I got up at 6 AM (my usual weekday wake-up time) and had a quick breakfast before heading to the airport. There was enough time for a final stop for souvenirs before boarding my flight to Newark. After just one additional connection, I arrived back home at 6:45 PM on the same day (regaining the day I lost on my departure from home).

In spite of the crazy traffic and the frequent security checks, with its ancient history and architecture, modern sophisticated urban areas, beautiful scenery and fantastic food, China is definitely a country that was worth seeing and experiencing first-hand.