Day 7 - Shanghai to Beijing

We had to be ready for a 6:30 am pick-up today in order to get to the train station for the Bullet Train to Beijing, a trip scheduled to take about 4 1/2 hours in this high speed train.  We reached the station which was impressive in its massiveness and efficiency. 



Since the train was scheduled to leave at around 10 am we had some time to walk around and investigate the many stores and restaurants in the huge terminal.  We were also captivated by the many stalls selling fresh crabs that were neatly tied and being sold everywhere for people to take home.  The cleanliness in all the places we had been to thus far on our visit to China was impeccable and really worth applauding.

Fresh crabs tied up for sale

Our group had opted for the bullet train as opposed to a flight.  In hindsight it was a great option, and one I would recommend to anyone else planning this trip.  We traveled first class and had nice seats and adequate space to be comfortable.  Because we could walk comfortably down the aisles it made for a much more comfortable way to travel than on a flight.  The trains were clean and the washrooms were easily accessible and looked after.  At some point I think our group had bought out all the beer in our coach pantry and soon some headed out to the restaurant in search of more while others generously passed out the hoard of snacks each one had squirreled away for the trip.

Once we reached Beijing, we were met by a new guide, Velma.  Sky had accompanied us all the way to Beijing and with the many laughs and chatter we had shared over the last 7 days,  it was sad to say goodbye.   Velma watched as we took turns hugging him and saying our goodbyes, and she was astounded as the men quickly picked him up and walked with him over their shoulder as a final farewell.  We walked away leaving a lonely figure watching us slowly retreat behind their new leader!

 It was late afternoon when we arrived in Beijing.  Beijing served as the capital over a span of 800 years and 5 dynasties, and is currently the capital of The People's Republic of China.  We drove straight from the train station to do our first tour of Beijing - the Summer Palace, said to be the best preserved Imperial Palace in the world.  We got to see a beautiful Beijing sunset as the sun melted  into the mountains bidding us goodbye in the late evening, and shrouding us in darkness.

A view that the concubines looked out on from the double paned painted windows

From the Summer Palace we went straight to dinner which was provided and served in a quaint Pagoda style restaurant.

Later we retired to our Hotel in Beijing - The Ramada Beijing.  We would be staying here for the next three days, and were thankful that we did not have to lug our bags out with us for a while.