If China can be summed up into a single word, it would be "wow".  During my 5 day visit (which conveniently turned into 7, due to American Airlines), I got a quick paced, diverse and fulfilling snapshot of life in the “Sleeping Giant”.  I saw the traditional sites, but in a not-so-traditional way. 

We visited the Great Wall, but at a section not typically visited by tourists. This section was two hours from Beijing and was geared to more adventurous travelers. To even get there, we just happened to find Mr. Liang (who ran his own shuttle bus service) and arranged for him to escort us to this magical section of the Great Wall. Once we arrived at Simatai, we literally had to ride an overhead tram to reach a halfway point at then which we had to hike our way up the remainder of the mountain to reach the wall itself.

We had total freedom, only literally a handful of others were there as we explored the wall. On the way back down you have the option of zip-lining to the bottom or a traditional walk.

In Beijing on our last night, we walked through Tiananmen Square and ate traditional Peking duck at the same restaurant where former President George H.W. Bush and Fidel Castro dined. We also ate duck web soup and other stuff I can't remember for under $50.  Who can beat that?

Back in Shanghai, we visited the Pudong side of town and the huge mall there. On the other side of the river, I drank Hoegaarden beer at a lounge with A Tribe Called Quest playing the background; went clubbing and met some chicas from Mexico and dudes from Norway; rode multiple lines of the Shanghai subway and glided on the world's fastest monorail at an airport.  Straight warp speed son!!!

We stayed near the Shanghai University of Sports and saw the future Yao-Ming's (and possibly the under-aged gymnasts).  I met Tyree and Jason's Chinese friend, David, who was just like a cool around the way cat, but with Chinese culture swag.  …Definitely a reminder of the power of hip hop on a global basis.  Went to local restaurants, tried more local fare and even saw signs that basically read chicken, cow, lamb and DOG!

Overall, China was a cultural learning experience like no other, wrapped up with fun and chill time with my boy Tyree whom I've known since college. He showed me a great sample of everything China has to offer.  Without him there, I would have been lost and probably just bored.  I truly feel like I had an inside man that neither Lonely Planet, nor WikiTravel, or any other guide can offer.

So on that note, I encourage you to check out China. Happy travels!