What trip to China would be complete without a visit to the Great Wall of China. It was an earlier start to the day as the portion of the Wall we were visiting is a two hour drive north from our hotel in Beijing. Apparently, of the 21,196km of the wall, there are 7 sections open for tourists. The closer you are to Beijing the busier they are. So we didn’t mind the drive. Our package included tickets on a lift to the top, and a slide down at the Mutianyu section. However when we arrived, even though we were further out from Beijing, it was still going to be around an hour wait for the chairlift up.
We therefore opted for the option of walking up to the wall. It was a steep climb (215 metres elevation gain), but the steps were easy to manage and with the shade and rests it was a pleasant 30 minute walk.The great thing about having a private guide is being able to do things at your own pace and going, within limits, where you want. Our guide took us on a circular walk on the Wall. We were able to see what we wanted and leave when we were ready.The nice thing about going slow is you get to see unexpected sights. This Hoopoe bird was watching us as we rested.Satisfied to reach the wall, and with a phone call we confirmed the people in front of us in line still hadn’t gotten on a chairlift. Mark a win for effort.Without a doubt, one of the highlights of the trip for me. The sheer size and ruggedness left me shaking my head, and once you walked 20 metres from the lifts there was hardly anybody to contend with.To top it off we even had blue skies and perfect temperatures. And no, I did not have to photoshop the crowds off the wall. This was how busy it was.
Well worth the trip.And even up in the harsh mountains spring shone through for us.
As is in other ancient cultures around the world, it is amazing what can be built given absolute power, manpower, and will power. Incredible.
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