There are only two ways to fly to Japan from Ulaanbataar, either though Seoul or Beijing, Beijing was the cheaper option and one of our travelers had not yet been there.

China has recently instituted a 72 hour visa-free program. One must be flying from one country,though a major city in China with an international airport and then fly on to a third country. One may not leave that city in that time frame.

Unlike last year at his time,Beijing skies were incredibly clear on a beautiful very dry 90 degree day.

Distant mountains were visible ! Third time in Beijing and first time seeing them.

A two hour flight on our Round The World Adventure.

The East is Red. But Capitalist.

Snake For Dinner.

For adventures in China, CLICK HERE

Bagan is surrounded by tiny villages where life changes very slowly. On a silent electroscooter and GoPro strapped to my head I was able to coast through villages almost undetected quickly gathering everyday scenes. Since upload time is too slow here in Yangon , still clips will be posted for now.

Along the mighty Ayarwaddy. In monsoon season this spot will be thirty feet under water.

Water is hauled from a common well by oxcart.

1960s PLA Surplus.

More pictures to come, internet excrutiatingly slow. This much has taken over an hour !

For adventures in Burma, CLICK HERE

Yesterday ArcticTropic arrived in Yangon, Myanmar ( formerly Rangoon,Burma ) after flying 25 hours from New York via Frankfurt and Singapore. After a delicious lunch we flew onwards to Bagan ( formerly Pagan ).

Baggage being unloaded from Air KBZ in Bagan. As of this writing it is 7:30 AM and off to explore the sacred temple city.

For adventures in Burma, CLICK HERE

ArcticTropic last visited Beijing in March 2010. The Forbidden CIty then – covered in snow, with sparse crowds – was very different on this foggy summer day. The huge crowds are 95 % Chinese – showing a great love for domestic tourism. ArcticTropic is also in Chines – well positioned for current and future adventure travelers – both domestic and overseas. ArcticTropic is now on Weibo as well as Renren – major social media hubs for China. Click to March 2010 for the earlier trip.

The most important attraction in Tiananmen Square is the Mausoleum of Mao Zedong. It is here the Great Helmsman rests for eternity where all the people of China and the world can pay homage. Photographic equipment is strictly forbidden – above is a Google stock photo.

Big Screen Entertainment and Information in Tiananmen.

For adventures in China, CLICK HERE

The GoPro headmount is a great way to capture the reality of a walk along the Great Wall at Jingshangling.

For adventures in China, CLICK HERE

Shanghai has several of the Top 10 world’s highest buildings. Here, on the plexiglass floor of the Oriental Pearl TV Tower one can peer 1000 feet below into the streets of Pudong.

There is a sensation of stepping over thin air.

Shanghai Tower , the world’s second tallest building has just topped out at 2073 feet , 638 meters – 125 Floors !

FOR ADVENTURES IN CHINA, CLICK HERE

In addition to our adventurous evening at Donghuamen Night Market we encountered and ate some rather unusual items at traditional restaurants throughout the country. Above – frog viscera – still alive – about to be flash boiled – delicious once cooked.

Snake ( On The Left )

Pheasant

Donkey – Tastes a lot like ” Mongolian Beef ” in Chinese restaurants in the US.

Turtle – Absolutely Delicious !

Snout

A first – a meal so spicy I could not finish it !

Skipped This Entree.

FOR ADVENTURES IN CHINA, CLICK HERE

From Shanghai we flew two hours South to Guilin – the main city of GuangXi Autonomous Province. Bordering Vietnam, the area has very hot,humid summers and cool foggy winters. Above ,we journey down the Li RIver towards Yangshuo. The cone shaped karst mountains begin here and are prevalent though Northern Vietnam and into Thailand.

On the banks of the Li River in Guilin.

Guilin, at 3 million people, is considered a large town or small city by Chinese standards.

Yangshuo is considered a village, at 300,000.

The area is very fertile,with rice paddies everywhere.

Rich in all cultures.

Some of the world’s most fantastic views.

A Fish Pedicure.

In a Very Peaceful Temple.

FOR ADVENTURES IN CHINA, CLICK HERE

Hong Kong, while less exotic than it used to be, is probably the most thriving city in the Far East. The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region is more than just a city – it is really more like a small country as seen here in this fast paced panoramic. Hong Kong was our final stop before heading back to the United States.

FOR ADVENTURES IN CHINA, CLICK HERE

In a few hours we depart from Hong Kong back to MIami – via Tokyo and Dallas -completing our journey Around The World.