Forbidden City

When you're a foreigner, it helps to visit top 'foreigner hangouts' like Beijing's Forbidden City, which faces onto Tiananmen Sq.

I tried to go see Mao's body, but they decided to close the mausoleum early. I'll make it eventually. The story goes that it isn't actually him - just a wax replica. But I have also heard that the body is legit, and that he is taken away for 'repairs' every 6 months.

Chinese tour groups admire the Forbidden City under wraps. Travel is allegedly the Number 1 item on everyones 'what-shall-I-do-with-my-newfound-wealth' wishlist - especially the more rural folk.

The Chingrish is great in Beijing - far less offensive and much more ludicrous than Engrish. This 'Do Not Touch' sign almost brought a tear to my eye - they obviously get unemployed state poets to write these in their downtime. Unfortunately, the irony of many of the other museum signs - like 'Don't destroy what should be left for tomorrow's children' - is entirely lost on them. 10,000 hutong (traditional Chinese courtyard houses) are bulldozed every year in Beijing, to make way for roads and modern buildings.