I thought I would put forward an alternative view of China.

First, I found the people in China very friendly and interested in our trip. Policemen at checkpoints wanted to be photographed sitting in Landy’s driving seat. People at service stations crowded round to understand our route.

Sonia explaining our route to passing Chinese

Second, there are, of course, great things to see. The first gate under heaven, the Jiayuguan Fort, is the end of the Great Wall. Here Chinese walked out of China through the gate and into the vast Taklamakan desert.

Third, the Chinese are taking an interest in their past. About two million Chinese tourists a year visit the Mogoa caves (the thousand Buddha caves). Far more visit the Terracotta Warriors.

Fourth, the economic growth is amazing. The motorways are better than in the UK.

Fifth, China is fairly peaceful and has not recently invaded countries in the way the USA and UK have. While people who want independence are brutally suppressed, ethnic minorities and Muslims seem well treated.