Beijing sightseeing observations affter 3 days:

1. Nothing is real, viewed from a distance it is spectacular, get up close and you realise it was all probably built 10 years ago.

2. The 20th century never happened in China, if something was vandalised or demolished it was probably the fault of the Europeans. The Cultural Revolution never happened.

3. You can be at the most awe imspiring sight in the world and you will be surrounded by a thousand strong army of geriatrics in brightly coloured caps hoiking, spitting, coughing and squaking. The Chinese nation may be the loudest on earth.

4. Staring is relentless. And even when you stare back this may just result in pointing.

5. The smog is horrendous.

6. Dumplings are very tasty.

Maybe this country has too many people. 1 billion seems a bit greedy but we'll see.