04.08.2010 21:01

Team arrives in Beijing

David Saura (special correspondent)

The FC Barcelona party arrived in China at two o'clock local time this morning to a warm welcome from 300 fans at Beijing airport.

The team plane landed at Beijing's International airport after an hour and a half flight from South Korea.

Fans out in force

Despite arriving in the middle of the night, 300 fans turned out to greet Josep Guardiola and his players at the airport, where Leo Messi was the centre of attention. The Argentine star was escorted through the crowds by a large number of Chinese police,who had to hold back a number of fans who tried to get too close to their heroes.

From the airport to the hotel

It took the players five minutes to make their way through the terminal and onto the waiting bus and the fans and photographers continued taking snaps as the coach pulled off to the Beijing Shunjing Spa Hotel,where the party will be staying.

The group finally arrived at their hotel at 3.00 local time though in reality an hour later as they were still on Seoul time. Fortunately, the hotel provides an idyllic space to rest and relax after avery long day which began with a morning training session, followed by a match in suffocating heat and a two and a half hour trip from Seoul.