0:00:02 > 0:00:07This programme contains some strong language.
0:00:20 > 0:00:22How beautiful is this?
0:00:22 > 0:00:27This is like the equivalent of walking into the sunset, isn't it?
0:00:27 > 0:00:31Where in the world would you choose to spend your golden years?
0:00:36 > 0:00:39We shouldn't just look at our own little bit of the world,
0:00:39 > 0:00:42we've got to go out, and see what's there, and meet people,
0:00:42 > 0:00:43and learn things.
0:00:43 > 0:00:45It's lovely!
0:00:45 > 0:00:49A group of well-known senior citizens are on a global quest...
0:00:49 > 0:00:50Ha!
0:00:50 > 0:00:54..travelling the world in search of the perfect place to grow old.
0:00:54 > 0:00:56- Is this it?- For everybody? - This is it?
0:00:56 > 0:00:59I suppose the worst thing about growing old is not being able
0:00:59 > 0:01:00to do what you did when you were young.
0:01:02 > 0:01:03Without being arrested!
0:01:05 > 0:01:09These three famous pensioners became old friends
0:01:09 > 0:01:11experiencing retirement in India.
0:01:11 > 0:01:13- Oh, it's so nice.- I know!
0:01:13 > 0:01:15- The old gang back again. - Isn't it lovely?
0:01:15 > 0:01:18This time, Rosemary Schrager,
0:01:18 > 0:01:21Wayne Sleep and Bobby George will be flying east
0:01:21 > 0:01:24to reunite with Miriam Margolyes...
0:01:24 > 0:01:26I'm hoping I'm going to learn something.
0:01:26 > 0:01:30..and explore one of the world's oldest civilisations.
0:01:30 > 0:01:32Another adventure!
0:01:32 > 0:01:33China.
0:01:33 > 0:01:36It's essential for me to see as much of the world
0:01:36 > 0:01:38before I kick the bucket.
0:01:47 > 0:01:48China.
0:01:48 > 0:01:51A country undergoing great change.
0:01:51 > 0:01:53As ancient culture...
0:01:54 > 0:01:56..gives way to modern advancement.
0:01:58 > 0:02:02And with more than 140 million people over the age of 65,
0:02:02 > 0:02:04the most populated nation on Earth
0:02:04 > 0:02:08is having to find new ways to cope with its ageing population.
0:02:19 > 0:02:22While Rosemary, Bobby and Wayne are travelling from the UK,
0:02:22 > 0:02:2576-year-old Miriam has flown in from Hollywood.
0:02:28 > 0:02:31China is particularly compelling,
0:02:31 > 0:02:33because it is utterly different.
0:02:33 > 0:02:38And that's what's so terrific about going with my chums,
0:02:38 > 0:02:40because you've got someone to talk to,
0:02:40 > 0:02:43and share the fun of it.
0:02:43 > 0:02:45Hi! Woo!
0:02:46 > 0:02:47Hello!
0:02:47 > 0:02:51- Come round here. - So exciting!- Miriam!- We're here!
0:02:51 > 0:02:54- I can't believe it. - Lovely to see you.
0:02:54 > 0:02:56I am so pleased to see you.
0:02:56 > 0:02:58You have no idea!
0:02:58 > 0:03:01- Hello, darling. - Isn't it fantastic?
0:03:01 > 0:03:03- So brilliant.- Are you well?
0:03:03 > 0:03:04Yeah, I am.
0:03:04 > 0:03:07- You forgot me, darling. - No, I didn't forget...
0:03:07 > 0:03:08Saved the best till last!
0:03:08 > 0:03:11No kissing! Don't want no kissing, darling.
0:03:11 > 0:03:13That's better.
0:03:13 > 0:03:15Who's been to China before? Come on.
0:03:15 > 0:03:16- You have.- Shanghai.- Shanghai.
0:03:16 > 0:03:18Shanghai and Beijing.
0:03:18 > 0:03:20But 30 years ago.
0:03:20 > 0:03:21I've never been to China.
0:03:21 > 0:03:23It's somewhere I've always wanted to come to.
0:03:23 > 0:03:26- Oh,- BLEEP- all this talk, let's go and... Let's get...
0:03:26 > 0:03:28But it's interesting.
0:03:28 > 0:03:30- Let's go.- We'll do it on the bus.
0:03:30 > 0:03:31Have you noticed my case?
0:03:31 > 0:03:33- Oh, yes.- I've got a new suitcase.
0:03:33 > 0:03:34Who couldn't notice it, Miriam?
0:03:36 > 0:03:39The group have touched down in Chengdu,
0:03:39 > 0:03:42the capital of China's Sichuan province.
0:03:42 > 0:03:45Home to the giant panda.
0:03:45 > 0:03:48And recently voted the country's happiest place to live.
0:03:50 > 0:03:52There we are. Look, look, look.
0:03:52 > 0:03:54Buses. Buses, that way.
0:03:54 > 0:03:57They will be staying in the heart of the bustling city,
0:03:57 > 0:03:59a 30-minute bus ride away.
0:04:00 > 0:04:03Which is the way to the bus to the centre?
0:04:03 > 0:04:05- Ask this guy.- Bus?- The city. City.
0:04:05 > 0:04:06- Do you speak English?- Bus this way?
0:04:06 > 0:04:10Bus? Right, we need to go to the centre of Chengdu.
0:04:12 > 0:04:15Oh, down here, OK, thank you.
0:04:15 > 0:04:16I think we're walking on the road.
0:04:16 > 0:04:19- Yeah, we have to get out the way of the taxis.- Yeah.
0:04:19 > 0:04:21Rosemary, there's the kiosk!
0:04:23 > 0:04:26Hello. Er, into the city.
0:04:26 > 0:04:29I think it's going to be quite difficult not speaking the language.
0:04:29 > 0:04:32- Four tickets.- Four tickets.- Four.
0:04:32 > 0:04:33- Four.- Four tickets...
0:04:33 > 0:04:35- Quatro, or whatever you say. - ..to the city.
0:04:35 > 0:04:40My children would say I have a tendency to use my hands.
0:04:40 > 0:04:42Thinking they might understand.
0:04:42 > 0:04:45I'm one of those, yes. Yes, I'm one of those!
0:04:45 > 0:04:47What's "thank you" in Chinese?
0:04:48 > 0:04:50- Thank you?- Xiexie. Xiexie.
0:04:50 > 0:04:52Oh! Xiexie. Xiexie.
0:04:52 > 0:04:56- Xiexie.- Xiexie, xiexie. Well, xiexie.
0:04:57 > 0:04:59Don't forget, I've got your tickets.
0:05:01 > 0:05:03Oh, it's nice and cool.
0:05:05 > 0:05:06Hello.
0:05:07 > 0:05:09Here we go.
0:05:09 > 0:05:11We're off. Good luck, everybody.
0:05:11 > 0:05:14- Enjoy yourselves. - Here we come, China.
0:05:14 > 0:05:16Chengdu, woohoo!
0:05:19 > 0:05:22Home to a large concentration of pensioners,
0:05:22 > 0:05:26Chengdu is one of the best examples of China's new approach
0:05:26 > 0:05:28towards the elderly.
0:05:29 > 0:05:32I've never seen so many high-rise apartments in my life,
0:05:32 > 0:05:33coming in from an airport.
0:05:35 > 0:05:37- Are you going to Chengdu?- Yeah. - Oh, OK.
0:05:37 > 0:05:39You speak English.
0:05:39 > 0:05:43- Yes!- Do you mind me...? Is it rude to ask how old,
0:05:43 > 0:05:45but is she very old?
0:05:47 > 0:05:48How does she keep looking so well?
0:05:54 > 0:05:56You see, we're fat.
0:05:56 > 0:05:58We're fat. That's the problem.
0:05:58 > 0:06:01Look how... Look how slim she is.
0:06:01 > 0:06:04I hate being old.
0:06:04 > 0:06:06I really wish I were younger.
0:06:06 > 0:06:07But I'm not.
0:06:07 > 0:06:09I'm an old lady.
0:06:09 > 0:06:13I'm a fat old lady, and I'm a short, fat old lady.
0:06:15 > 0:06:17Hello, Mum. Do you want to come out and have a drink with me tonight?
0:06:17 > 0:06:20LAUGHTER
0:06:22 > 0:06:23You flirt!
0:06:23 > 0:06:25BOBBY LAUGHS
0:06:25 > 0:06:27What did you say?
0:06:27 > 0:06:29Yeah? Oh, dear! I didn't mean...
0:06:29 > 0:06:30I was only joking!
0:06:32 > 0:06:34Now you're in for it.
0:06:40 > 0:06:41Oh!
0:06:43 > 0:06:44Yeah, go on, then.
0:06:46 > 0:06:47I thought that was a crossing!
0:06:49 > 0:06:51To fully experience the Chinese way of life,
0:06:51 > 0:06:54the group will be staying in a residential area
0:06:54 > 0:06:55in the heart of the city.
0:06:59 > 0:07:00DOG BARKS
0:07:00 > 0:07:02Where is that dog?
0:07:03 > 0:07:04Don't you make that noise.
0:07:04 > 0:07:06She's off already!
0:07:07 > 0:07:09They'll be moving into the traditional family home
0:07:09 > 0:07:12of their Chengdu-born host, Vicky.
0:07:14 > 0:07:16- Hello.- Hi.
0:07:16 > 0:07:18- How are you?- I'm fine.
0:07:18 > 0:07:20- I'm Wayne.- Hi, I'm Vicky.
0:07:20 > 0:07:23- Wicky?- Wicky.- Wicky.
0:07:23 > 0:07:25- Vicky.- Vicky.- Oh, Vicky! Yeah.
0:07:25 > 0:07:27V-I-C-K-Y.
0:07:27 > 0:07:28Vicky, Vicky, Vicky.
0:07:30 > 0:07:33Come in. This is the living room.
0:07:33 > 0:07:36- Yes.- This is the air conditioner.
0:07:36 > 0:07:38Have you got any children?
0:07:38 > 0:07:39Yes, of course. Yes.
0:07:39 > 0:07:41Of course? What do you mean, of course?
0:07:43 > 0:07:45I have two sons. They study now.
0:07:45 > 0:07:47SO you have the place to yourself now?
0:07:47 > 0:07:49- Yes.- Except for us.
0:07:49 > 0:07:51- Now we've come.- Yes.
0:07:51 > 0:07:53This is for you.
0:07:53 > 0:07:55Master room.
0:07:55 > 0:07:56Well, I'm very happy with this room.
0:07:56 > 0:07:59- So am I.- I've bagged it.
0:07:59 > 0:08:01No, I've already bagged it, sorry.
0:08:01 > 0:08:03- When did you bag it?- Just now.
0:08:03 > 0:08:05- When did you...?- Just now.
0:08:05 > 0:08:08They're arguing now, over the bedroom.
0:08:08 > 0:08:10One has to get in before the other one.
0:08:10 > 0:08:13Miriam, that's a gorgeous one here, it's got the telly in, look.
0:08:13 > 0:08:18I think it's best if I decide, don't you, which is best for me?
0:08:18 > 0:08:21- You decide which is best for you. - Come on, girls.
0:08:21 > 0:08:23I'm fed up of Miriam always taking the...
0:08:24 > 0:08:26..the best room!
0:08:26 > 0:08:28I want to look at the one up here.
0:08:28 > 0:08:31I am now ready for every eventuality with Miriam!
0:08:34 > 0:08:36- They're all lovely, I think. - So what ones do you want?
0:08:36 > 0:08:38Which one do you want, Miriam?
0:08:38 > 0:08:42Cos if you choose then we know what we're going to get.
0:08:42 > 0:08:44Well, if I take this, then.
0:08:44 > 0:08:46- The quietest, really.- Yeah.
0:08:46 > 0:08:47I'm very happy.
0:08:48 > 0:08:50INTERVIEWER: The whole floor to yourself?
0:08:50 > 0:08:53I think that's a very good thing, don't you?
0:08:59 > 0:09:01Good news, I've found the beer...
0:09:01 > 0:09:03- ALL:- Ahh!- ..in my fridge.
0:09:03 > 0:09:05You've made an old man very happy.
0:09:05 > 0:09:08- Here's the water.- Thank you.
0:09:08 > 0:09:10Will you marry me? Eh? Do you want to marry me?
0:09:10 > 0:09:13- Cheers.- Welcome to Chengdu.
0:09:13 > 0:09:15Huanying... Huanying lai dao wojia.
0:09:15 > 0:09:17THEY TRY TO REPEAT GREETING
0:09:17 > 0:09:19And why not?
0:09:19 > 0:09:22Thank you for letting us have your house.
0:09:22 > 0:09:26You're welcome. What do you do in your country?
0:09:26 > 0:09:28What is your job?
0:09:28 > 0:09:30- Darts.- I throw darts.- Throw darts?
0:09:30 > 0:09:33You know the round screen?
0:09:33 > 0:09:35- And throw.- It's a game.
0:09:35 > 0:09:36You aim it?
0:09:36 > 0:09:39Yeah, aim at the target.
0:09:39 > 0:09:41Aims for bull's-eye.
0:09:41 > 0:09:43- Oh!- I'm an actress.
0:09:43 > 0:09:46- Pardon me?- I'm an actress.
0:09:46 > 0:09:48- Actress?- Harry Potter?
0:09:48 > 0:09:50- Harry Potter?!- Yeah, the film.
0:09:50 > 0:09:52I was Professor Sprout.
0:09:52 > 0:09:55- Professor Sprout?- Professor Sprout.
0:09:55 > 0:09:57- Really?- Yes.
0:09:57 > 0:10:00Rosemary is a chef.
0:10:00 > 0:10:03- You...you see...?- Rosemary.
0:10:03 > 0:10:05- This is Rosemary.- This is Rosemary.
0:10:05 > 0:10:07- Rosemary.- Rosemary.
0:10:07 > 0:10:10But anyway, there's Wayne, who's a very famous ballet dancer.
0:10:10 > 0:10:13- Oh!- Tap dance.
0:10:15 > 0:10:17We know each other very well.
0:10:17 > 0:10:20We don't sleep together, there's no sex between us.
0:10:20 > 0:10:22- Thank God for that! - But we are friends.
0:10:22 > 0:10:23The mind boggles.
0:10:23 > 0:10:26You can say that again, baby. No way, babes.
0:10:26 > 0:10:29- No way, babes. - That's just ruined my day, that has.
0:10:29 > 0:10:30No way, babes.
0:10:31 > 0:10:35I don't know about you guys but I'm absolutely exhausted from the journey.
0:10:35 > 0:10:37- Yeah, we need to go to bed. - I need to go and have a rest.- Yeah.
0:10:43 > 0:10:45Oh, God.
0:10:45 > 0:10:46Ooh!
0:10:48 > 0:10:49Oh, I can't be bothered.
0:10:51 > 0:10:52Here we go.
0:10:52 > 0:10:55This is all my husband's work.
0:10:58 > 0:11:00Right. Bobby, I...
0:11:00 > 0:11:03Ooh! Bobby! Have you just done one?
0:11:03 > 0:11:05Jam tarted? No, that's Miriam!
0:11:05 > 0:11:07That's just terrible.
0:11:07 > 0:11:10The raspberry blower, she is, you know that.
0:11:11 > 0:11:12MIRIAM SNORES
0:11:21 > 0:11:24ERHU PLAYS
0:11:25 > 0:11:27It gets dark pretty quick here, then, doesn't it?
0:11:27 > 0:11:29So you always use that?
0:11:30 > 0:11:32- This?- What, the stick?- Yeah.
0:11:32 > 0:11:34This. No, I've just got a bad knee.
0:11:34 > 0:11:36Oh, oh, oh.
0:11:36 > 0:11:38It's the group's first evening in Chengdu.
0:11:38 > 0:11:41- Hello.- Hi. Watch your step.
0:11:41 > 0:11:43- I watch.- Yeah.- I watch. - Have a seat.
0:11:43 > 0:11:46- You all right?- I'm all right, yeah. - Good.
0:11:46 > 0:11:48Rejuvenated from their power naps,
0:11:48 > 0:11:51they've decided to explore the local area.
0:11:51 > 0:11:53Is there a restaurant nearby rather than a long way away?
0:11:53 > 0:11:55Oh, yeah, of course.
0:11:55 > 0:11:59- What's it called?- They call it The People's Restaurant.
0:11:59 > 0:12:03The People's Restaurant?
0:12:03 > 0:12:05OK. Is it good food?
0:12:05 > 0:12:07Yes. Absolutely. Yeah.
0:12:07 > 0:12:08Can you do us a favour?
0:12:08 > 0:12:11I don't know whether you lot agree, we need to learn some words,
0:12:11 > 0:12:15because, Miriam, you can't eat anything with pork in it.
0:12:15 > 0:12:17- Bu yao. OK.- All right, hang on.
0:12:17 > 0:12:20- Bu yao. So I'm going to write it how I think...- Bu yao.
0:12:20 > 0:12:23- Bu yao.- Yeah, bu yao. - We've got it, you see.
0:12:23 > 0:12:26- What does that mean? - What's that mean?
0:12:26 > 0:12:29"No, I don't eat. I don't eat."
0:12:29 > 0:12:32How do we say "no pork"...
0:12:32 > 0:12:35- Which is bu yao...- Bu yao zhurou.
0:12:35 > 0:12:37SHE TRIES TO REPEAT PHRASE
0:12:37 > 0:12:40- Lo?- Zo.- Lo?- Z-O - zo.
0:12:40 > 0:12:42- Lo?- Yes.- OK, fine.
0:12:49 > 0:12:51Ooh, it's a lovely evening.
0:12:51 > 0:12:52Oh, it's gorgeous, isn't it?
0:12:52 > 0:12:54Beautiful.
0:12:55 > 0:12:58She said turn right, and then left at the end of the road.
0:12:58 > 0:12:59And left at the end.
0:13:04 > 0:13:06Little tiny shops.
0:13:07 > 0:13:08Quite sweet.
0:13:14 > 0:13:16Come on then, this way. This way.
0:13:16 > 0:13:19We've got to wait till it's green.
0:13:19 > 0:13:20It's chaos!
0:13:20 > 0:13:23In a city of more than 14 million people...
0:13:23 > 0:13:25Complete and utter chaos!
0:13:25 > 0:13:29..crossing the road at rush hour is not for the faint-hearted.
0:13:31 > 0:13:33I think it's going to go green fairly soon.
0:13:33 > 0:13:35- Yes.- I hope so!
0:13:35 > 0:13:39- Right, now.- Oh, here we go. - Quick, quick. Quick, quick, quick.
0:13:39 > 0:13:41Ooh!
0:13:41 > 0:13:43- Mind! - HORNS TOOT
0:13:43 > 0:13:45Are you all right?
0:13:45 > 0:13:47Oh, mind. Mind.
0:13:48 > 0:13:50I'm very grateful to you.
0:13:50 > 0:13:52I think you've probably saved my life.
0:13:58 > 0:14:01- This is it.- Having survived their brush with the traffic...
0:14:01 > 0:14:04Have you got a table for four?
0:14:04 > 0:14:05..dining out will give the group
0:14:05 > 0:14:09their first chance to sample the regional Sichuan cuisine.
0:14:09 > 0:14:11I don't know what I'm looking at.
0:14:11 > 0:14:13WAYNE LAUGHS
0:14:13 > 0:14:15It's all Chinese to me, mate.
0:14:15 > 0:14:16It's all Chinese.
0:14:16 > 0:14:20Can I say something? Miriam...
0:14:21 > 0:14:24SHE TRIES TO SPEAK IN MANDARIN
0:14:24 > 0:14:26No, she doesn't understand a word, Rosemary.
0:14:26 > 0:14:29You've got to work on the accent, dear.
0:14:32 > 0:14:34- No pork.- No pork, no pork.
0:14:34 > 0:14:35Sorry.
0:14:38 > 0:14:41- I'm trying awfully hard. - WAYNE LAUGHS
0:14:42 > 0:14:44This is very clever.
0:14:44 > 0:14:49- Is it?- Look. You photograph it, it says "white yao shrimp", see that?
0:14:49 > 0:14:51Oh, yeah, I'll have some of that.
0:14:51 > 0:14:53"Secret jelly".
0:14:53 > 0:14:55- Secret jelly?- Secret jelly.
0:14:56 > 0:14:59"Husband and wife lung film".
0:14:59 > 0:15:00ROSEMARY GUFFAWS
0:15:00 > 0:15:03I don't eat adventurously.
0:15:03 > 0:15:06I usually eat the same thing, day after day, after day,
0:15:06 > 0:15:08because I like it.
0:15:08 > 0:15:11I'm not really interested in experimentation.
0:15:11 > 0:15:14Experiments are for scientists, not for Margolyes.
0:15:16 > 0:15:19- Ah, there we are. - It's not for me, this.
0:15:19 > 0:15:20It's just not for me.
0:15:24 > 0:15:26- This is awful!- It's delicious.
0:15:26 > 0:15:28It tastes like fat.
0:15:30 > 0:15:32I can feel it sticking to the roof of my mouth.
0:15:32 > 0:15:34It's not very pleasant.
0:15:36 > 0:15:38- What is that? - I don't know what they are.
0:15:38 > 0:15:42Meat of some sort, isn't it?
0:15:42 > 0:15:45I don't know what we're eating. I haven't got a clue.
0:15:45 > 0:15:47They're all looking like that, so what is it?
0:15:47 > 0:15:49Snails, slugs?
0:15:49 > 0:15:53- I've no idea.- We eat westernised Chinese, that's the difference.
0:15:53 > 0:15:55We're used to what we eat.
0:15:55 > 0:15:56It's westernised Chinese.
0:15:56 > 0:15:58- It's not the same.- No.
0:15:58 > 0:16:02If I had to eat that for the rest of my life, I'd be very skinny.
0:16:02 > 0:16:04I mean, where is the beansprouts?
0:16:04 > 0:16:06Where's all the things we have in England?
0:16:06 > 0:16:09I haven't seen one beansprout since I've been here.
0:16:09 > 0:16:13I think this is so authentic, it's fascinating.
0:16:13 > 0:16:14Too bloody authentic!
0:16:14 > 0:16:17Yeah, for you. It's too bloody authentic, for you.
0:16:17 > 0:16:20It is another country, it is another cuisine, it is another culture.
0:16:20 > 0:16:22And we will deal with it.
0:16:22 > 0:16:27I'm sure that I'll have a more positive view of the place,
0:16:27 > 0:16:30the more I get to know it.
0:16:30 > 0:16:33It's been a baptism of fire, really, hasn't it?
0:16:42 > 0:16:44Is there any cheese, do we know?
0:16:44 > 0:16:47Is there any ch...? Is there any cheese?
0:16:47 > 0:16:49Cheese. I'll tell you what I'm going to do,
0:16:49 > 0:16:51do you know what I'm going to do? I'm going to organise you,
0:16:51 > 0:16:54cos I can't bear it. I'm trying to let go, but I'm not going to.
0:16:54 > 0:16:56Let go?
0:16:56 > 0:16:58It's 7.30am.
0:16:58 > 0:17:00OK, I'll tell you what I'm going to do. A tomato...
0:17:00 > 0:17:02Tell us what you're going to do, Rosemary.
0:17:02 > 0:17:05- Oh, now, look...- Now, come on, tell us, because we want to know.
0:17:05 > 0:17:08I like this running commentary on what you're going to do.
0:17:08 > 0:17:12- Right, I'll tell you exactly what I'm going to do.- Tell me.
0:17:12 > 0:17:14- I'm going to take two slices of bread...- Yes.
0:17:14 > 0:17:16I'm now going to get some butter.
0:17:16 > 0:17:20This morning the group have decided to venture out and meet
0:17:20 > 0:17:21some local pensioners.
0:17:21 > 0:17:23Off we go.
0:17:26 > 0:17:31Just a few miles away in the heart of Chengdu is the People's Park.
0:17:31 > 0:17:33- Can you hear them singing?- Yeah.
0:17:33 > 0:17:35It sounds like a Christmas carol, that.
0:17:36 > 0:17:42Its lush 27 acres offer senior citizens a respite from the city.
0:17:42 > 0:17:45And a chance to exercise and socialise at their leisure.
0:17:47 > 0:17:49They're up so early and ready for action.
0:17:49 > 0:17:52Look at it, dancing at this time of the morning.
0:17:52 > 0:17:54- How's about that, Wayne?- Great!
0:17:54 > 0:17:57- They're going to rule the world, I'm telling you.- Yes, they will!
0:17:57 > 0:18:00- Let's go and have...- It's like Strictly in the park, at dawn.
0:18:00 > 0:18:03- Let's go and have a wiggle. - This is so funny.
0:18:03 > 0:18:05Oh, look at these two. Hello.
0:18:06 > 0:18:08- Hello.- What do we do?
0:18:08 > 0:18:11- What do we do? Do we dance? - Do we just do it?
0:18:12 > 0:18:14Can I come and join in?
0:18:14 > 0:18:15Yes, yes.
0:18:15 > 0:18:17Welcome you.
0:18:17 > 0:18:19- Oh, thank you.- OK, OK.
0:18:19 > 0:18:21This is jianzi.
0:18:29 > 0:18:30Oh, my God!
0:18:33 > 0:18:35Put it on your feet and kick it.
0:18:35 > 0:18:37Drop it on your foot.
0:18:37 > 0:18:38That's it.
0:18:38 > 0:18:40Dear, oh, dear.
0:18:40 > 0:18:42You'll do some damage there, doll. I tell ya.
0:18:44 > 0:18:45Oh!
0:18:49 > 0:18:51It keeps you fit, I think.
0:18:51 > 0:18:52It's not easy. It looks easy.
0:18:52 > 0:18:54Until you try it.
0:18:54 > 0:18:56MUSIC PLAYS IN BACKGROUND
0:19:00 > 0:19:03I don't know which way round I'm going.
0:19:03 > 0:19:06Let's go over the top of these. Over the top. There you are.
0:19:06 > 0:19:09Now you're in the middle. Now we go round, round, round.
0:19:09 > 0:19:10WAYNE LAUGHS
0:19:13 > 0:19:15Why do you actually do this every day?
0:19:17 > 0:19:18Because it's happy.
0:19:18 > 0:19:20- Very happy.- It makes you happy.
0:19:20 > 0:19:22No, I understand that.
0:19:22 > 0:19:24Yeah, happy. Exercises our body.
0:19:24 > 0:19:25No, you're right, it is.
0:19:26 > 0:19:27How old are you?
0:19:27 > 0:19:2962 years.
0:19:29 > 0:19:3162!
0:19:31 > 0:19:33Do you do any other exercise?
0:19:33 > 0:19:36Just singing.
0:19:36 > 0:19:38Singing and dancing.
0:19:38 > 0:19:41He is a big dancer in England.
0:19:41 > 0:19:42- Classical.- Yeah.
0:19:42 > 0:19:44Oh! I can see.
0:19:46 > 0:19:48He's amazing!
0:19:49 > 0:19:51- ALL:- Oh!- Bravo!
0:19:52 > 0:19:54They dance for joy.
0:19:54 > 0:19:56They don't dance for any other reason
0:19:56 > 0:19:59but to find friends, keep fit,
0:19:59 > 0:20:01and there's no pressure.
0:20:01 > 0:20:03And I think that's the reason it works.
0:20:06 > 0:20:08Oh, look at this wonderful monument.
0:20:09 > 0:20:11After a morning of physical exertion,
0:20:11 > 0:20:15retirees like nothing more than to while away the hours in one of the
0:20:15 > 0:20:17city's traditional teahouses.
0:20:17 > 0:20:19Wow, isn't it great?
0:20:19 > 0:20:21Thank you. Thank you.
0:20:21 > 0:20:23I can just fit in here!
0:20:23 > 0:20:24I'm too fat.
0:20:24 > 0:20:27I love it. I love little chairs.
0:20:27 > 0:20:28For little people.
0:20:30 > 0:20:34- Where did you meet them? - Dancing. We met dancing.- We met them in the park.- You met them dancing.
0:20:34 > 0:20:36- We went dancing.- Oh, how lovely!
0:20:36 > 0:20:38Now, we are here,
0:20:38 > 0:20:43because they've invited us to the traditional tea of Chengdu.
0:20:43 > 0:20:45Traditional tea in Chengdu.
0:20:45 > 0:20:47Beautiful tea.
0:20:47 > 0:20:49- It's really nice. Do you like it?- Horrible.
0:20:49 > 0:20:51- You don't like it, do you, Bobby? - It's horrible. No, I don't.
0:20:51 > 0:20:56- Bobby doesn't like it.- It's bitter. - What would you prefer, Typhoo?
0:20:56 > 0:20:57What is life like here?
0:20:57 > 0:20:59Are you enjoying it?
0:21:07 > 0:21:08Can you sing something?
0:21:08 > 0:21:10- No problem.- Will you?- Yes.
0:21:12 > 0:21:13- Here we go.- Ready, and...
0:21:55 > 0:21:56Bravo!
0:21:58 > 0:21:59Very, very good.
0:22:00 > 0:22:04They definitely do enjoy a group activity.
0:22:04 > 0:22:08I might not, myself, enjoy so much group,
0:22:08 > 0:22:10because I like to be on my own a bit.
0:22:10 > 0:22:12But it's lovely to see.
0:22:13 > 0:22:16Oh! I can't see it.
0:22:16 > 0:22:21It's not the kind of closed China that you think of when you think of
0:22:21 > 0:22:24China, that they're all a bit weird and different.
0:22:25 > 0:22:27Well, they are different,
0:22:27 > 0:22:29and I think rather nicer than we are.
0:22:38 > 0:22:41So, the place you go swimming is huanqiu zhongxin xinshiji.
0:22:43 > 0:22:45Where do we get on?
0:22:45 > 0:22:49You get on, you go down the street, turn left,
0:22:49 > 0:22:51then you have the subway station.
0:22:51 > 0:22:53Over 600 miles from the coast,
0:22:53 > 0:22:56Chengdu's citizens who wish to go for a dip
0:22:56 > 0:22:59must head to the local pool.
0:22:59 > 0:23:02- ..Subway, Jincheng... - Jin... Sorry, Jin...
0:23:02 > 0:23:06For Miriam and Wayne, it means catching a ride on the Metro.
0:23:06 > 0:23:08- OK, good, thank you.- Yes, yes.
0:23:09 > 0:23:10- Shopping centre.- Yes.
0:23:12 > 0:23:14- Here you go.- Thank you, very much.
0:23:14 > 0:23:15OK.
0:23:21 > 0:23:23Do you think this is the Metro?
0:23:23 > 0:23:24I'm sure it is.
0:23:24 > 0:23:27- Oh, look, it says Metro. - It says, M-E-T-R-O.
0:23:27 > 0:23:29That sort of clinched it, you know.
0:23:29 > 0:23:31Are you going to be able to make the steps, darling?
0:23:33 > 0:23:35- What do you think?- I'll go slowly.
0:23:35 > 0:23:38- What's this?- What's this?
0:23:38 > 0:23:41You can phone a wheelchair. Do you want to try it?
0:23:42 > 0:23:43Oh, this is fun.
0:23:43 > 0:23:46It plays you a tune as it comes.
0:23:46 > 0:23:48Opened in 2010,
0:23:48 > 0:23:52Chengdu's Metro is one of the most modern networks in the world.
0:23:52 > 0:23:53Very good!
0:23:53 > 0:23:56- We like it.- Good service.
0:23:57 > 0:23:58- Oops.- I'll wheel you in.
0:24:03 > 0:24:05MIRIAM LAUGHS
0:24:05 > 0:24:07Thank you. Oh, thank you.
0:24:08 > 0:24:10OK.
0:24:10 > 0:24:12Ready? Here we are.
0:24:12 > 0:24:14- Come this way, madam.- Thank you.
0:24:14 > 0:24:16MUZAK PLAYS
0:24:16 > 0:24:20I love our Underground system, I think the Tube is wonderful.
0:24:20 > 0:24:24What is shocking is that it's jolly difficult for disabled people.
0:24:24 > 0:24:25Isn't that nice?
0:24:25 > 0:24:29When there are no escalators, or lifts,
0:24:29 > 0:24:32we have to climb those bloody stairs.
0:24:32 > 0:24:34And it's painful.
0:24:34 > 0:24:35Well, that was lovely.
0:24:35 > 0:24:38- There we are.- Xiexie.
0:24:38 > 0:24:40Off we go.
0:24:40 > 0:24:43- Wow.- There we are.
0:24:43 > 0:24:44- What did you think? - I thought it was brilliant.
0:24:44 > 0:24:47- Wasn't it brilliant?- Oh!
0:24:47 > 0:24:50- It was until I... - Where are you taking me, young man?
0:24:53 > 0:24:55- Oh, that's the ticket kiosk. - Oh, here we are.
0:24:55 > 0:24:56I'd better get out.
0:24:57 > 0:24:59OK.
0:24:59 > 0:25:03THEY LISTEN TO RECORDING OF VICKY'S DIRECTIONS
0:25:03 > 0:25:06With four lines traversing the city,
0:25:06 > 0:25:10nearly 1 million people catch a ride on Chengdu's Metro every day.
0:25:10 > 0:25:11Two, two. One, two.
0:25:12 > 0:25:15You help us?
0:25:15 > 0:25:16WAYNE REPEATS NAME OF STATION
0:25:16 > 0:25:17Come on.
0:25:19 > 0:25:21- Xiexie.- Xiexie.
0:25:21 > 0:25:24- Have you got your ticket, Miriam? - Yes, I have.- Here we are.
0:25:26 > 0:25:27Now we're on our own.
0:25:36 > 0:25:40This is, this is real China.
0:25:40 > 0:25:42This is what it's all about, isn't it?
0:25:42 > 0:25:45After last night's struggles with the local food,
0:25:45 > 0:25:48this evening Bobby has decided to cook for the group.
0:25:48 > 0:25:51The first thing you need is a wok. OK? Because they don't have a wok.
0:25:51 > 0:25:53OK, we'll wok this way, then, shall we?
0:25:53 > 0:25:54Shall we wok this way?
0:25:54 > 0:25:57He and Rosemary are visiting the local market
0:25:57 > 0:25:59to stock up on the necessaries.
0:25:59 > 0:26:01What about something like this one?
0:26:01 > 0:26:04- That shouldn't stick?- Hey?
0:26:04 > 0:26:07- That shouldn't stick. - That won't stick, will it?
0:26:07 > 0:26:09No, no, I don't think so.
0:26:09 > 0:26:11It's nonstick. How much?
0:26:11 > 0:26:13How much?
0:26:13 > 0:26:16- How much?- Huh?
0:26:16 > 0:26:18HE SPEAKS IN MANDARIN
0:26:18 > 0:26:21So, two, 20?
0:26:21 > 0:26:25When shopping in China, haggling is actively encouraged.
0:26:25 > 0:26:28- 12?- And with almost nine yuan to the pound,
0:26:28 > 0:26:30the cost of living can be cheap.
0:26:32 > 0:26:33No!
0:26:35 > 0:26:36100.
0:26:37 > 0:26:42- 100.- OK. - 100, OK, OK, yes!
0:26:42 > 0:26:44I've done my first bit...
0:26:44 > 0:26:45Yes!
0:26:50 > 0:26:51I think...
0:26:52 > 0:26:54- Ah!- There we are.
0:26:54 > 0:26:56Across the city,
0:26:56 > 0:26:58Miriam and Wayne have arrived at their destination.
0:27:00 > 0:27:01Oh, shit, look at that!
0:27:02 > 0:27:05- Oh, my God.- Bloody hell!
0:27:05 > 0:27:08The size of 22 Buckingham Palaces,
0:27:08 > 0:27:13the New Century Global Center is one of the world's biggest buildings.
0:27:13 > 0:27:14Look at this.
0:27:16 > 0:27:17Bloody hell!
0:27:17 > 0:27:19This is incredible.
0:27:21 > 0:27:23I've never seen anything like it.
0:27:27 > 0:27:30Housed under an 18-storey atrium,
0:27:30 > 0:27:35locals can while away the hours in the centre's vast shopping mall,
0:27:35 > 0:27:38Mediterranean village, and swimming pool.
0:27:40 > 0:27:42I wonder if they've got an Apple shop.
0:27:42 > 0:27:45Look at the fish, it's like an aquarium.
0:27:46 > 0:27:49Wow. Look at all the marble!
0:27:49 > 0:27:52It's like a palace, isn't it?
0:27:52 > 0:27:55This must have cost a fortune to build.
0:27:55 > 0:27:57It's unreal. It's surreal.
0:27:59 > 0:28:02Well, there's the ladies, and mine will be over here.
0:28:02 > 0:28:04- Right.- Good luck.
0:28:04 > 0:28:05It's extraordinary.
0:28:05 > 0:28:11It's huge. I suppose it's American in its inspiration.
0:28:12 > 0:28:14And that slightly depresses me.
0:28:15 > 0:28:16Is this bizarre or what?
0:28:18 > 0:28:20- It's ridiculous... - For a swimming pool.
0:28:20 > 0:28:21..that we have to come this way.
0:28:21 > 0:28:23I don't like this.
0:28:23 > 0:28:25Look, there's a church over there.
0:28:25 > 0:28:27Oh, God!
0:28:27 > 0:28:29Complete with an artificial beach,
0:28:29 > 0:28:33the landlocked residents of Chengdu can soak up the delights of a
0:28:33 > 0:28:35hi-tech 400-metre pool.
0:28:36 > 0:28:38Oh, my God.
0:28:38 > 0:28:39Ah!
0:28:39 > 0:28:41Fucking hell!
0:28:41 > 0:28:45Shit! This is a fucking nightmare.
0:28:45 > 0:28:48- It's bloody awful.- Fucking hell!
0:28:48 > 0:28:51- Bloody hell!- What's this? Put it on?
0:28:51 > 0:28:52Yeah, yeah. Must.
0:28:52 > 0:28:55- What, now?- Yeah.
0:28:55 > 0:28:57This is ridiculous.
0:28:57 > 0:29:00Look, it doesn't go round me.
0:29:00 > 0:29:02Oh, Gordon Bennett!
0:29:02 > 0:29:04I think it's because of the waves, Miriam.
0:29:04 > 0:29:06- What waves?- Look.
0:29:06 > 0:29:08These waves.
0:29:08 > 0:29:10But I want to lap swim.
0:29:10 > 0:29:12This isn't a lap swimming pool.
0:29:12 > 0:29:15Oh, God, it's so disappointing.
0:29:21 > 0:29:22It's nice and warm.
0:29:24 > 0:29:26Once you're in here it's much nicer.
0:29:31 > 0:29:33It's lovely, come on in, darling.
0:29:36 > 0:29:39So... Could we have a cabbage?
0:29:40 > 0:29:42Perfect. There we go.
0:29:42 > 0:29:44We'll pack those for Miriam.
0:29:44 > 0:29:46Spring onions? Perfect.
0:29:46 > 0:29:47How much?
0:29:49 > 0:29:5020.
0:29:52 > 0:29:5520. 20.
0:29:55 > 0:29:56No, no, no.
0:29:56 > 0:29:5822.
0:29:58 > 0:30:01- OK.- OK. Thank you very much.
0:30:01 > 0:30:03- Bye-bye.- Thank you.
0:30:07 > 0:30:09This is a nightmare.
0:30:10 > 0:30:12China is lovely.
0:30:12 > 0:30:14But this pool is nonsense.
0:30:14 > 0:30:16It's not a pool, it's a disaster.
0:30:16 > 0:30:20I mean, it's a lot of expensive rubbish.
0:30:20 > 0:30:22A waste of money.
0:30:22 > 0:30:23It's absurd.
0:30:25 > 0:30:27I've really had enough. I'm sorry.
0:30:31 > 0:30:32I hate this pool.
0:30:36 > 0:30:37I do.
0:30:37 > 0:30:39Ooh!
0:30:39 > 0:30:41How do you get out of these bleeding things?
0:30:43 > 0:30:45Xiexie.
0:30:58 > 0:31:00Give me anything to chop up.
0:31:03 > 0:31:05God, it's a hive of industry in there.
0:31:08 > 0:31:11The times I've hit my head on that bloody thing there.
0:31:15 > 0:31:18What do you think that is, in there?
0:31:18 > 0:31:19It's very nice.
0:31:19 > 0:31:20Vegetables.
0:31:22 > 0:31:24Right...
0:31:24 > 0:31:25That looks absolutely lovely.
0:31:25 > 0:31:27They wouldn't serve pork, would they?
0:31:27 > 0:31:29It's not pork, is it?
0:31:30 > 0:31:32There's no pork, is there?
0:31:32 > 0:31:33- No pork.- No pork.
0:31:34 > 0:31:35Ten out of ten.
0:31:38 > 0:31:41- Oh!- This is my kind of Chinese.
0:31:41 > 0:31:43Lovely. Beautiful.
0:31:43 > 0:31:45Tell us about your day.
0:31:45 > 0:31:47We saw the modern China today.
0:31:47 > 0:31:50It was all marble, the whole thing.
0:31:50 > 0:31:54It was like being inside a huge palace,
0:31:54 > 0:31:56and I think they did it that big...
0:31:56 > 0:31:57It was a flaunt.
0:31:57 > 0:31:59I mean, did it actually feel like China?
0:32:01 > 0:32:03Well, only because the Chinese were there.
0:32:03 > 0:32:06But it could have been anywhere in the world.
0:32:06 > 0:32:09When I was in China 30 years ago I was young.
0:32:10 > 0:32:14And when you're young it's all a thrill, it's all amazing.
0:32:14 > 0:32:16It's all a discovery.
0:32:16 > 0:32:18I'm not young any more.
0:32:18 > 0:32:21And when you're abroad and not in control of your environment,
0:32:21 > 0:32:24that inadequacy feels even sharper.
0:32:25 > 0:32:28I'm not quite at ease yet here.
0:32:30 > 0:32:32And I'd lie if I said I was.
0:32:41 > 0:32:43I'm not normally this untidy.
0:32:45 > 0:32:47I think I've got everything now.
0:32:47 > 0:32:49I'll sort that out when I get back.
0:32:49 > 0:32:51After a couple of days in Chengdu,
0:32:51 > 0:32:56the group have decided to head out into the countryside for an overnight stay.
0:32:56 > 0:32:59I feel very goody two-shoes because I've packed everything.
0:33:00 > 0:33:03- I'm ready.- Well, you just need a pair of pants, don't you?
0:33:03 > 0:33:05- That's it.- I don't bother.
0:33:05 > 0:33:06You don't change your knickers?
0:33:06 > 0:33:09Yeah. LAUGHTER
0:33:09 > 0:33:12- For many local retirees...- Let's go!
0:33:12 > 0:33:15..rural retreats offer a welcome respite from the
0:33:15 > 0:33:18pace and pollution of the city.
0:33:18 > 0:33:21Last one always has to close the door in our family.
0:33:21 > 0:33:24- Always.- I've got fodder.
0:33:24 > 0:33:26Good. I haven't had a bowel movement.
0:33:26 > 0:33:27I might have to have it on the train.
0:33:31 > 0:33:34China has one of the largest high-speed rail networks in the world.
0:33:35 > 0:33:38So escaping the confines of Chengdu couldn't be easier.
0:33:39 > 0:33:42Have you got your passport, Miriam?
0:33:42 > 0:33:43- I have.- Good.
0:33:44 > 0:33:46I keep it in my bra.
0:33:46 > 0:33:48You need it now. Oh, I see.
0:33:49 > 0:33:52A ticket to the country costs around £2.
0:33:52 > 0:33:54Dujiangyan.
0:33:54 > 0:33:57You want to buy a ticket?
0:33:57 > 0:33:58- Yes.- Buy ticket? Two?
0:33:58 > 0:33:59Four. Four tickets.
0:33:59 > 0:34:01Four tickets.
0:34:01 > 0:34:02Here's your tickets.
0:34:02 > 0:34:03- Thank you.- Xiexie.
0:34:03 > 0:34:05- Thank you.- You're welcome.
0:34:05 > 0:34:07- Well done.- Yay, I've got it!
0:34:09 > 0:34:12With over 2.5 billion passengers a year,
0:34:12 > 0:34:16the trains in China run strictly on time.
0:34:16 > 0:34:18I think it's...
0:34:18 > 0:34:20- ..this one.- Platform one.
0:34:20 > 0:34:22It will be this one.
0:34:22 > 0:34:23I'm not running.
0:34:24 > 0:34:26I'm not running.
0:34:26 > 0:34:27I could have a stroke!
0:34:27 > 0:34:30I know. Just relax. Relax, relax.
0:34:30 > 0:34:34- You are in. We're in.- Nice seats.
0:34:34 > 0:34:35Very comfortable.
0:34:35 > 0:34:37- You OK?- Yeah.
0:34:38 > 0:34:40Hello!
0:34:40 > 0:34:42- Oh, thank you.- Thank you very much.
0:34:42 > 0:34:45That's wonderful. Is this first class?
0:34:45 > 0:34:46No. This is...
0:34:46 > 0:34:48- Normal?- What?
0:34:48 > 0:34:50Is this normal, or is it up?
0:34:50 > 0:34:51- Normal.- This is normal?
0:34:53 > 0:34:55This is great. This is how you travel!
0:34:55 > 0:34:58- Fantastic! - This is fabulous.
0:34:58 > 0:34:59And you look so cute.
0:34:59 > 0:35:01- Thank you.- Very nice.- Thank you.
0:35:01 > 0:35:03- Doing the old chat there, son? - Xiexie!
0:35:06 > 0:35:09- We are off, girls and boys. - This is great, this is good.
0:35:09 > 0:35:12Can you see that there's a lavatory?
0:35:12 > 0:35:15- Oh, yes, there is. - Isn't that excellent?
0:35:16 > 0:35:20This is it. We've been on a bullet train.
0:35:20 > 0:35:21I've been on a bullet train before.
0:35:21 > 0:35:23Stop being so cocky!
0:35:23 > 0:35:26Sshhh, just lower the noise, peeps.
0:35:26 > 0:35:27Lower the noise.
0:35:27 > 0:35:28Decorum, I think.
0:35:28 > 0:35:31Yes, just behave like a normal person.
0:35:35 > 0:35:39Just a 20-minute train ride out of the city lies Dujiangyan.
0:35:39 > 0:35:41This is really pretty, you know.
0:35:41 > 0:35:44- It's beautiful.- This is so pretty.
0:35:44 > 0:35:48Covering over 400 square miles, the area is famed for supplying Chengdu
0:35:48 > 0:35:55with water for over two millennia, and for its resident giant pandas.
0:35:55 > 0:35:57Sorry, thank you. Thank you.
0:35:57 > 0:35:59We are here.
0:35:59 > 0:36:02I didn't know it was going to be sunny.
0:36:02 > 0:36:03But also, doesn't it...? Breathe.
0:36:03 > 0:36:05Isn't it divine?
0:36:05 > 0:36:08It's sort of fresher, the air is fresher.
0:36:08 > 0:36:09Hello. Hello.
0:36:09 > 0:36:13- How are you?- Wayne, don't get carried away, come on.
0:36:13 > 0:36:14- Oh, sorry.- Come on!
0:36:17 > 0:36:19You are very easily distracted.
0:36:19 > 0:36:21- I am!- Did you see the nice boys?
0:36:21 > 0:36:24It's called eye candy.
0:36:27 > 0:36:31A favourite with the senior citizens of Chengdu...
0:36:31 > 0:36:34Look at this! It's so beautiful.
0:36:34 > 0:36:35It's wonderful.
0:36:35 > 0:36:38..the group will be staying at one of the traditional country houses
0:36:38 > 0:36:40called "Nong jia le".
0:36:40 > 0:36:42Hello. Hello.
0:36:42 > 0:36:45Hello, welcome.
0:36:45 > 0:36:47Thank you. What's your name?
0:36:47 > 0:36:48What's your name?
0:36:48 > 0:36:51Welcome. Welcome.
0:36:51 > 0:36:53- What's your name? - INDISTINCT RESPONSE
0:36:53 > 0:36:55My name's Rosemary.
0:36:55 > 0:36:57Rosemary...
0:36:57 > 0:36:58There.
0:36:58 > 0:37:01- Rosemary. - Rosemary.- Rosemary.
0:37:01 > 0:37:03- Oh, very nice.- Rosemary.
0:37:08 > 0:37:09This looks nice.
0:37:10 > 0:37:12For as little as £30 a night...
0:37:12 > 0:37:13That'll do me, son.
0:37:13 > 0:37:16..retirees get an en-suite room...
0:37:16 > 0:37:18..all their meals..
0:37:19 > 0:37:21..and a more relaxed pace of life.
0:37:23 > 0:37:25Oh, look at that.
0:37:27 > 0:37:29Hello.
0:37:29 > 0:37:30May I come in and have a look?
0:37:30 > 0:37:33Yeah, yeah, yeah. Have a seat.
0:37:33 > 0:37:34That's amazing.
0:37:36 > 0:37:39- Welcome.- Welcome.- Welcome.
0:37:39 > 0:37:41- Cheers.- Cheers.
0:37:46 > 0:37:47Lovely jubbly.
0:37:50 > 0:37:51LAUGHTER
0:37:52 > 0:37:58I have never seen, in my life, that happening, ever.
0:38:04 > 0:38:11To hear the sound of rushing water along a stream is reminding me of
0:38:11 > 0:38:1365 years ago,
0:38:13 > 0:38:18when I used to go camping with my family onto Dartmoor.
0:38:18 > 0:38:21We'd all pitch tents in this one field,
0:38:21 > 0:38:24and we had a running brook just at the bottom.
0:38:24 > 0:38:27We were lower working class, and we had no money whatsoever.
0:38:28 > 0:38:30But we were happy.
0:38:41 > 0:38:43- Oh!- Rosemary, do you need...?
0:38:45 > 0:38:47Sorry. SHE COUGHS
0:38:47 > 0:38:50- Yes, have you got some water? - OK, OK.
0:38:50 > 0:38:52- Oh, my gosh.- Bottled water, though!
0:38:52 > 0:38:54Oh, my goodness me, that was hot!
0:38:55 > 0:38:58And I can take hot. Be careful.
0:38:58 > 0:38:59Is this green beans?
0:38:59 > 0:39:03This evening, the group have decided to join some of their fellow guests
0:39:03 > 0:39:05- for dinner.- It's on the move.
0:39:05 > 0:39:07- It's on the move.- It's on the move.
0:39:08 > 0:39:10How often do you come here?
0:39:20 > 0:39:21Stay here one month.
0:39:21 > 0:39:24- Oh, they stay here one month.- Yes.
0:39:24 > 0:39:26Because, you know, all of the big city...
0:39:28 > 0:39:30..is polluted.
0:39:30 > 0:39:32Do they feel that they are much more healthy
0:39:32 > 0:39:35- when they go back to the city?- Yes.
0:39:35 > 0:39:37You can feel the difference.
0:39:37 > 0:39:39- Yes.- Your...breathing.
0:39:41 > 0:39:43That's the one, yeah, yeah. That's lovely.
0:39:45 > 0:39:46GUESTS SING
0:39:52 > 0:39:56I think it's a very beguiling place.
0:39:57 > 0:40:00But for me, I wouldn't want to come here for a holiday.
0:40:00 > 0:40:01Not to here.
0:40:01 > 0:40:04You know, and when I go for a holiday
0:40:04 > 0:40:06I want to be completely alone.
0:40:06 > 0:40:08SINGING CONTINUES
0:40:08 > 0:40:14But it is, for most Chinese people, a delightful experience.
0:40:14 > 0:40:16It just shows how different we all are.
0:40:23 > 0:40:24Hey!
0:40:25 > 0:40:27Fantastic.
0:40:37 > 0:40:39CAMERA SHUTTER CLICKS
0:40:43 > 0:40:46I know it seems silly, photographing trees.
0:40:47 > 0:40:49But they fascinate me, how they...
0:40:50 > 0:40:53..grow them. It's clever how they do it.
0:40:58 > 0:40:59Look.
0:41:00 > 0:41:01I like this place.
0:41:02 > 0:41:06You can hear that water from the little fountain going.
0:41:08 > 0:41:12That's all you can hear. You don't hear no cars.
0:41:13 > 0:41:15Nothing.
0:41:16 > 0:41:17It's nice.
0:41:20 > 0:41:22Bye-bye.
0:41:23 > 0:41:25I might get a water feature for my garden.
0:41:27 > 0:41:29Before heading back to the city,
0:41:29 > 0:41:30the group are keen to get a glimpse
0:41:30 > 0:41:33of some of the region's most famous residents.
0:41:35 > 0:41:38The Sichuan Mountains are one of the only places in the world
0:41:38 > 0:41:43to see the iconic giant panda in their natural habitat.
0:41:43 > 0:41:46- Hello.- Oh, hello. Do you speak English?
0:41:46 > 0:41:48Yes. What can I do for you?
0:41:48 > 0:41:50- We've come to see pandas. - The pandas?- Yes.
0:41:50 > 0:41:53Have you seen a panda before?
0:41:53 > 0:41:56- Never.- First we go to change our uniforms,
0:41:56 > 0:41:58in case the panda get infected.
0:41:58 > 0:41:59- ALL:- Oh.
0:42:00 > 0:42:02I would need a big one.
0:42:02 > 0:42:04Big one.
0:42:04 > 0:42:06- This one? - What? I can't get into that.
0:42:08 > 0:42:10I really love pandas.
0:42:10 > 0:42:13And I really have wanted to see them.
0:42:13 > 0:42:15So I'm very excited.
0:42:16 > 0:42:19Let's go. Let's go to see real panda.
0:42:19 > 0:42:22- We'll follow you.- OK, come with me.
0:42:24 > 0:42:30Covering over 760 acres, the Chengdu Panda Base rescues, rehabilitates,
0:42:30 > 0:42:33and releases sick and injured wild pandas.
0:42:34 > 0:42:36It's also a breeding facility,
0:42:36 > 0:42:40designed to increase the numbers of this endangered species.
0:42:40 > 0:42:41How many in the wild is there?
0:42:41 > 0:42:43How many pandas left in the wild?
0:42:55 > 0:42:57Is it hard to breed them?
0:42:58 > 0:43:01It's getting better?
0:43:03 > 0:43:04Oh, do they?
0:43:04 > 0:43:06Oh, how sweet.
0:43:06 > 0:43:07That's why I love pandas.
0:43:12 > 0:43:14What, the boy and the girl?
0:43:14 > 0:43:15Yeah, yeah.
0:43:15 > 0:43:19- They're just like people, then! - Well, not quite as quickly as that!
0:43:21 > 0:43:23Wait, wait.
0:43:24 > 0:43:26- Are you OK?- Yes.
0:43:26 > 0:43:28This is the pandas' enclosure.
0:43:28 > 0:43:30And they can just play outside.
0:43:32 > 0:43:35OK, these pandas, they are twin sisters.
0:43:35 > 0:43:39- Sisters?- OK, guys, before we feed panda, I will show you, OK.
0:43:39 > 0:43:41- Will it stroke me?- No, no.
0:43:41 > 0:43:43Can I stroke it?
0:43:43 > 0:43:44No, no. Do not touch panda.
0:43:44 > 0:43:45Do not touch panda.
0:43:45 > 0:43:48- Who wants to be the first one to feed the panda?- I'll do.
0:43:48 > 0:43:51You do first of all? OK.
0:43:51 > 0:43:54Two-year-old twin sisters HurHur and ZhouZhou
0:43:54 > 0:43:58are a successful result of the breeding programme.
0:43:58 > 0:43:59So beautiful.
0:43:59 > 0:44:00SHE SOBS SOFTLY
0:44:02 > 0:44:05I didn't expect it to just...
0:44:07 > 0:44:08Just to be there.
0:44:08 > 0:44:11You like that, don't you, mate, hey?
0:44:11 > 0:44:12You just see it...
0:44:13 > 0:44:15- ..just like that.- I know.
0:44:16 > 0:44:19I mean, it looks lovely, I'm looking forward to it,
0:44:19 > 0:44:22it obviously doesn't do that to me, but how sweet.
0:44:22 > 0:44:25Oh, dear. Are you all right?
0:44:27 > 0:44:29Hello.
0:44:29 > 0:44:32- Hello. - It's so special to see it like that.
0:44:32 > 0:44:34It's special. It's special.
0:44:34 > 0:44:36- It is special. - But it's just a panda.
0:44:39 > 0:44:42I think you need to go in before me to feed it, because I can wait.
0:44:44 > 0:44:46- Are you OK?- Yes.
0:44:46 > 0:44:48It's your first time getting so close to pandas?
0:44:48 > 0:44:50You want me help you?
0:44:50 > 0:44:51Yeah, get closer.
0:44:51 > 0:44:53OK.
0:44:53 > 0:44:55Take it easy, yeah?
0:44:55 > 0:44:57I'm feeling really hard.
0:44:57 > 0:44:59I feel really hard.
0:44:59 > 0:45:04I feel... You know, I am emotional, I'm an emotional person.
0:45:04 > 0:45:07- You are so beautiful.- OK.
0:45:07 > 0:45:09You are so beautiful.
0:45:09 > 0:45:11I'll go and to feed it and see what it's like.
0:45:11 > 0:45:14I'm sure it's absolutely lovely, but it's just a panda.
0:45:17 > 0:45:19Hello. Hello, you.
0:45:21 > 0:45:22It's so beautiful.
0:45:23 > 0:45:25Miriam's got very emotional.
0:45:25 > 0:45:28I didn't know she was that soft, actually, until now.
0:45:28 > 0:45:30She's usually the hardest of the group.
0:45:30 > 0:45:32Always in charge, always in authority.
0:45:32 > 0:45:33Always shouting at other people.
0:45:33 > 0:45:35Suddenly, she's melted like wax!
0:45:35 > 0:45:38Quite interesting to see that.
0:45:38 > 0:45:40- Now, that is beautiful. - Now he's posing!
0:45:40 > 0:45:43Four-year-old Fu Bao was born in Austria,
0:45:43 > 0:45:45and moved to the centre two years ago.
0:45:45 > 0:45:47I never thought I'd feed a panda...
0:45:48 > 0:45:51I never thought I'd be here to look at a panda, if you want the truth.
0:45:52 > 0:45:54Here he comes, look!
0:45:56 > 0:45:57All right, mate, how you going?
0:45:59 > 0:46:04These extraordinary creatures, it's just a piece of magic.
0:46:07 > 0:46:08Wow!
0:46:11 > 0:46:13That was something.
0:46:13 > 0:46:16Right, let's go. Did you enjoy that, Miriam?
0:46:16 > 0:46:17Oh, gosh, did I ever!
0:46:19 > 0:46:22- Bye-bye!- Bye, pandas. - Bye, pandas.- Bye!
0:46:35 > 0:46:38Vicky, you're going to miss us when we go.
0:46:38 > 0:46:39- Yes.- No, she's not!
0:46:39 > 0:46:41Do you think we're very strange?
0:46:41 > 0:46:43- Well, you are.- Well, you are!
0:46:43 > 0:46:44- I'm not.- Yes, you are.
0:46:44 > 0:46:48- Yes.- You're as bonkers as I am.
0:46:48 > 0:46:50The thing is, we have little foibles.
0:46:50 > 0:46:51We all have bad habits.
0:46:51 > 0:46:55Very much so. We all have things wrong with us.
0:46:55 > 0:46:56Yes. Some are louder than others.
0:46:56 > 0:46:59- You are very funny.- They think I'm terribly loud. I don't...
0:46:59 > 0:47:01- I don't mean that. - WAYNE LAUGHS
0:47:01 > 0:47:03Your voice is loud, Bobby is quiet.
0:47:03 > 0:47:06Bobby's very quiet. Well, he can't get a word in edgeways with us three.
0:47:06 > 0:47:09I call Bobby a gentle giant.
0:47:10 > 0:47:12He's lovely. He's absolutely lovely.
0:47:12 > 0:47:16And we need somebody like that to keep us down, keep us calm.
0:47:18 > 0:47:20With retirement starting at 50,
0:47:20 > 0:47:22the Chinese government has been faced
0:47:22 > 0:47:25with what to do with the growing senior population.
0:47:28 > 0:47:33Across the country is a network of nearly 50,000 elder education
0:47:33 > 0:47:36institutions, offering retirees a chance to broaden their minds
0:47:36 > 0:47:38for as little as £10 a term.
0:47:41 > 0:47:45- Painting.- Before their time in Chengdu comes to an end,
0:47:45 > 0:47:47four new students are going back to class.
0:47:47 > 0:47:51Don't look in there, you'll get told off, come on.
0:47:51 > 0:47:53Here we are, dance room.
0:47:53 > 0:47:55- That's me.- That's you.
0:47:55 > 0:47:57You only stop learning if there's something wrong with you.
0:47:58 > 0:48:00If you can learn something,
0:48:00 > 0:48:02one thing a day, you live a long while, they say.
0:48:02 > 0:48:05So that's what I'm trying to do.
0:48:05 > 0:48:07KNOCKING ON DOOR
0:48:07 > 0:48:11- Ni hao. - Hello. Nice to see you.
0:48:11 > 0:48:12- How are you?- I'm Wayne.
0:48:12 > 0:48:14Thank you for speaking English.
0:48:14 > 0:48:17Is this the first time you've come to this school?
0:48:17 > 0:48:19Yes. It is.
0:48:19 > 0:48:21We want to know what goes on here.
0:48:21 > 0:48:25This school is especially for the elder people.
0:48:25 > 0:48:26It is for the elder people.
0:48:26 > 0:48:27From what age?
0:48:27 > 0:48:31The students range from 50 to 78.
0:48:31 > 0:48:35So could we join into some of your classes while we're here?
0:48:35 > 0:48:38Of course. I think our students will be very happy to see you.
0:48:38 > 0:48:40- Lead the way.- Thank you very much.
0:48:40 > 0:48:41Thank you.
0:48:42 > 0:48:44With over 20 courses on offer,
0:48:44 > 0:48:48there's something to suit every pensioner.
0:48:48 > 0:48:49Hao ma. Hao ma.
0:48:51 > 0:48:52Hao ma!
0:48:52 > 0:48:54- STUDENTS:- Ni hao ma.
0:48:54 > 0:48:58Rosemary and Wayne have decided to join a traditional singing class.
0:48:58 > 0:49:00- OK.- What's this?- OK.
0:49:05 > 0:49:07THEY ATTEMPT TO SING IN MANDARIN
0:49:14 > 0:49:15- # Ni... #- Na, na. Na, na, na.
0:49:17 > 0:49:19- Ah. Na.- Na.- OK. Good. WAYNE REPEATS PHRASING
0:49:19 > 0:49:20So, first word...
0:49:20 > 0:49:22N-A, na.
0:49:22 > 0:49:24Na. Na!
0:49:24 > 0:49:26- LAUGHTER - Not very sharp?
0:49:37 > 0:49:39APPLAUSE
0:49:39 > 0:49:42I'm going down the road.
0:49:42 > 0:49:46- CLASS REPEATS: - I'm going down the road.
0:49:46 > 0:49:48Miriam and Bobby have opted to take a seat
0:49:48 > 0:49:51in the university's English class.
0:49:53 > 0:49:57In China, the emphasis on teaching English began in 1979,
0:49:57 > 0:49:59after the end of the Cultural Revolution.
0:49:59 > 0:50:03Today, it's a compulsory subject in every Chinese school.
0:50:03 > 0:50:04SHE CONTINUES IN MANDARIN
0:50:16 > 0:50:18- Mrs Miriam.- Miriam.
0:50:19 > 0:50:23Can you teach the students how to greet each other
0:50:23 > 0:50:25when they first meet?
0:50:25 > 0:50:28Good morning, ladies and gentlemen.
0:50:30 > 0:50:36First, when you meet someone, I would say, how do you do?
0:50:36 > 0:50:38- THEY REPEAT:- How do you do?- Yes.
0:50:38 > 0:50:39- How do you do?- We'll do it again.
0:50:39 > 0:50:40- CLASS:- How do you do?
0:50:40 > 0:50:43- CLASS:- How do you do?
0:50:43 > 0:50:44Oh, yes!
0:50:44 > 0:50:46THEY LAUGH
0:50:46 > 0:50:47That's good.
0:50:47 > 0:50:51Bobby would say something different.
0:50:51 > 0:50:53To a man I would say "hello".
0:50:53 > 0:50:54Just hello?
0:50:54 > 0:50:57And to a woman I'd say "hell-oh"!
0:50:57 > 0:51:00- Oh, good.- Because he's flirting.
0:51:00 > 0:51:02Oh!
0:51:08 > 0:51:11Have you got Bobby's style?
0:51:11 > 0:51:13- Have a try.- Hello.- Hello.
0:51:14 > 0:51:15Hell-oh!
0:51:15 > 0:51:18Yes, very good.
0:51:21 > 0:51:23We do it first. Then you do it.
0:51:23 > 0:51:30# When I was just a little girl/guy I asked my mummy what will I be?
0:51:30 > 0:51:34# Will I be handsome? Will I be rich?
0:51:34 > 0:51:37# Here's what she said to me
0:51:37 > 0:51:40# Que sera, sera
0:51:40 > 0:51:44# Whatever will be, will be
0:51:44 > 0:51:48# The future's not ours to see
0:51:48 > 0:51:51# Que sera, sera
0:51:51 > 0:51:54# What will be, will be. #
0:51:54 > 0:51:56- Hooray!- Waay!
0:51:58 > 0:52:02- Very good.- You should teach us something, maybe...
0:52:04 > 0:52:07- What do you want to know? - Where is the toilet?
0:52:07 > 0:52:08Very important for us.
0:52:08 > 0:52:11Of course. In Chinese...
0:52:11 > 0:52:12Xishoujian zai na.
0:52:12 > 0:52:13That's hard!
0:52:13 > 0:52:14CLASS LAUGHS
0:52:17 > 0:52:19Xishoujian.
0:52:21 > 0:52:24MIRIAM REPEATS WORD
0:52:26 > 0:52:27MIRIAM HAS BETTER PHRASING
0:52:27 > 0:52:28CLASS APPLAUDS
0:52:32 > 0:52:36I think the concept of university for older people
0:52:36 > 0:52:41is absolutely wonderful. Because you don't stop...
0:52:42 > 0:52:44..wanting to learn when you're older.
0:52:44 > 0:52:46Do you like Chengdu?
0:52:47 > 0:52:49Do we like Chengdu?
0:52:49 > 0:52:56We did not know anything about Chengdu before we came.
0:52:56 > 0:53:00Now we know, and we like it.
0:53:00 > 0:53:03I think for a long time China was a closed country.
0:53:03 > 0:53:07Now it isn't, and they want to get out there and talk to people
0:53:07 > 0:53:09and see what the world offers.
0:53:13 > 0:53:14They're lovely.
0:53:17 > 0:53:19- Did you have a good time?- Yes.- Yes.
0:53:19 > 0:53:21- Quite humorous.- I'm supposed to have learned how to say,
0:53:21 > 0:53:23"Where's the toilet?"
0:53:23 > 0:53:25- But I can't do it.- You can't do it?
0:53:33 > 0:53:35My look, very elegant.
0:53:36 > 0:53:38You do look very elegant.
0:53:39 > 0:53:42It's the group's final evening in Chengdu.
0:53:42 > 0:53:43Oh, that's beautiful.
0:53:43 > 0:53:45- Is that all right?- Very nice indeed.
0:53:45 > 0:53:47To mark the end of their time in the city...
0:53:48 > 0:53:51..they've decided to dress up for a night out.
0:53:51 > 0:53:53You changed into a Chinese!
0:53:53 > 0:53:56That looks really nice, Bobby.
0:53:56 > 0:53:58- We've got to go.- Bye.- See you later.
0:53:58 > 0:54:00- I'll come with you. - I'll come with you.
0:54:02 > 0:54:04Don't we look typical Chinese now?
0:54:04 > 0:54:05ROSEMARY LAUGHS
0:54:07 > 0:54:10The group are making the short journey to central Chengdu
0:54:10 > 0:54:13to one of the city's popular hotpot restaurants.
0:54:14 > 0:54:15Look at this!
0:54:18 > 0:54:19Is Miriam all right?
0:54:20 > 0:54:22Wonderful, look at that.
0:54:22 > 0:54:25A favourite with locals, diners get to cook their own food
0:54:25 > 0:54:28while enjoying some traditional Sichuan entertainment.
0:54:28 > 0:54:31- It's a beautiful place. - It's terrific, isn't it?
0:54:31 > 0:54:33Look at that.
0:54:33 > 0:54:35I don't like that oil.
0:54:35 > 0:54:38I don't think I'm going to be eating a huge amount of this.
0:54:38 > 0:54:41- This is really interesting. - It's interesting, yeah.
0:54:41 > 0:54:43Oh, thank you.
0:54:43 > 0:54:46Could I have a beer, please? Beer?
0:54:46 > 0:54:47Beer?
0:54:47 > 0:54:49China has been challenging
0:54:49 > 0:54:52on so many different levels.
0:54:52 > 0:54:56Number one, the language has to be up there, number one.
0:54:56 > 0:54:57How do we know what we want?
0:54:57 > 0:54:58Beer. Bottle.
0:54:58 > 0:55:00Such hard, hard work.
0:55:02 > 0:55:07But in saying that, I think there's a lot we can learn from China.
0:55:07 > 0:55:09Because they do respect elders here.
0:55:09 > 0:55:14And we have had some very, very, very good food indeed.
0:55:14 > 0:55:15Excellent!
0:55:15 > 0:55:16ROSEMARY COUGHS
0:55:16 > 0:55:17Ah!
0:55:17 > 0:55:20OK, guys, I'll warn you, it's really hot.
0:55:20 > 0:55:21That is too hot for me.
0:55:21 > 0:55:23- Really hot.- That's perfect.
0:55:28 > 0:55:30Look, she's started.
0:55:38 > 0:55:40- Look, water coming out.- Oh!
0:55:47 > 0:55:50I didn't know anything about Chengdu before we came.
0:55:50 > 0:55:51I'd never heard of it, actually.
0:55:54 > 0:55:59China as a nation is straddling its history
0:55:59 > 0:56:02with the new and the old.
0:56:02 > 0:56:07Everything that you see around you is new - newly built, newly minted.
0:56:08 > 0:56:11- Wow.- Bravo!
0:56:11 > 0:56:16But there are still the footprints of the old world here,
0:56:16 > 0:56:19and I hope they never leave it.
0:56:19 > 0:56:21I love that. May I have a bit of this?
0:56:24 > 0:56:27Here's another one, look. I wonder what this is.
0:56:30 > 0:56:33What I've learned about China and the old people here
0:56:33 > 0:56:35is that it's never too late.
0:56:37 > 0:56:40People sort of brainwash you into thinking it's all over at 69,
0:56:40 > 0:56:4270 years old.
0:56:42 > 0:56:43Oh, wow!
0:56:43 > 0:56:47- My goodness me!- And all these people are going to the old university and
0:56:47 > 0:56:50learning to sing, dance, and learn English.
0:56:51 > 0:56:54I mean, the show goes on.
0:56:54 > 0:56:55Oh!
0:56:55 > 0:56:58They are really polite, the people.
0:56:58 > 0:57:00- Helpful.- Very good, thank you.
0:57:01 > 0:57:03And they do things together.
0:57:04 > 0:57:05They seem happy.
0:57:07 > 0:57:08Thank you.
0:57:09 > 0:57:10But do you know what?
0:57:12 > 0:57:15The tea over here is absolutely...
0:57:16 > 0:57:17- ..terrible! - Hello.
0:57:18 > 0:57:20Hello.
0:57:20 > 0:57:24- How do you do? Nice to meet you. - Oh, Lord.
0:57:24 > 0:57:25Miriam.
0:57:27 > 0:57:30You like kids, don't you?
0:57:31 > 0:57:33Hello. Hello.
0:57:33 > 0:57:36- Well, I don't like children much. - I know that!
0:57:39 > 0:57:41- Yes, bye-bye.- Bye-bye.
0:57:41 > 0:57:43I like kids.
0:57:43 > 0:57:46- They like you.- I used to go to school with them! Did you know that?
0:57:47 > 0:57:49And the trouble is, they like me too.
0:57:51 > 0:57:53Home, James.
0:57:53 > 0:57:55Home, and don't spare the horses!
0:57:55 > 0:57:59I think we've had a lovely time but I just need a bit of time on my own.
0:58:00 > 0:58:03I'm never on my own because I've got kids.
0:58:08 > 0:58:09- She's ready.- I'm ready!
0:58:09 > 0:58:13Next time, Miriam, Wayne and Bobby are joined
0:58:13 > 0:58:15by familiar Marigold face Jan Leeming...
0:58:15 > 0:58:17- Nice body.- Oh, yes.
0:58:18 > 0:58:19Stop it!
0:58:19 > 0:58:23..as they sample a Communist retirement in Cuba.
0:58:23 > 0:58:27No way was I going to go somewhere in Cuba with a man I didn't know.
0:58:27 > 0:58:28- You must be joking.- Oh, I would!
0:58:28 > 0:58:30LAUGHTER