In 1987 my first experience of China, I had traveled overland by train from Scotland. Through the subsequent 33 years, my passion for travel has taken me mostly by rail across the length and breadth of this vast country. The system then very different from today. Mostly journeys were by 18-coach 'green trains'. Although often long and slow, for travellers such as myself they became something of an adventure, an experience. In 1996, heading from Beijing to Dongbei (Northeastern China), two hours out from Beijing the train pulled into Tianjin. I remember the platform staff standing to attention, saluting as the train stopped. Many trolleys were lined up, filled with snacks, drinks, fruit.

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