Day Three, Great Wall of China

Everyone talks about China with the Great Wall being number one as the tourist attraction and destination to visit.  We were so excited today as we had waited years to be able to tackle this Bucket List wish.  Sam met us again at 8 am and yes, it was sunny and fairly smog-free.  Before we drove to the Great Wall, the usual jade factory visit awaited us.  There were other tour buses there (we saw our cruise friends Doug and Suzanne from Australia there).  It truly was interesting and amazing to see the artisans using their mechanical drives to transform a chunk of jade into an intricate circle representing family.  And of course, after the demonstration, we were led in the jade showroom. Beautiful earrings, necklaces, and bangles, all ranging from adequate jade to incredible pieces of jade.  Jade bangles are worn on the left wrist as the Chinese feel the pathway to the heart flows from the left hand quickly.  Jade is worn to protect the wearer.

We arrived at Mutianya, a Great Wall section that is slightly less congested than Badaling section.  It was very interesting to be passengers in the back seat of the car, enjoying the passing scenery and seeing the rural life around us.  We did not get a chance to take any photos as we made our way to the Great Wall.  Badaling section of the Great Wall is easier to reach from Beijing so many tour operators take their guests there.  However, since we were private clients, we asked Sam if we could go to a less congested part of the Great Wall.  So we made our way to Mutianya, not quite as busy as the other section and not as 'repaired' either.  When we arrived, yes, we did see other tourists and tour buses and vans.  Quite interesting!  We had to make our way through the throngs of souvenir hawkers selling trinkets, tee shirts, tablecloths, etc.

We paid extra to take the enclosed cable car ride up the steep hill to the Great Wall.  It is possible for you to actually take an hour and walk up the hill instead. We just wanted to get up to the top and start exploring!

After leaving the gondola exit area, we turned left and proceeded towards our destination, Tower 20.  We started at Tower 14 and we looked at a posted map first, just to see the layout of the Wall.

We walked along the fairly wide rock path (perhaps eight--ten feet wide?) and along the way, we met up with an English speaking group of elementary students (grade 2?) doing a field trip. 

 

Showing you the views along the way:  here I am, cllimbing more steps

 

 

 



The Great Wall does look like the backbone of a dragon, doesn't it?

 

 

Here you can see the uneven height of the steps, some very low, others fairly high.  Remember, the Great Wall was built long before building codes and standards!

 

 

Notice the steep climb up the hill.  That was our next challenge!  We climbed it and still had more towers to reach!

 

Making it to Tower 20.  It is 420 steps from this spot up to the tower.  And yes, you do get tired and you are breathing hard (but so were all the younger people next to us!)

 

 

This is showing you how misty it was, October afternoon.  It was fairly warm so no need for jackets.

 

Conclusion:  Wow, what a rush!  To be able to say that yes, my feet touched/walked along part of the Great Wall!