2010-06-17 China - Beijing and the Great Wall

Today was our introduction to the Great Wall of China. It was raining in the morning, but by the time we reached the Wall it had stopped raining, but was still hazy to foggy. Thousands of other visitors to the Wall were walking in two directions from the main entrance. We chose the less traveled but steeper way, and found it to be most challenging. The slopes the Wall was built upon were quite steep, it felt like our noses were almost touching the ground in front. When we reached stairs, they were of uneven height, making climbing a matter of concentrating on the next step, so we didn't dare watch the scenery. Only when we reached the level spots or the towers could we look around, and admire the view. We were surrounded by forest sloping down the mountain on each side of the Wall, and in two directions we could see the Wall continuing for miles and miles across the top of the mountain range. Walking in both directions along the Wall were thousands of other visitors. Fortunately today was cool, high 60s, so despite the exertion of climbing, we were not overheated. I'd hate to do the tour on a hot humid day (or a freezing day when ice would coat the walkway and stairs!). The souvenir shop was like a museum that sold its treasures. There were all kinds of art: sculpture, carving, jewelry, jade goods and jewelry of all kinds, some lovely paintings of several styles.

We had a traditional Chinese lunch at a local restaurant after a brief introduction to jade and jade art at the Dragon Land Superior Jade company. We learned to distinguish jade from glass and marble by the tone given when tapped, and saw some truly magnificent examples of jade carving as relief and sculpture. We learned that for the Chinese, jade epitomizes "spiritual wealth, noble morals, and the finer things in life". If you are interested in buying jade, log in to http://www.longdishop.com with code 1005 197 137 for more information, password if required is 197137. You are encouraged to negotiate a price and try for free shipping door-to-door (not through customs).

Finally we went to the Sacred Way of the Ming Tombs, through a marble gateway and down a long avenue lined with stone sculptures of elephants, lions, camels, and some mythical animals.

We returned to the hotel for the evening meal, a fixed menu of tasty selections.