lots of trees, hard to get a clear shot, I couldnt tell if they were old or new, some of the things inside looked old but they kept it so dark you couldnt really tell what you were looking at. There were plenty of oohs and ahhs from the locals.


The great loop of China - April 2018 - Incense burning was a popular fun activity. I think you are supposed to light it here and carry it somewhere else. This idea was not going too well fo

Incense burning was a popular fun activity. I think you are supposed to light it here and carry it somewhere else. This idea was not going too well for many people in the rain. It was also damn slippery, I saw 3 people slip over trying to walk down stairs in the rain carrying their incense stick in one hand and photographing it with the other.


The great loop of China - April 2018 - That all looks new to me!

That all looks new to me!


The great loop of China - April 2018 - This is the final temple, where you get to fight Lord Raiden.

This is the final temple, where you get to fight Lord Raiden.


The great loop of China - April 2018 - I found another secluded area, with steps leading to it, which meant I had it to myself to look at the statue, and soak up some mud.

I found another secluded area, with steps leading to it, which meant I had it to myself to look at the statue, and soak up some mud.


The great loop of China - April 2018 - I bought a coat, despite buying the coat from an unofficial vendor inside the park, it was less than $1. It did the job. When I left later on, despite

I bought a coat, despite buying the coat from an unofficial vendor inside the park, it was less than $1. It did the job. When I left later on, despite being among the first to leave, there were already 3 metric tonnes of discarded coats.


The great loop of China - April 2018 - This was the best part of the experience for me, the pagoda forest. I think the photos were actually improved because of the rain and fog.

This was the best part of the experience for me, the pagoda forest. I think the photos were actually improved because of the rain and fog.


The great loop of China - April 2018 - I enjoyed the pagodas enough to take two photos of them.

I enjoyed the pagodas enough to take two photos of them.


The great loop of China - April 2018 - This is the area where you can see the live show. I did not get to see it. There were waaaaaay too many people for the 11:30 show and the next wasnt u

This is the area where you can see the live show. I did not get to see it. There were waaaaaay too many people for the 11:30 show and the next wasnt until 2pm, this was right around the time of the torrential downpour. I suspect this is the main attraction, it has lasers. I have also seen news stories about amazing feats of lifting weights attached to monks scrotums and breaking planks on a guys erect penis! Really, apparently they do that here in the show!
It was raining way too much to wait in a line for 3 hours to find out.


The great loop of China - April 2018 - Instead I beat a path to the exit, a number of small Chinese children seemed to want to fight me. Only me. Like fighting invading westerners was part

Instead I beat a path to the exit, a number of small Chinese children seemed to want to fight me. Only me. Like fighting invading westerners was part of their training? Also, I did not see a single monk all day in the orange robes. I did see a bunch of kids guarding the living quarters in red tracksuits, I presume they are pre-monk.


The great loop of China - April 2018 - A plastic coated family. Note the bootie things on their feet, you can buy them too. Everyone slipping over had bought those booties. I have no idea h

A plastic coated family. Note the bootie things on their feet, you can buy them too. Everyone slipping over had bought those booties. I have no idea how to spell bootie.


The great loop of China - April 2018 - Through this heavily guarded compound is where the monks live and train.

Through this heavily guarded compound is where the monks live and train.


The great loop of China - April 2018 - After sitting on a shuttle bus until it filled, I was relieved when it arrived back at Dengfeng new bus station - yes this is the new station. Here I

After sitting on a shuttle bus until it filled, I was relieved when it arrived back at Dengfeng new bus station - yes this is the new station. Here I was able to buy a return ticket to Zhengzhou departing almost immediately! I was thrilled with this.


The great loop of China - April 2018 - I had just enough time to take a photo of a street in Dengfeng out the front of the bus station. Some parts we went through on the bus looked really n

I had just enough time to take a photo of a street in Dengfeng out the front of the bus station. Some parts we went through on the bus looked really nice with gardens and monuments, this was not one of those places.


The great loop of China - April 2018 - After arriving back in Zhengzhou, I decided to go through the tunnels back to my hotel rather than cross the damp streets. This is what I saw, miles o

After arriving back in Zhengzhou, I decided to go through the tunnels back to my hotel rather than cross the damp streets. This is what I saw, miles of this. Progress was slow! Luckily I only had to go a few hundred metres, but maps on the wall suggest the tunnels of people with cardboard boxes of polyester baby clothes are extensive. There are also two underground levels of this! The worst fire in modern history could happen here.


I probably was harsh on the Shaolin temple. It was raining, hard to get to, and I didnt get to see the performances. I suspect the scenery nearby with the Song mountain is great, there were paths I could have walked along on a better day. It does seem very expensive and quite fake, especially compared to much cheaper easier to get to places I have already been to on my trip so far. Also worth noting, I did not see a single foreign tourist, even though this place is quite well known, there were none today. Some people make a day trip from Beijing just to go to the temple, that is madness!

The new old is new again

Eating street food in Zhengzhou

I already said that last night I went the wrong way, I really did, so wrong. Tonight I went no more than a hundred metres in the other direction before I found the shiny new parts of Zhengzhou. Here you can find huge interconnected malls with every western brand you can think of, even an apple store. So there you go, non Chinese speakers probably can come to Zhengzhou and find something to eat / buy / drink and somewhere to use a regular western style bathroom.

Before I crossed over to the shiny side, I also had another look around the old side, which is probably also the busy side and the dirty side. Above the massive street food areas at and below ground level, there are hundreds of restaurants, I ended up having dinner at one but I probably chose my dinner too early. As you will see I had the same as last night, because its delicious, and I can have all vegetables, in ridiculously spicy soup. The fact that you can boil it yourself to kill all potential pathogens is an added bonus, plus its very suitable for a solo diner. Thats probably enough about my dinner.

So there you go, last night I hastily judged Zhengzhou as tier 88, where as now its probably pumped back up to tier 3 on the Chinese tier ranking system hybridized with my actual experiences while visiting. The exciting thing about it is that you can experience both sides, and when you get sick of feeling clean, step over to the filth and vice versa, just remember to wash your hands a lot and try not to get run over.

The great loop of China - April 2018 - On the old side, a clothing market has been set up in the puddles in the mall immediately next to the street food stalls.

On the old side, a clothing market has been set up in the puddles in the mall immediately next to the street food stalls.


The great loop of China - April 2018 - This is still the old side, but things are looking up, these are all restaurants. Nearly everything was a hot pot of some kind, generally only suitabl

This is still the old side, but things are looking up, these are all restaurants. Nearly everything was a hot pot of some kind, generally only suitable for groups of people, often featuring bullfrog.


The great loop of China - April 2018 - Here you can see a whole heap of street food stalls. Everything comes served on a stick, obviously there is nowhere to sit and relax. The sticks make

Here you can see a whole heap of street food stalls. Everything comes served on a stick, obviously there is nowhere to sit and relax. The sticks make a huge mess.


The great loop of China - April 2018 - I found the only place suitable for solo diners as mentioned above, it just happens to be the same as I had last night, which just happens to be delic

I found the only place suitable for solo diners as mentioned above, it just happens to be the same as I had last night, which just happens to be delicious.


The great loop of China - April 2018 - Then I found a different eating area with more street food inside a shed which I had assumed was a construction site, as you will see, it kind of is!

Then I found a different eating area with more street food inside a shed which I had assumed was a construction site, as you will see, it kind of is! This place was buzzing with excitement, the tiles were deathly slippery, a mixture of oil, mud and water.


The great loop of China - April 2018 - You want crab? Its been there all day waiting for you. She looks thrilled.

You want crab? Its been there all day waiting for you. She looks thrilled.


The great loop of China - April 2018 - And here we have the border between eating area and demolition site. See how the food stalls back directly onto a mini rubbish dump? Tier 88.

And here we have the border between eating area and demolition site. See how the food stalls back directly onto a mini rubbish dump? Tier 88.


The great loop of China - April 2018 - It seems it is pineapple season, heres another pineapple rice stall, but there were people dancing around selling pineapples in the street too.

It seems it is pineapple season, heres another pineapple rice stall, but there were people dancing around selling pineapples in the street too.


The great loop of China - April 2018 - Various meats on sticks for your dining pleasure. Maybe dog! Who knows?

Various meats on sticks for your dining pleasure. Maybe dog! Who knows?


The great loop of China - April 2018 - Most Chinese cities seem to enjoy decorating their public spaces like this.

Most Chinese cities seem to enjoy decorating their public spaces like this.


The great loop of China - April 2018 - Here we have the busy Erqi square and tower, looking back towards the old side of town from a road overpass, with all the neon from the pedestrian str

Here we have the busy Erqi square and tower, looking back towards the old side of town from a road overpass, with all the neon from the pedestrian street. The hotel on the left with the big LED design on it and flying saucer on the roof is where I am staying.


The great loop of China - April 2018 - A bit more view of the chaotic street scenes. I stood here for a while just watching.

A bit more view of the chaotic street scenes. I stood here for a while just watching.


The great loop of China - April 2018 - Now we move into new mall territory. This one is not quite as new as the next.

Now we move into new mall territory. This one is not quite as new as the next.


The great loop of China - April 2018 - This is the newest mall around, its very fancy, I think MixC is an international brand, having also outlets in at least Taiwan and Korea.

This is the newest mall around, its very fancy, I think MixC is an international brand, having also outlets in at least Taiwan and Korea.


The great loop of China - April 2018 - Inside they have an are of fake blossoms for your selfie-ing pleasure.

Inside they have an are of fake blossoms for your selfie-ing pleasure.


The great loop of China - April 2018 - The inside of this place is very nice, much like a brand new mall in Australia like Chadstone, only in China they cant get as much real estate so buil

The inside of this place is very nice, much like a brand new mall in Australia like Chadstone, only in China they cant get as much real estate so build higher instead. This one is 9 levels.


The great loop of China - April 2018 - The basement has an excellent Ole international supermarket, and more pineapples. I love Ole. Ole please come to Australia!

The basement has an excellent Ole international supermarket, and more pineapples. I love Ole. Ole please come to Australia!


The great loop of China - April 2018 - There is also a xiao mi store, I also love xiao mi, their toothbrushes never wear out. I was able to check out some of their products other than their

There is also a xiao mi store, I also love xiao mi, their toothbrushes never wear out. I was able to check out some of their products other than their phones, before now I had only seen pictures online.


The great loop of China - April 2018 - And for my last photo this evening, here is a shaved wolf. He seemed happy enough to be shaved, proudly parading himself for photos with everyone. I h

And for my last photo this evening, here is a shaved wolf. He seemed happy enough to be shaved, proudly parading himself for photos with everyone. I have not really seen many dogs here, in Beijing everyone had a silly little white dog, or a colored poodle. I suspect they do here also but there is not a lot of residential buildings where I am staying.


There are currently 3 comments - click to add

David on 2018-04-21 said:

There are bins everywhere. The sticks just roll around, people leave them on tables etc.


mother on 2018-04-21 said:

some of the old doesn't look too grotty, but the demo/eating place is definitely filthy by the looks of the tables. No bins for the sticks then? Japanese would take them home to dispose of if there were no bins.


Jenny on 2018-04-21 said:

How disappointing that you didn't see them in action. You need to stop frowning wrinkles are forming


Day 9 - Sunday, 22 April 2018

Windwalker

Walking a great loop of the tree lined city of Zhengzhou

Brace yourself for a huge barrage of grey wind swept photos of every day life in Zhengzhou. I went on a HUUUUGE walk, over 30km, just going wherever the scenery took me.
It was super windy, all the advertising signs were blowing down the streets, flags advertising phones were torn off the sides of buildings, scooters were blowing over with their alarms going off non stop, branches were falling off trees missing me by inches, poodles were tumbling down alleyways, grandmas were telling concerned younger generations that this was just a mild breeze compared to the days of Mao.

I went east, then north, then west, then south. Orienteering experts will understand that doing so was necessary to end up back where I started. Along the way I saw close to a hundred shopping malls, I think I went in 5. All of them had lots of activities going on, concerts, fashion parades, art classes, cooking classes, kung fu demonstrations, furry conventions, everywhere was a hive of activity.

The shopping malls however were nothing compared to the parks, they were chock full of people, mainly older people, all having the time of their lives. Everyone participates in some sort of activity, so harmonious.

So there you go, theres lots to see and do in Zhengzhou, just like every large Chinese city. Now to laboriously describe every photo.

The great loop of China - April 2018 - This is a crop to get some zoom so might be a bit pixelated, but what the hell is that huge roof over the top of a suburb? I couldnt get close enough

This is a crop to get some zoom so might be a bit pixelated, but what the hell is that huge roof over the top of a suburb? I couldnt get close enough to see, it looks like it could cover a football stadium.


The great loop of China - April 2018 - Share bikes are also popular here, popular enough for piles to form, stay tuned for more piles.

Share bikes are also popular here, popular enough for piles to form, stay tuned for more piles.


The great loop of China - April 2018 - The main brand of everything here is Dennis, they own malls, department stores, supermarkets, bus lines. They need a new name.

The main brand of everything here is Dennis, they own malls, department stores, supermarkets, bus lines. They need a new name.


The great loop of China - April 2018 - If you have been to China / Japan / Korea / Taiwan before then you are probably familiar with the daily pep talk from the manager. Here in ZZ that ext

If you have been to China / Japan / Korea / Taiwan before then you are probably familiar with the daily pep talk from the manager. Here in ZZ that extends to the food delivery scooter drivers, who stand to attention to hear stories about the cultural revolution and how they apply to getting someones boiled duck neck soup delivered to them while it is still hot. Yes, I am just going to say ZZ from now on.


The great loop of China - April 2018 - SO. MANY. PUBLIC. TOILETS.

SO. MANY. PUBLIC. TOILETS.


The great loop of China - April 2018 - Apparently ZZ used to be known as the tree lined city. Then they decided to widen the streets and most trees were lost. There are still some streets l

Apparently ZZ used to be known as the tree lined city. Then they decided to widen the streets and most trees were lost. There are still some streets left like this one that are completely enclosed by trees. With the wind and blossoms and trees and spring, I today found out I suffer from hayfever. I was having sneezing fits outside but as soon as I went indoors it stopped.


The great loop of China - April 2018 - Outdoor shopping mall musical theatre.

Outdoor shopping mall musical theatre.


The great loop of China - April 2018 - I beat all these Chinese people at ping pong.

I beat all these Chinese people at ping pong.


The great loop of China - April 2018 - Somehow, they are managing a 4 bin recycling system in this park, impossible!

Somehow, they are managing a 4 bin recycling system in this park, impossible!


The great loop of China - April 2018 - This was just one of many parks today, the quietest of those that I visited, still nice though.

This was just one of many parks today, the quietest of those that I visited, still nice though.


The great loop of China - April 2018 - This is a new apartment complex, there are probably 10 or so 'streets' of identical buildings. The bottom of every one of these streets is 3 levels of

This is a new apartment complex, there are probably 10 or so 'streets' of identical buildings. The bottom of every one of these streets is 3 levels of shopping mall, quite modern and nice inside.


The great loop of China - April 2018 - Basically no one at all rides their own bike anymore. I suspect all bike shops are out of business. One day the same thing will happen with cars, the

Basically no one at all rides their own bike anymore. I suspect all bike shops are out of business. One day the same thing will happen with cars, the autonomous car cloud will take over, and all car dealers will go broke immediately.


The great loop of China - April 2018 - 3 electric long nose school buses. So much of everything is electric, you have to be really careful crossing roads and footpaths because you cant hear

3 electric long nose school buses. So much of everything is electric, you have to be really careful crossing roads and footpaths because you cant hear them coming.


The great loop of China - April 2018 - Now I am at a new area, a giant circle of new. Its so large I took a photo of the map, because I wont be able to capture it all in a photo.

Now I am at a new area, a giant circle of new. Its so large I took a photo of the map, because I wont be able to capture it all in a photo.


The great loop of China - April 2018 - Before attacking the circle, I stopped for coffee at Holly's coffee. The barista decided to use my coffee to train all the staff in how to make coffee

Before attacking the circle, I stopped for coffee at Holly's coffee. The barista decided to use my coffee to train all the staff in how to make coffee. They made it together 3 times before they were satisfied which was really weird. All the staff watched with great interest. Admittedly it was a truly fantastic coffee.


The great loop of China - April 2018 - Part of the circle of new. This photo did not come out well, please scroll past.

Part of the circle of new. This photo did not come out well, please scroll past.


The great loop of China - April 2018 - That is the convention centre, I think, or an art gallery.

That is the convention centre, I think, or an art gallery.


The great loop of China - April 2018 - The selfie spot has a frame, I failed to get my big head, the frame and the building in the shot together. My head is blocking most of the view.

The selfie spot has a frame, I failed to get my big head, the frame and the building in the shot together. My head is blocking most of the view.


The great loop of China - April 2018 - Here is the back of the convention centre. How is that 4 bin system working out?

Here is the back of the convention centre. How is that 4 bin system working out?


The great loop of China - April 2018 - The outer ring of the giant circle is one huge endless shopping mall. If it were raining in ZZ I could get all my steps just running around it non sto

The outer ring of the giant circle is one huge endless shopping mall. If it were raining in ZZ I could get all my steps just running around it non stop.


The great loop of China - April 2018 - For my mother mainly, heres the inside of the mall. Sparkling clean.

For my mother mainly, heres the inside of the mall. Sparkling clean.


The great loop of China - April 2018 - Now I headed north along a tree lined street, where a new pipe was being installed. A great place to park your share bike.

Now I headed north along a tree lined street, where a new pipe was being installed. A great place to park your share bike.


The great loop of China - April 2018 - Look at all the cables! And the open box where all the cables are terminated. Amazing.

Look at all the cables! And the open box where all the cables are terminated. Amazing.


The great loop of China - April 2018 - A Chinese building site. They do not mess around. You could easily build 10 apartment towers here, and they probably are.

A Chinese building site. They do not mess around. You could easily build 10 apartment towers here, and they probably are.


The great loop of China - April 2018 - Then I arrived at an outlet mall. I needed a drink and it had a huge Vanguard supermarket on the top floor, so in I went.

Then I arrived at an outlet mall. I needed a drink and it had a huge Vanguard supermarket on the top floor, so in I went.


The great loop of China - April 2018 - Inside the outlet mall was pretty much identical to what we call DFO or Harbourside in Australia.

Inside the outlet mall was pretty much identical to what we call DFO or Harbourside in Australia.


The great loop of China - April 2018 - The outlet mall security staff was not thrilled with all the share bikes left laying about.

The outlet mall security staff was not thrilled with all the share bikes left laying about.


The great loop of China - April 2018 - Another giant Dennis department store, far from anything else. This one is 14 levels high, the top 2 levels are all restaurants.

Another giant Dennis department store, far from anything else. This one is 14 levels high, the top 2 levels are all restaurants.


The great loop of China - April 2018 - Now I found another park with some kind of fair happening. I had to investigate.

Now I found another park with some kind of fair happening. I had to investigate.


The great loop of China - April 2018 - It seems to be a farming and food technology cult recruitment drive. Like Amway, a pyramid scheme. The top sellers are winning awards. From what I can

It seems to be a farming and food technology cult recruitment drive. Like Amway, a pyramid scheme. The top sellers are winning awards. From what I can work out they sell miracle potions made from organic food that cure cancer and eliminate unwanted ghosts.


The great loop of China - April 2018 - The gardens were nice though, they inspired me to sign up as a seller, anyone want to buy purple carrot pills?

The gardens were nice though, they inspired me to sign up as a seller, anyone want to buy purple carrot pills?


The great loop of China - April 2018 - This is the Henan province museum, where you can see pottery and dinosaur bones. I had no time for this.

This is the Henan province museum, where you can see pottery and dinosaur bones. I had no time for this.


The great loop of China - April 2018 - Instead of going to the museum I helped this guy recycle some cardboard. This guy is killing the recycling market in Australia / the western world.

Instead of going to the museum I helped this guy recycle some cardboard. This guy is killing the recycling market in Australia / the western world.


The great loop of China - April 2018 - Meanwhile nearby at yet another mall, the local youth gangsta squad was busy warning everyone about the evils of getting involved with women.

Meanwhile nearby at yet another mall, the local youth gangsta squad was busy warning everyone about the evils of getting involved with women.


The great loop of China - April 2018 - Inside, there was a fashion parade for babies. They had the full walk / twirl / pose routine worked out. I was the only middle aged man standing there

Inside, there was a fashion parade for babies. They had the full walk / twirl / pose routine worked out. I was the only middle aged man standing there with a camera, in camo shorts, looking angry.


The great loop of China - April 2018 - Upstairs you can join a craft class. I glued various revolutionary characters to a picture frame.

Upstairs you can join a craft class. I glued various revolutionary characters to a picture frame.


The great loop of China - April 2018 - To celebrate my long walk, I visited a Karaoke bar and belted out a few Chinese classics.

To celebrate my long walk, I visited a Karaoke bar and belted out a few Chinese classics.


The great loop of China - April 2018 - Then I found a huge guitar store, it was actually really well stocked, but super expensive.

Then I found a huge guitar store, it was actually really well stocked, but super expensive.


The great loop of China - April 2018 - My journey then took me past the local drain, quite picturesque, didnt smell.

My journey then took me past the local drain, quite picturesque, didnt smell.


The great loop of China - April 2018 - And then I arrived at a huge busy park. This was an amazing place.

And then I arrived at a huge busy park. This was an amazing place.


The great loop of China - April 2018 - First I enjoyed the muslim dancing demonstration.

First I enjoyed the muslim dancing demonstration.


The great loop of China - April 2018 - Then I appreciated the Chinese opera with full orchestra. Todays opera was an epic describing the journey down from heaven of the temptress who lured

Then I appreciated the Chinese opera with full orchestra. Todays opera was an epic describing the journey down from heaven of the temptress who lured the greedy traders to their death by convincing them that if they were to set themselves on fire they would turn into solid gold.


The great loop of China - April 2018 - All parks have a lake and paddle boats you could hire. This one had a cool go kart track too which I didnt photograph.

All parks have a lake and paddle boats you could hire. This one had a cool go kart track too which I didnt photograph.


The great loop of China - April 2018 - The gardens were quite spectacular, look at all those people in the background enjoying themselves.

The gardens were quite spectacular, look at all those people in the background enjoying themselves.


The great loop of China - April 2018 - I guess I should do at least one temple photo for the day. This one was quite nice set aside in a quiet part of the park.

I guess I should do at least one temple photo for the day. This one was quite nice set aside in a quiet part of the park.


The great loop of China - April 2018 - And then as I returned to my hotel, with my feet not even sore despite my long walk on concrete, I was attacked by this creature, who was advertising

And then as I returned to my hotel, with my feet not even sore despite my long walk on concrete, I was attacked by this creature, who was advertising the opening of a new jewelry store. I won the fight with a finishing move of a roundhouse to its furry head.


Named in my honor

The modern malls and great food of Zhengzhou

Tonight I went to........ David Plaza! They finally named a giant shopping mall in my honor, and what a mall it was, the best mall I ever went to in China. I looked around for a ribbon to cut but could not find one. I will have someone killed for failing to respect Mr David.

Since I walked so far earlier and since I was starving and since I have to get up early tomorrow to move cities I did not go very far this evening. First of all I wandered around some closing dirty markets selling polyester tracksuits, then I admired some strange wiring at eye level that threatened to kill me, and then I spotted the mighty David Plaza.
Like a black obelisk of awesome rising from the detritus, I had found my Mecca.

Inside was everything, well actually I only went to the food floors on 11 - 15 and also B1. I had dinner on 11, then explored the other floors and then finally I was amazed at the huge amount of extended floor area in the basement, with the new winner for the greatest supermarket I have ever been to, all in the plaza named after me.

The great loop of China - April 2018 - First of all, I wandered around this whole labyrinth of a fire trap, it was just shutting, which is unusual as most things stay open late, again I sus

First of all, I wandered around this whole labyrinth of a fire trap, it was just shutting, which is unusual as most things stay open late, again I suspect this place doesnt really rely on the individual shopper.


The great loop of China - April 2018 - There was a crappy looking food court in a mystery hidden basement accessible only via emergency exit stairs. Tonight I did not want to peak to early

There was a crappy looking food court in a mystery hidden basement accessible only via emergency exit stairs. Tonight I did not want to peak to early and have food regrets later, as tonight is my last chance for a meal in ZZ.


The great loop of China - April 2018 - To placate my hunger I decided to purchase some ancient mixed lollies, I think I was the first person to ever buy any.

To placate my hunger I decided to purchase some ancient mixed lollies, I think I was the first person to ever buy any.


The great loop of China - April 2018 - It must be shift change time for the furry.

It must be shift change time for the furry.


The great loop of China - April 2018 - Pineapples everywhere.

Pineapples everywhere.


The great loop of China - April 2018 - This is my head, crossing the road on a pedestrian overpass, and becoming entangled in a huge mess of wires. They were no more than 5 feet above the w

This is my head, crossing the road on a pedestrian overpass, and becoming entangled in a huge mess of wires. They were no more than 5 feet above the walkway, everyone would have to duck under them. I just cut through them all with my machete.


The great loop of China - April 2018 - And there she is, isnt she beautiful? DAVID PLAZA! Why is it a she if its named David? The English language is stupid.

And there she is, isnt she beautiful? DAVID PLAZA! Why is it a she if its named David? The English language is stupid.


The great loop of China - April 2018 - Out the front they have placed a butterfly house. It was shut. I suspect the butterflies all flew off because there is no double door airlock thing to

Out the front they have placed a butterfly house. It was shut. I suspect the butterflies all flew off because there is no double door airlock thing to keep them in there.


The great loop of China - April 2018 - I had to study the floor plan in detail because there were so many restaurant floor choices.

I had to study the floor plan in detail because there were so many restaurant floor choices.


The great loop of China - April 2018 - There is no doubt, China wins the world championship of casual eating venues for solo travellers. I could have eaten in any one of 50 places.

There is no doubt, China wins the world championship of casual eating venues for solo travellers. I could have eaten in any one of 50 places.


The great loop of China - April 2018 - I settled on this very very delicious beef noodle soup with all the condiments. Top quality, tomato and chilli base, I added lots of chilli and vinega

I settled on this very very delicious beef noodle soup with all the condiments. Top quality, tomato and chilli base, I added lots of chilli and vinegar, great noodles, peanuts and pickled vegetables, no regrets!


The great loop of China - April 2018 - Then I headed to the basement, there had to be 100 casual eating places down here. Lots of them dessert focused but also dinner places with benches an

Then I headed to the basement, there had to be 100 casual eating places down here. Lots of them dessert focused but also dinner places with benches and stools to sit at. I could come back here for months and not exhaust all the options


The great loop of China - April 2018 - Next up, the supermarket, notice it not only has a huge bakery, but behind it tables and chairs. They will cook you dinner in here, noodle bars, sushi

Next up, the supermarket, notice it not only has a huge bakery, but behind it tables and chairs. They will cook you dinner in here, noodle bars, sushi bars, ma la tang, pizza that actually looked really good. It was very depressing....because in Australia we have Coles and Woolworths, where you can buy washing detergent and bread pre prepared in Ireland before being 'finished' in Australia.


The great loop of China - April 2018 - Where as China has a fruit salad bar, old women were busy cutting it up fresh to order, I selected from one of the pre cut options. I always enjoy fru

Where as China has a fruit salad bar, old women were busy cutting it up fresh to order, I selected from one of the pre cut options. I always enjoy fruit salad in Asia.


The great loop of China - April 2018 - Now this is a crap photo, but its here because of the technology. Inside the door of this coke fridge is a semi translucent full motion screen showing

Now this is a crap photo, but its here because of the technology. Inside the door of this coke fridge is a semi translucent full motion screen showing ads. You can see the drinks in the fridge, through the screen. Occasionally the image on the screen was a kind of augmented reality for the drinks behind the screen, other times like now, it shows coke being poured into a glass of ice.


Tomorrow I go to Xian. Often Xian has an apostrophe in it, Xi'an, That is the first and last time I will type it like that. It is not very far to Xian but to get to the right bullet train station I am taking a short ride on a bullet train between ZZ bullet train stations and then waiting at the West ZZ station for my BT (bullet train) to XN (Xian), got it?

There are currently 4 comments - click to add

bobule on 2018-04-23 said:

the beef looks great!


mother on 2018-04-22 said:

All I can say is no wonder the Chinese are getting so fat.


David on 2018-04-22 said:

Mag Lev, everything in China is Mag Lev.


mother on 2018-04-22 said:

lots of variety of photos today - many with spot the abandoned bike in them. What I want to know is how do the yellow ducky boats operate. I can't see oars, or pedals.


Now there is a page 4, where I will be in and around Xian, probably climbing things.

Contents

Day 0 - Saturday, 16 March 2019
  Retrospective
Day 1 - Saturday, 14 April 2018
  The long winded getaway
  Projectile vomit boy
Day 2 - Sunday, 15 April 2018
  Pollen count
  Walking too far eating too much
Day 3 - Monday, 16 April 2018
  A really long journey to a really big wall
  The Mongolian spicy cold noodle denial
Day 4 - Tuesday, 17 April 2018
  The west lake of the northern capital
  Gentrification
Day 5 - Wednesday, 18 April 2018
  The bee filled mountain of many amenities
  An uncomplicated exchange
Day 6 - Thursday, 19 April 2018
  The bus debacle illegal taxi comedy show
  Fun running race but I cant join in
Day 7 - Friday, 20 April 2018
  From the old to the new old
  The most China of places I have ever been
Day 8 - Saturday, 21 April 2018
  Everybody was kung fu fighting the rain
  The new old is new again
Day 9 - Sunday, 22 April 2018
  Windwalker
  Named in my honor
Day 10 - Monday, 23 April 2018
  How to make a short train ride really long
  The grandest scale
Day 11 - Tuesday, 24 April 2018
  Everybody can get fogged
  Shining beacons of ancient
Day 12 - Wednesday, 24 April 2018
  Pottery barn
  The other great wall
Day 13 - Thursday, 26 April 2018
  Around the bottom of the wall
  The first of the three long journeys
Day 14 - Friday, 27 April 2018
  The mountain city
  I have succumbed
Day 15 - Saturday, 28 April 2018
  Massive Renewal
  I am very good at dancing
Day 16 - Sunday, 29 April 2018
  Sick polluted and awesome
  The crush for the view
Day 17 - Monday, 30 April 2018
  Tales from a moving train
  Monday night madness
Day 18 - Tuesday, 1 May 2018
  Not the west lake
  Wanda world
Day 19 - Wednesday, 2 May 2018
  Revolutionary tower poetry
  The not so shiny and the not so new
Day 20 - Thursday, 3 May 2018
  The long view of the amazing blue
  And now for the view
Day 21 - Friday, 4 May 2018
  Lap completed
  The old hole
Day 22 - Saturday, 5 May 2018
  Complete waste of a day
  Resurrection of the day
Day 23 - Sunday, 6 May 2018
  Last day of boring train photos
  Fully bunded area
Day 24 - Monday, 7 May 2018
  The subway to the ancient water town
  The main drag
Day 25 - Tuesday, 8 May 2018
  Botanists delight
  The old side from the new side became more of the new side
Day 26 - Wednesday, 9 May 2018
  Every single park and garden
  I found another park
Day 27 - Thursday, 10 May 2018
  The maglev update
  The end