Shifting sands

Growing numbers of Chinese tourists are visiting Egypt, keen to see the country's ancient wonders despite the recent political unrest. Deng Zhangyu discovers a land with a rich history battling an uncertain future.

I was about to board my flight from Beijing to Egypt when I happened to read the news that two bombs had been found in Cairo international airport and a homemade bomb exploded in central Cairo the day before.

The news set my nerves on edge. One moment I was excited to be traveling to the mysterious world of pharaohs, pyramids and Cleopatra, the next I was considering canceling the trip. I remained jittery throughout the 12-hour flight. It wasn't until I was standing by the parking lot outside Cairo airport, with smiling Egyptians dressed in robes greeting me with cries of ni hao (hello in Mandarin), that my nerves were finally calmed.