The Great Wall at Mutianyu

Just returned from a great trip to Mutianyu, 70km from Beijing City, where we visited a section of the Great Wall of China.

We signed up for a tour, which turned out to be just me and Em being driven out in a car with guy who spoke no English. Suited us fine. The drive was under two hours. On arrival, the entrance area was lined with stalls selling various expected memorabillia and crafts.

A gondola-type cable car took us on a very steep journey up the hill, and as we ascended we started to catch glimpses of the wall. It was a very misty day - and visibility was maybe about 100m at this stage. It made for some quite dramatic scenes - mist curling over the green hills and around the ancient wall. At the top, a few steps took us up and onto the wall itself.

This section of the wall is very well preserved, and runs for about 2km. Some sections are very steep. The smooth path of cobblestones changes from flat to stepped where necessary which is helpful. Those ancient dudes were really thinking ahead for us tourists. The great wall is so well known that I'm not sure it needs too much more describing from us. The mist cleared not long after we got onto the wall - convenient, and the journey back to the bottom was memorable. Em went down by cablecar - the ski-lift type where your legs dangle down, and I went down by Luge. Like the Luge in Rotorua. Pretty unexpected addition to a visit to the Great Wall, but I couldnt resist