The Great Wall!!

We took a half day off from school on friday and took the kids on a China adventure.  We have been here for over 2 years and it took us this long to finally get up to Beijing to see the Great Wall…  We have read about it and seen pictures, but to actually see the size of it (even just a portion) and the detail of just how much work went into building it… it was truly amazing.  

The only other experience we had in Beijing and on the wall was running in the Great Wall Marathon (May 2013)… but the focus of that trip was more survival then anything else.  We knew we wanted to return with the kids to see the wall at a slower more manageable pace.  

There are many ways to get to Beijing.  When we gave the choices to the kids, airplane, train, car, or mule…  the unanimous choice by the kids was mule. 

I think they have taken on our sense of adventure…   Unfortunately for them, the parents over-rode their choice and opted for the bullet train.  It was a great way of seeing the countryside.    The kids of course saw little of this with their faces plastered into their devices…  go figure.  

Pre wall…  Showing our Boston Pride!    

The GREAT Wall

A series of fortifications made of stone, brick, tamped earth, wood and other materials.  Built along an east-to-west line across the borders of China.  This was built in part to protect the Chinese Empire from intrusions.  The wall was also built for border controls.  The defense characteristics of the Great Wall were enhanced by the construction of watch towers, troop barracks, and garrison stations with signaling capabilities using smoke or fire.  The path of the Great Wall also served as a transportation corridor.  

The Great Wall stretches from Shanhaiguan in the East to Lop Lake in the West along the southern edge of Inner Mongolia.   It measures 8,850 km or 5,500 miles long.   The ENTIRE wall including all of it’s branches measures out to be 21,196 km or 13,171 miles long.  

~~ Thanks Wikipedia!!!

I don’t think the kids had any idea just how long and far the wall extended…   I think they all have a different appreciation of the race we ran in May.  They were surprised as to how many steps there were and how steep the wall was in places. 

We were so fortunate to get a beautiful sunny day with No Smog!  A rarity in China and especially in the Beijing area.  

We hiked a more popular part of the Wall in Mutianyu.  A much more popular part of the wall to explore primarily due to the two chair lifts up to the wall (if you choose not to hike) and the luge trail down.  It felt much like hiking Mt. Washington when you see people “at the top” in high heels.  

Something you would not have seen at the portion of the wall where The Great Wall marathon took place -- Huangyaguan or Huangya Pass.

We absolutely LOVED the mountains…  It felt so good to get away from the city life a bit and feel the expansiveness of China.

A short break from hiking as we ventured further on a portion of the wall that was not maintained or rebuilt.  This prompted various renditions of the songs from the musical, The Sound of Music.   

Our most surprising MVP of the day was Ayden, AKA - Trixie!    She kept up all day without one single complaint.  She loved the steps and had various techniques for going both up and down the steep spots.  We may get our family hikes after all…  even if they may require a little extra carrying weight with some fashion pieces.

Without a doubt however, Garrett was our fastest and most vivacious hiker… Often being whistled down to slow down… but enthusiastically returning to the pack to inform us of what lies ahead.  

Look close… Chris and Jordan are in the pictures below… 

Sister Power!!! 

The wall seemed to stretch on forever.  Because of the clarity of the day, the kids were concerned we were actually walking the entire section! It made for some interesting conversations…  

The reward after the long day of hiking was to take the Luge down to the bottom….  This was well worth the hiking and by far one of the highlights of the trip for the kids…    

The luge dropped us off in a small village where Jordan was quick to find friends to play a version of hacky sack.  She makes friends where ever she goes!!!   We were able to score some ice cream and a few beers for the hour drive back to the hotel… 

A restaurant while intriguing to think of a “Restaurant Whiff BBQ” for a farm flavored meal… we opted OUT! 

and a bit of post hiking hair… off to the concierge lounge for happy hour!!!