I have visited most Chinese cities, the Gardens of Suzhou, Chinese people, the hotels, all in all a fantastic experience

I Have visited more Chinese cities than most Chinese but the jewel of those I have been to is Suzhou and the Garden of the Master of the Nets in Spring my favourite place.

I am continually saddened by misrepresentation of China in our press by hacks clearly ignorant of the country. Chinese people are amazingly friendly, keen to talk with Westerners and without exception (in my experience - and that includes taxi drivers!!) honest in their dealings with foreigners. I have not once felt cheated or threatened in any of the cities although it may be a little trickier in some of the rural areas I am told.

The hotel accommodation is usually of a very high standard and extremely good value for money. I could not afford to live in similar standard hotels in the UK.

All in all a fantastic experience - I'll be back!

Somerville H -- hs14a@hotmail.com