Driving in Beijing Part 3

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Great Wall - Mutianyu

Following the morning exploration of the city center, we head out of town in the northeast direction. After about one hour drive (60km), through some elevated city highways and ring roads, Jingcheng Express way, and local access roads towards Huairou city, we follow the sign for Mutianyu through a winding mountain road. There are several villages with narrow and uneven gravel roads to pass. The longer wheelbase and the customized chassis and suspension for the Chinese roads make this ride very comfortable.

The Great Wall is one of the Seven Wonders of the World, built and maintained between the 5th century BC and the 16th century, and stretches for 6700 km. One would have to drive on I-80 from San Francisco, California to Manhattan, New York, and then drive back as far as Iowa City, Iowa to cover the comparable distance. There are several designated areas for tourists to visit the Great Wall because the majority of the structures are not maintained and crumbling. Mutianyu is less crowded than the popular Badaling but it offers an equally spectacular experience.

There are two options to get to the wall from the parking lot; one hour steep hike or a few minutes cable car ride. We opt for the cable car ride. The view from the lift chair is breathtaking. The deep valleys, rolling tops, and the immenseness of the land instill a sense of awe. To get back down to the parking lot, during the summer time, visitors can take a luge-like slide. The slide track serpentines down the steep mountain side. Unfortunately today, the slide is not open . Snow can still be seen on the ground and it is very cold.

Once we get to the top of one of the watch towers, we are mesmerized by the view. Mutianyu Great Wall winds just slightly over 2 km tracing rolling mountains and high and narrow ridges. Looking in one direction we can see the wall snakes up and down the mountain’s contour. The saw-tooth shape of the parapets reminds us the original purpose of this mega structure. The low fog today shrouds some distant parts of the wall. The lush green vegetation carpets the surrounding grounds. Many trees around here are just as old as the wall. We walk the wall in silence hoping that these ancient stones will tell us some stories...@driving-vacation

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Photos

Driving in Beijing Part 3
Great Wall – Mutianyu

Driving in Beijing Part 3
Great Wall – Mutianyu

Driving in Beijing Part 3
Great Wall – Mutianyu

Driving in Beijing Part 3
Great Wall – Mutianyu