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Thread: Three weeks in China - a quick reflection on pollution, the Olympics and Beijing/Shanghai

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[quote=DOINKER,304937]Are you coming to China for the Olympics? Read this article and it is just the tip of the iceberg.

http://www.theage.com.au/world/fears-of-a-nofun-olympics-in-beijing-20080718-3hkb.html

I have  just been in Beijing for two weeks staying with friends who have lived there for many years. This article from an Aussie paper is only a part of what is going on in Beijing - the changes leading up to the Olympics are terrible for locals in particular and visitors. So many restrictions. As for visa restrictions for local working expats and for visitors - the stories are mind-boggling. So many have been refused.

By the way - pollution in Beijing is so bad. Absolutely terrible. Sights in Beijing amazing and the Great Wall at Simatai (?) was fabulous - on a clear day it must be astounding! Do the flying fox there - wonderful.

On a day long trip from Beijing to Shanghai by train last week I was amazed that the heavy pollution was obvious all the way - non stop in fact. Often visibility down to a kilometer or less. Big problem. Train trip was excellent (2nd class)  though the main reason to do it was to see the countryside - didn't happen. Grey and dull looking all the way.

I am glad I have had these past three weeks in China but am glad I am out of here for the Olympics.

Shanghai is amazing in all ways except for the bloody guys who sell watches EVERYWHERE! I have been hounded constantly. The sights though are wonderful (through the pollution) with fabulous restaurants and shopping. People are lovely. Taxis and trains excellent. Crossing roads is scary. Starbucks everywhere which I think is bad but they, along with all other coffee places are full of locals having fun. The French Concession area is fascinating to wander about.[/quote]

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