Via Beijing to Shanghai.

After having enjoyed some luxury at 东方凯德华洗浴有限公司 (Bath and recreation place), and having had a drink with Ernest in 三里屯, I flew to Shanghai.

I would highly recommend travellers to go here (if you speak at least some Chinese). For 88 RMB you get to enjoy their luxious bathing facilities (jacuzzi, hydropool, etc; very clean), buffet breakfast and dinner (there must be over 30 foods dinnertime, including sashimi and peking duck), and overnight stay in a sofa bed. If you spend another 88 on massages, then you can stay in the "Movie Room" where it's a real bed; that's what I did. They got internet, reading room, snooker, gym, guys to scrub your back, etc ... Pretty good deal compared to a hotel room; some people bring their whole family over for some relaxing time.

Beijing is certainly moving very quickly in vamping up for the Olympics. Roads that were unpaved near 三里屯 in my last visit in Dec'05 are now fixed up. The city's taxis teamed up with Hyundai and gave the cab fleet new cars and new looks. For the record, in the old system there were 3 prices, corresponding to 3 different sedan sizes; thus to the Beijing-visitor it felt like arbitrary pricing. Streets are wider than Shanghai's , and speed limits are universally obeyed, thanks to radars everywhere and a strictly enforced 200 RMB speeding fine. They're moving quickly to remodelled "Hutongs" as well.

The sky in Beijing, nevertheless, is not up for a quick fix. It's as gray as ever. In my airport limo ride, the sun looked like the moon...

Service in Beijing seems to be improving but still substandard compared to the South. I guess it takes time to shake off the SOE (State Owned Enterprise) mentality and embrace capitalism with some cordialness towards customers. Fancy new buildings and embellished interiors are a good start though.