China: the Inaccessible Country.

I'm not sure how long ago it was that I approached various people in China; but to date have had a little response. I have heard tales of firewalls and censoring, but whatever the reason I have made no progress. So, regretfully, because I preferred to organise such things myself, I approached a few travel agencies who specialise in trips to China. I asked them to give me an estimate for travel and accommodation in Khotan; Suzhou; Shanghai and then Guangzhou. But today I received an email back from one: 'due to the recent riot in Xinjiang Region, it's unsafe to go to Khotan'.

It is beginning to seem like this project is jinxed.