On my second last day in Beijing, I made the trip to one of the most epic wonders of the world. It was decided that 3 of us would take a hired car (getting a cab back from any heritage site is a mission on its own) and go to the Mutianyu section of the wall, trek it up the staircase up the hill and soak up the sights and be in awe. We stayed away from the traffic and the more famous part of the great wall, avoiding thousands of other tourists, because no one really wants to dodge people while ascending vertical steps!
On the way to Mutianyu, we passed by a beautiful water fall upon a river , which we caught sight of only just. Paying 10rmb just to enter the area, there were at least 8 different couples taking wedding photos against the magical backdrop.
Finally arriving to the wall , a little over an hour in the beautiful countryside outside of Beijing, we parked and to our amusement walked into a Subway chain for a drink! Finally we got our hike on, and what an extreme Elliptical workout we had to conquer. The staircase up the side of the hill was never ending in our sights, but we finally reached the top of the hill.
We decided to walk East of the staircase and climbed ridiculous staircases, that were sometimes pigeon steps and other times, fit for 8 foot Mongolians! It was an AMAZING workout, that left my calves unexpectedly shaking, despite being the fitter of the 3. Though admittedly , I wasn’t the one carrying the 7kg camera bag, though I did offer!
We all proudly stood at the peak of the East side and looked out to the mountains, with the cool dense channel of fresh, cold air blowing up the sides of the wall, trying to imagine what life was like for those building it and for all of those that lived their lives by the wall.
It was truly unforgettable and I know I am not alone in telling you , that if you have the chance to go to China, you will be pleasantly bowled over to what the country and history has to offer.
On the way down, we took the longer than expected toboggan ride down, filming our silly banter. What a perfect way to cool off and end the day.