Instead, we ended up going a bit further to YunMengShan (云蒙山) for a brief hike up the valley. Unfortunately yet another Chinese style country park (i.e. buy ticket, not wild paths) it was nonetheless quite pleasant considering. There were no camels waiting for posers, nor old ladies selling souvenirs. There was a drinks station – but beyond that, the zip-line, and the other people (not too many, mind) it was actually a nice walk through fairly natural paths with running streams and watering holes nearby (note: water still very cold in mid-June). Entrance tickets currently ¥35 RMB.

To get there, or the closed ZiYunShan which is en-route, one can take the 936 bus directly from the old bus terminus at DōngZhíMén (东直门长途车站) – but be prepared for a slow journey and you might have to change to another 936 mid-route. Faster would be to take 916 from the new DōngZhíMén terminus, getting off at NánHǔaShìChǎng (怀柔南华市场) in HuaiRou, then switching to the 916 WàiHuán (外环) for a few stop hop to YúJiāYuán (于家园) where you can catch the 936 destined for TāngHéKǒu (汤河口). Sounds complicated, but it’s quicker. If you can’t be bothered – once getting off the 916 initially initially in HuaiRou, you will no doubt be stalked by black cab drivers. Make sure you haggle. Returning to Beijing, beware the last 916 bus departs HuaiRou at 7pm sharp.

Long distance busses in China often share the same number – as is the case above. Make sure you get the right one. Yes it’s stupid, but that’s just how it is.

A final note: whilst YunMengShan is actually in MìYǔn County it’s closer and more convenient to access from HuaiRou.

Firstly, it’s a load of bollocks. I’m planning a trip to Tibet mid-October and there’s certainly been no relaxation of TTB requirements. If anything, they are now stricter than two years ago, and regulations are constantly changing (though to be fair it’s still better than during the Olympics).

Secondly, as if the clip is supposed to impress that China is open about Tibet, an announcement that there are no restrictions is about as reassuring as claiming one didn’t commit robbery today – surely the opposite of normal ‘newsworthiness’. Except, when it comes to Tibet, to say it’s unrestricted is newsworthy… but if only it were true.