Face Changing - a bit of magical razzle-dazzle from Sichuan Opera - is also evident as we visit the last bastion of working steam, then board a new high speed train to visit the ancient west end of the Great Wall! Along the way we sample the world's longest monorail, a "change of mission" narrow gauge, and scenic long distance standard trains. Our route from Beijing to the northwestern then southwestern regions concludes with misty Yangtze gorges, followed by one final high speed sprint back to Beijing. Old Rail / New Rail! Let's face it, China offers the best of both!! Photos by Peter Bowler