Efficient, comfortable & omnipresent at Baiyun Airport, Guangzhou where the smog is so thick aircraft disappear into the murk seconds after takeoff. Electric buggies to ferry passengers within the terminal, copious circulation space and great viewing of the hardstand and runway from the transit lounges. A couple haranging the security staff provided diversionary entertainment.
Boarded 757 to Urumqi from the tarmac in oppressive heat. After some Z time western China revealed itself as a barren dry desert. The occasional signs of occupation became more prevalent closer to Urumqi, including cultivated rows, the green an unexpected presence in an ocean of buff. The approach to Urumqi impressed with substantial energy genrating plant, chimneys, railways and worker housing blocks of uncompromising severity in layout and appearance. The airport terminal plays the avian image in heavy handed fashion. Inside the winged ceiling was an unexpected welcome diplomat and escort from CSA at our service - very impressive. He dispatched us upstairs to the exotic site of 20 Turkmen men and women and their cargo of household goods bound for Ashgabat. Everything cocooned in yellow packing tape to match their portfolio of golden gnashers. The women wore long flowing robe dresses and hair scarves. The men, being men on holiday, yelled at each other.
