Despite the multiple assurances of my students that it’s okay not to see Beijing while I’m in China – their logic being, they’ve lived in China for 14-16 years and they’ve not been – I know I have to go. Living in China for a year and not conquering the Great Wall or standing below that iconic portrait of Mao would make me feel like a sham. Even if Beijing is a two day train ride – over half a country! – away from where I live.

Mostly, I couldn’t face the shame of having to say, er, no I never went when people ask: So what’s Beijing like?