In a dark alley in the heart of downtown Yangshuo earlier this year I stumbled on what looked like a small family-operated table tennis school. Like most Chinese educational institutions this one takes itself seriously right down to the positively inspired slogans painted in large letters in both English and Chinese on the walls over the kids' heads. The sentiments looked good but I have to confess I was really impressed by the kids and their table tennis prowess. Endless faultless rallies, lightning speed drills and scorching power from the slightest wrist flick. Stunning. As a few of those balls smacked hard onto the table though, I was left wondering how long the friendships really last...... | I love the characters for ping pong 乒乓. Click here to see more of my visit to Yangshuo. |