Like Seoul, Beijing gave me the “I can’t believe I got here” feels. Another round of visa requirements conquered (with more pains going through Philippine red tape than the Chinese embassy) but more importantly: it’s stepping foot in China. Massive, historic China. It appears a single post is not enough given how many photos I took, so here’s part one.
Mutianyu is one of the more popular entry points to the Great Wall of China. It might have been a nice challenge to stroll a few kilometers through one of humankind’s greatest architectures, but even getting there was a pilgrimage. You go past a marketplace, hop on several flights of steps (nearby a camel was hanging out and a couple was getting ready for a bridal shoot), and ride a cable car.
Then you take a few more steps up until you can finally drink in the view.
The slopes were steep, the steps were rough and tall, there were lots of people, so the Wall wasn’t really conducive to strolling. More like a crowded hike. You’ll probably want to see it from different angles, and not just go through it like a road.
More photos here.