In search of soul of China

As some of you already know, today I am starting my "epic" journey in search of soul of China. This journey will last until Jan. 02, 2009 when I am supposed to return to Shanghai. Below you can find overview of presupposed stops and assumed program of the journey.

Although main goal of the journey is to "better understand" Chinese people (basically to be able to explain why they wear pyjamas on the street), I have to admit that if I will not eat dog or something which sounds similarly disgusting, this journey will be waste of time. According to information there is a great chance that both my goals would be fulfilled. I will leave European-like Shanghai and visit "old-school / hard-line" places such as Shaoshan in Hunan (birth place of Mao) and Guangdong province (allegedly people there can eat anything what moves or even stopped its movement).

Due to Chinese system of booking or better not-booking trains upfront I will rely on hope and good chance that seats and tickets will be available - luckily this is a low season for travel in China as everybody works and ignores Christmas and New Year.

15-16 Dec. 2008 - Tunxi and Huang shan, Anhui province (sleeping at the summit)
17 Dec. 2008 - Sanqing shan, Jiangxi province (one day trip from Tunxi)
18-20 Dec. 2008 - Changsha, Hunan province (one day trips in the surrounding area)
21-25 Dec. 2008 - Guilin and Yangshuo, Guanxi province (allegedly one of the most beautiful parts of China)
26-27 Dec. 2008 - Guangzhou, Guangdong province (a.k.a. Canton)
28 Dec. 2008-01 Jan. 2009 - Hong Kong and Macau

If possible I will post news about my progress. If there is no opportunity to do so later, let me wish you merry Christmas and Happy New Year! :)