I was in Beijing for a week, and of course I had to come to see the Great Wall of China. I chose the section of Mutianyu, because
it tends to have less tourist and have more opportunity to feel the countryside. The forecast for the day was rain, so I was
worried and dressed with full gear.
It turned out to be a very nice dry day. It started breaking up when we arrived at the site. By 1pm, cloud moved out and we had
a bluebird day.
Foundation Stone, Calligraphy by Chinese President Jiang Zemin
The whole section was about 12 km, with 24 platforms. There are now cable cars to go up and down.
Going up the market alley to get to the trailhead.
We chose to hike up to the Wall rather than taking the cable car.
This guy is newly built for the tourist to rest.
We started at Platform 8, and ended our hike at 24
Original stone paved walkway.
Yes, we were hiking towards there, up there !!
The further we went, the less tourists followed us !!
I noticed this boundary stone, the engraved words were so worn out. Even the tourist guide didn't know there was such a stone.
Noticed the left wall is taller than the right wall. It was because the left is the north, where the intruders would be. Smart !!
Shame !! A pyramid of graffiti shame !
Patrolling the wall wasn't an easy job.
Yes, it is this steep !!!
I am standing on the Great Wall ... (3.9 MB file).
On platform 24, this was where we ended the hike.
Miles of miles of the great wall, you have to admit that it wasn't easy to build.
Do you think if it can still fires ?
What the heck ? An amusement park ?
Yes, they built a track for tourist to slide down on a toboggan. I bought the ticket.
Lucky that I read the 'stipulations'.
Man, Tobogganing is so simple. (Lower left corner).
Here we go !
Watch me slide down the Great Wall (3 MB file).
How can they mis-spell 'Emergency' ? What if ... ?
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