Travel pool 10: hotel arrival

The highway route leaving the airport was decorated with American and Chinese flags. Skyscrapers were lit up with Chinese characters meaning “Beijing Welcome.” The smog is thick. Other than the language on the signs, the highway and surrounding buildings resemble the Dulles Toll Road.

A cluster of people gathered on a sidewalk to watch and photograph as the motorcade exited the highway and entered the central city. Crowds increased as the motorcade neared the hotel. The route was fenced off with bike racks guarded by officers.

The motorcade arrived at the president’s hotel around 8:38 p.m.