As Beijing is known for being the Capital of China, the city also boasted a lot of cultural and historical sites. Part of the grand history of China that was believed to be seen from the moon is now named one of the New 7 Wonders of the World, the Great Wall of China.
On July 16, 2013, this was the last destination for the day’s itinerary. From Ming Tombs, we left towards the mountains near Beijing. We had lunch at a restaurant along our way to Mutianyu. As usual, we had sumptuous menus on our table. We plan to eat a lot to have enough energy for our walk at the Great Wall.
While driving along the mountains, we have found sightings on some parts of the Great Wall. We were very excited to see and experience this massive creation. Not taking long, our drive reached the jump-off at Mutianyu.
There were two options to get to the Great Wall: by foot or by cable car. We chose cable car on our way and Toboggan ride in return. We have paid $18 for both ways. After our guide secured our tickets, we were led towards the cable car terminal. There’s no queue so we went directly to the ramp.
The first to ride was Roy and Joy, Fernd and I went next and finally my mom and Aunt Vivian after us. The ride is challenging. It is an open cable car, all you have to do is to hold on tight and secure your feet at the footbars attached to the cable car. If you’re afraid of heights, I bet this will be a struggle on your part. Anyway, we all have enjoyed the 10-20 minutes ride, feeling the freshness coming from the green environment.
We have reached the cable car station with a big smile on our face. Before we climb the stairs to the second level, we checked out for the Toboggan ride at the next station to see if it’s possible for us. Oh well, it looked like an exciting ride as well so we decided to try it.
Since this is our last place for the day, we don’t need to hurry. We have the luxury of time to enjoy the Great Wall. At the second level of the station, a very nice view of the Great Wall appears to us. We can’t help ourselves but pose. It was such a nice panorama of the Great Wall traversing from one mountain to another. I was really amazed how the builders did it without the modern technologies.
There are two walkways to the Great Wall. We chose the left side going to one station of the Great Wall. It was a short trek to a small opening leading to the door of the station.
The Great Wall was huge. It was as wide as a two-lane highway with solid foundations and huge blocks of rock used as a barier. The photoshoots began as we went out of the door of one station. The view was spectacular seeing the walls traversing each mountains. As we walked from one station to another, it was quite challenging since we need to walk through stairs going up and down. We didn’t prepare for this kind of walking yet we pushed ourselves in order to explore the vast creation.
There was four stations ahead of us and we planned to check on all of those. The last station is located at the top of the next mountain. While walking, we were exhausted since we haven’t had any exercise before the activity. We just laughed at ourselves while catching our breaths climbing thru steep stairs going to the second station. It was challenging!
We stopped at the second station and climb at the second level of the station. It offers a wonderful view of the walls in the middle of the forest. It was a perfect timing that it’s summer in Beijing, that we found the mountains green. Oh by the way, in the area, there’s not much of comfort rooms, you need to walk far to find one. There were few vendors on the side of the walkway so when thirsty or hungry, you can always check on the display.
I decided to check the third station while my Mom, Aunt and three friends decided to stay at the second station. They were exhausted when climbing up the steep stairs going to the second station.
Since there were people going to the direction of the third station, there’s nothing to worry about. Meaning, it’s safe to go there. I walked my way up to the third station. It took me quite a while to reach there, with some rests along the way. I brought my heavy camera with me by the way so that added weight to my quest.
When reaching the third station, I thought it had an access to the second level of the third station unfortunately, nothing. So I decided to walk towards the fourth station since people were also walking up there. While climbing up slowly, I took photos along the way. On my way to the last station, I didn’t have any sight on the second station where I left my companions. I continued my hike until I reached the last station. It was quite tiring since it was past mid day and it was hot.
At the fourth station, it was the end of the trail by the way. Beyond that, nobody is allowed to walk to the next station. It was not cleared and cleaned up. I walked towards the end of the trail at the back of the mountain following the small walkway and few meters away, I decided to go back. Nobody’s there by the way. But the view at the back was great. Lush greens with some parts of the Great Wall were still uncleared and coveres with trees. There were lots of fruit trees around. I saw some locals taking persimons and apricots from the tree. I was tempted to ask some just to try to taste.
I decided to walk back to the fourth station and asked somebody to take me photos. While talking to some tourists, I managed to rest for a while. Then I decided to walk back down towards the third station. I was surprised when I came out of the third station, I saw my companions climbing up my way. I asked them why they climbed up when I knew that they will be waiting for me at the second station. They simply told me that it took me long to come back that’s why they decided to follow me.
left to right (joy, roy, henry, fernd)
We just laughed at each other while they’re having a rest from the tiring climb to the third station. We slowly walked down the stairs until we reached the second station. Then we continued down to the first station before climbing back to where we came. Another climb means another struggle but it was fun.
My Aunt, mom and I went to the other side of the station where we came from. It was quite a flat walk up there. More flats and nice views of the walls from afar. I took photos of my Aunt and mom doing the jump shot at the Great Wall. It was fun! Then we decided to go back to the cable car station where Roy, Joy and Fernd were waiting for us.
We’ve spent more than two hours wandering at the Great Wall of China. While it was tiring, it was worth the experience.
We lined up at the Toboggan ride for us to be back to our van. The Toboggan ride was quite a nice ride and adventure while at the Great Wall. It is comparable to that of a luge ride.
We really had fun at the Great Wall. I am in awe upon seeing it with my very own eyes and I am overwhelmed upon setting my feet on its grounds. It was such a nice experience having been to one of the New 7 Wonders of the World. It was such an honor to visit the place.
Been here: July 16, 2013
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