Driving:

Driving inChinais perilous so take all care when crossing the road by lookingbothways, as well as when walking through pedestrianised areas – rickshaws, cars, bikes, donkey carts and other people oblivious to you will skirt in front, around and behind you. Each city’s local police force (the Public Service Bureau, or PSB) frequently display boards using graphic and unedited photos of horrific road accidents for all to see at busy places like railway stations and outside schools. Yet there is a high incidence of hair-brained driving. InChinaall vehicles will swerve around you and so there is a sea of erratically changing traffic. However, Chinese drivers are quite skilled within city limits. InBeijingfor example, the locals are well known for their courtesy and calmness and so, on the roads there is markedly less noise and danger than in other parts of the country. On longer distances, avoid if possible overnight bus journeys – overtaking on hill brows or blind corners are given scant caution and can allow for a very nerve-wracking experience. Opt for daylight bus services if at all possible.