China is known around the world as the land of cycles. And rightly so - whether for economic or other reasons. I find that cycling is splendid, healthy, leisurely way to get around. No need to bring a cycle into the country - there are plenty for hire.

Most big cities in China have a bus card system. One purchases the card which can be read by a machine in the bus [and even on some metros]. The machine will deduct the appropriate fare. The card can be topped up. It is very convenient to save one from searching for small change for each journey.

Just a note to remind travellers that from Guangzhou Airport to the city there are many buses. But they do not all go to the same termini. In fact, there are four routes that they follow. There is a little handout that is available which will guide you. Just ask the airport staff for it and then choose your bus. The fare is less than 20 Yuan.

The fare system on buses in Macau is interesting. What you pay depends on where you get in, not on how long you intend to travel. The fare starts high and is gradually reduced as the bus nears its destination. So if you get in near the start and travel only one bus-stop distance, you pay full fare! There is no way out of it, but it is good to know.