At the Chinese train, electricity works constantly. Internet is back on our phones and when we listen to the sound of the train it is smooth. The tracks are even. When we look out everything is big. Wide fields, proper squares, all with growing crops, long, high bridges, gigantic newly built housing areas. And the mountains, that are so much China, high, beautiful, magnificent. Often partly covered with solar cells.

Every morning we get up at six, have a simple breakfast and head for the park for training. The first day wea are between the trees, then in the shade on the stone paths and an overcast day on a temple yard. At that time in the morning there is already full activity in the park. People play badminton, do different kinds of dancing, play with bouncing feather balls, sit on benches and massage their feet.

Our first encounter with China twenty-five years ago made a deep impression on us. At that time, we came straight from Japan, and the contrast could hardly be bigger. Those who travel to Beijing today, live in a modern hotel in the shopping district and shop in these areas might get the impression that Beijing is a completely different city today, a modern metropolis as so many others.

In Taiji, movements are long and slow. It is all about finding your balance and center of gravity. Everyone warms up in their own pace and starts to train on their own, using time to work with a movement or a segment. Then all gather in doing the form. Focus, stillness, silence.

We are on our way south with bus, and have very little idea about what will happen in the next few days.

The morning is getting brighter and you can already feel the heat. Outside the house where we live, there is a whole line of charging stations for electrical bicycles along the dusty road. It is 7.30, the bus is here and we need to move on.

We continue through China by bus. Traffic runs smoothly and we pass mainly trucks. Almost all land is farmed. Acres, fruit trees, newly planted in perfect rows. Almost no animals, a few herds of goats and sheep. Tiny trees planted along the road. So far, you can see far away in all directions, but when the trees are grown, traveling this road will be very different.

In the cultural institution of a large university, in a hall with high ceilings, high windows ans shiny floors, a cultural exchange will take place.

One of the largest hospitals in Beijing is just a few stations away on the subway. Huge main building, high ceiling, beautiful light reflections. At the info desk we are shown the way, which is not here, but in the old hospital building

In this province, there are three important points of gravitation for Chinese martial art; the Shaolin temple, Chen Village and the birth of Yang style. Even if we primarily practice Chen style, the Yang style was born from Chen. Early in the morning we meet the local Yang master and some of his students on the square and on the city wall. He shows his form and we our interpretation of the Yang style.

On the street in the neighborhood where we live in south Beijing, children, adults and old are on the street, day and night. You must navigate between people, cars, bikes, scooters and all kinds of activities.

We're on or way from Shanghai to Hong Kong with train. It will take us nineteen hours. There is a table cloth and a thermos that feel familiar. So far we are alone in our 4 berth-cabin.

Morning on the train. South China in rainy mist. Organic landscape, no more straight lines. Rice fields, dense vegetation, archetypical mountains. Water masses with small boats. Water in the fields. Rain hanging in the air. Lower, dirtier houses in other styles, some from the early 1900's or 1920's. Thinking of the marshlands of Louisiana.

Under the tall trees in the large People's Park people sit on stone bridges and look at the pond with lotus flowers. An old couple feed the fish with their grandchild. A photo course with mixed participants learn how the flowers are captured best. A small group is singing to the music of a Chinese instrument. People play cards at stone tables, or something similar to Chinese chess. Clusters of people are standing around the tables, it is serious. In a small amusement park there are radio cars and carousels. We buy ice cream and watch. People are sleeping on benches. A man has a bucket of water and a large brush and paints signs with water on the stones. A calligraphy of fifteen meters has taken shape and will slowly dry and fade. In his back pocket he has a mobile playing Chinese heavy metal.