The Great Wall of China

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I could write a lot about the Great Wall. I did my best to write about it in my paper journal. Here are excerpts from my journal, which can probably best put into words my thoughts on this World Heritage Site.

"The drive to the Great Wall was a long and winding one. According to Griff, it makes the Sea to Sky Highway in BC feel smooth.

The Great Wall tour did not include the cable car ticket. We could've walked, but our time there was limited. The cable car was 80¥, and you had the option of taking either the cable car or a toboggan down. Yes, a toboggan. :D

The Great Wall was incredible! I am still in awe over it. The steps are all different sizes. Some were tiny baby steps, whereas others were giant BIG steps that went most of the way up to my knee. The big steps were tough to climb, and there were not always handrails. I was glad at one point that there was a (vertical) wall to my right, so I coudl grip that for balance. Every section we climbed had a different, breathtaking view. The region was quite mountainous. In either direction, all you could see was wall. Words cannot do the wall justice.

I took the toboggon down! It was a metal, winding course, reminding me of a bobsled track. I rode a plastic toboggan that had a gas and brake shift. I went pretty quickly, but easily could've gone faster.

Afterwards, we met up with our other tourmates, Phil and Felicitas for lunch. It was a delicious authentic Chinese meal. We had a variety of Kate-friendly dishes."

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Photos

I did it!
Kate conquers the Great Wall of China.

The Great Wall
The Great Wall goes on for as far as the eye can see.

Wheeeee!
The view from my sled during the toboggan ride down from the Great Wall.

Comments

[Dancing Dave]

A TOBOGGAN RIDE
Wow. What part of the Great Wall did you go? Was it Badaling? I haven't heard of a toboggan ride and I haven't been to Badaling, but I've been to other parts.

[CanuckTravels]

Hi Dave, We went to the Mutianyu part of the Great Wall. It was wonderful! It was about an hour from Beijing. We didn't know about the toboggan part of the ride until we arrived, and it was a no-brainer for me. It was one of the highlights for me. What parts of the Great Wall have you visited? I'd like to go during the summer/fall the next time I go. Cheers, Kate

[Dancing Dave]

GREAT WALL
Hi Canuck. I've been to Mutianyu twice and Jinshanling, but only in winter...each time a very different experience. There was no toboggan ride at Mutianyu when I was there so I guess this is an added attraction. I recommend Jinshanling when you next visit...a bit further out but very spectacular.