Radio86 journalist Asa Butcher has braved the unknown China over a week now (at least unknown to him). His destination is the fascinating Sichuan province - the home of panda bears. In this blog, Asa tells our readers how an Englishman is faring in the Middle Kingdom, and it seems that even a bit too well...

Click here to read Day Seven...

Day eight and I think my blog is beginning to generate some interest in China. As the days go on, my celebrity status seems to grow ever stronger with more and more Chinese asking to be photographed beside me or even just taking covert pictures. I can only assume this is down to my popular blog posts here on Radio86.

Today the situation reached a new high, which I assume is because of my rather witty "dropsticks" joke yesterday. As I walked around the Intangible Cultural Heritage Expo Park – yeah, I know – many of the tourists were more interested in photographing a charming and handsome Englishman than the culture on display around them.

In fact, as you can see from the photo, some of the more attractive female performers were lining up to be digitally immortalised beside me. Well, I couldn't say no, could I. Sometimes people would ask and sometimes I would look up and be staring down a lens. Even a security guard came dashing over so he could clearly show his colleagues how wonderful I am.

Yesterday our party was treated as distinguished guests of the local tourist board and we were given a grand lunch, a variety of cabaret performances and many toasts raised in our honour. The day previous to that we were welcomed with traditional red silk scarves, which, again, are reserved only for the cream of humanity.

I don't believe this attention is having any effect upon my ego and I remain as modest as ever – I am still happy to give autographs to lesser mortals. I am enjoying this new-found fame and am mentally preparing myself for the waiting paparazzi at Helsinki-Vantaa airport arrivals in a few days. Until then, I shall remain ready for my close-up.

Click here to read Day Nine...

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