Home to just under a fifth of the world’s population, China beckoned me to visit. I mostly wanted to feel the pulse of the culture and traditions of the country, in particular, Beijing.

And it was for that very same reason that I employed a guide. Normally, I would explore on my own, but I knew that I would miss much if I didn’t have a local expert.

So, may I introduce you to Douglas.

Douglas is not Scottish, or even European. He is Chinese through and through.

“So why Douglas?” I asked. “How did you get that name?”

“Oh, it is my English name to make it easier for you.”

For example, the British, when abroad, would gather at an English-type pub, or a chippie (fish and chips shop), or a cafe serving English breakfast. It is comforting to have a piece of home when travelling in a foreign country.

However, going deeper into the culture and traditions of the country you are visiting makes your holiday so much richer.

In my opinion, it is wrong for a country to impose its culture onto another country. It is better to adapt, embrace, appreciate and understand the cultural differences. Those who wish to delve into deeper and darker areas will come out with an enlightened understanding of the people, how they live and what they do.

“So, Douglas, what is your real name and what does it mean?”

There is meaning and history behind every Chinese name.

“Huang,” he said, with a beaming smile.

“It means bright,” he explained in perfect Oxford English.

Apparently, Huang is an English teacher by profession and makes a few bobs on the side as a guide.

Maybe I didn’t pronounce his name properly in Chinese, but Huang it is.

I spent many hours with my guide discussing the various differences in our cultures.

On walking towards the Yonghe Temple, also known as the Lama Temple, we came across a man munching on a carcass. He held it out to me to have a taste.

I thought it would have been impolite to refuse an offering, so I pulled off a morsel. It was tasty, but I just couldn’t put my finger on what it was.

“Dog,” whispered Huang, with a mischievous grin, as he noticed my reaction.

“I hear that you eat rabbit. We find it rather repulsive, as we keep rabbits as pets.”

Touché!

I thought it would have been impolite to refuse an offering, so I pulled off a morsel. It was tasty, but I just couldn’t put my finger on what it was. ‘Dog,’ said Huang with a mischievous grin

Dating back to the Qing Dynasty, the fascinating Lama Temple is one of the very few temples in China that is allowed to practise Tibetan Buddhism.

We spent hours here watching the worshippers as they paid their respects by holding sticks of incense.

On leaving the temple, a man to my right began retching and brought up a massive blob of phlegm, which he ceremoniously dumped very close to my shoe.

“We spit, you swallow,” Huang laughed. I noticed that almost everyone seemed to spit, be it on the buses, on the streets or almost everywhere else.

“Phlegm is poison to us and we eradicate it as quickly as possible. We find it rather sickening to swallow and pollute the body.”

He has a point.

Next stop was the Hutong, which I was looking forward to.

The Hutong appeared way back during the Yang Dynasty. More or less, these residential areas surrounded the Forbidden City, according to social classes.

The closer to the Imperial City, the bigger the house.

In recent times, the Hutong, primarily a web of alleyways, were earmarked for demolition to make way for modern roads and buildings. Luckily, it was decided to maintain a protected area for cultural and touristic purposes.

We met a family who harmoniously shared a room with others. It seemed quite normal. Respect and honour ruled. They were very happy to be living in the city.

Regrettably, my day with Huang came to an end. We dined at one of his favourite haunts, which was small, crowded and noisy.

I, being the only foreigner, attracted much curiosity. Huang had to explain who I was and what I did, time and time again.

Beers and a drink akin to rocket fuel were offered, one after another.

The food was absolutely delicious, mostly with a hot pot in the middle of the table surrounded by raw meat and vegetables and noodles. All was cooked in the hot pot.

The Chinese I met were very friendly, hospitable and fun-loving. After breaking the ice, you appreciate that they are no different to us.

When parting with my wise guide, I whispered: “Drop Douglas.” He was so proud.

The next day Huang had organised a private taxi to take me to the Great Wall. No translation here – just sign language.

On our way, we found much traffic. Without much ado, he gunned the van down the hard shoulder at 120kph, laughing all the way. No wonder China is notorious for having one of the worst drivers.

We stopped quite far away from the official entrance and he pointed to the wall, way, way, away, saying: “Go good, good, Huang.”

It was a two-hour hike to the wall, but what an amazing view. There I was with a derelict part of the wall all to myself.

No throngs of guided tours in red, yellow, green and blue hats. Just me, the wall, the wind and never-ending views. I could almost imagine Genghis Khan approaching.

When the coast was clear, I had the Imperial City to myself. I heard the large doors booming shut behind me as the guards were locking up

I left the best for the last day: the Imperial City, formerly known as the Forbidden City.

My heart sank as I saw thousands of people all over the place. No way was I going to appreciate this phenomenal gem. People were pushing and shoving, obstructing every possible view. It was impossible to take a decent picture.

So I came up with a cunning plan. I left the place, only to return 45 minutes before closing.

As the guards were systematically herding people out, I squeezed between a couple of columns, well out of sight.

When the coast was clear, I had the whole place to myself. I heard the large doors booming shut behind me as the guards were locking up.

They soon caught up with me and started yelling, although I could not understand what they were saying. Most likely: “Please go out.”

When in a pickle, the famous peace sign comes to the rescue. They calmed down and escorted me to the exit.

As the last door slammed shut, I only thought of the quiet and peaceful city that I captured on film. A suitable finale indeed.

Getting there

• Emirates operates daily flights to Biejing via Dubai

• Until January 31, you can fly to Dubai via Cyprus on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays, or fly via Tripoli on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays

• From February 1, fly via Cyprus on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays and fly via Tripoli on Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays

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