Profile
Blog
Photos
Videos
Ming Tombs, The Great Wall, and leaving Beijing
Ni hao!
Yesterday (Friday) was the last day of our Orientation in Beijing, so we decided to capitalise on the opportunities big city life has to offer before our departure to a somewhat more provincial lifestyle!
The day started early, with breakfast at the hotel (eggs and sweet bread - not the worst I've had here!) and then a 45 minute coach ride to the Ming Tombs. The Ming tombs lie just north of Beijing, and are essentially a cluster of mausoleums from the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) - 13 emperors were laid to rest there, as well as some of their concubines and eunuchs. In fact, the guide told us that often when an emperor died, their concubines (mistresses) which had not bore them children were buried alive alongside them - brutal! Similarly to the Forbidden City, the architecture there was beautiful, and the looming mountainside setting made the location seem a very peaceful place for resting souls!
After the tombs, we set off to see The Great Wall of China - a definite highlight of the trip for me so far. As we climbed up into the hills, sections of the wall basked in winter sunlight came to view, and we were itching to get off the coach and set foot on what is perhaps China's most revered site. We parked up at Badaling Gate, the section of the Wall closest to Beijing, and began our ascent. We spent a couple of hours climbing the cobbled staircases and steep slopes to several of the Wall's watchtowers, which gave amazing views of the hills around. It was actually surprisingly easy to tune out from the hordes of tourists swarming the site, as it all looked quite magical. The pictures you see really do not do this place justice. The wall twists and turns through a vast expanse of mountainside peaks, and though you may have read about the length of the wall (over 5500 miles, apparently), though you know it must end somewhere, it seems like it could easily go on forever.
Though I could have spent all day walking along the Wall, we were working to a tight schedule; so soon set off to see a traditional porcelain factory in action, have lunch at a super restaurant, snatch a quick look at the Olympic 'birds nest' stadium, do a spot of shopping at Yashow market, gorge on Peking roast duck dinner, and finally catch a flying acrobatics show.. simply amazing, and a great end to our time here in Beijing!
It is currently Saturday morning and we are sat in the hotel lobby waiting to be picked up and transported to our placement in Xingtai, heart of modern China. More news (and photos) soon!
Love Zoe xxx
- comments
Sean (William) Xingtai!
Emily Jusst had a look at your photos. Those girls on that bike are mental!! Sounds like your having a great time! When sarah becomes your new best friend don't forget me! lol Looking forwas to your new blog! xxx
Sarah Johnson Wow Zoe, this all looks fantastic - enjoying the blog - have a great time Sarah
Wendy O'Neill Hi Zoe, Great blog - the wall looks fantastic and so steep. I love the "commit no nuisance" sign too. Keep up the good blogs and have fun in Xingtai. Wendy.
Adam Wow Zoe you don't half make yourself busy! Suppose you should get as much of the classic sights in before Xingtai!!! Yeah baby! It all looks amazing though. Glad your having a good time. I think you should take up travel writing by the way because your blogs are amazing. Looking forward to the next exciting episode of "Zoe in China!"
Becky Hello Zoe, Wow those pics of you on the Great Wall are really cool and it feels like yesterday that you were sat here wondering whether or not to go! Nothing is happening here really although it is starting to get slightly warmer, whoo hoo! Hope your new home is cool, take care Becky x
John Redrup Zoe, sounds like ur having a good time, im impressed with the detail of your findings! But have u seen any snakes?xx
John Redrup Zoe, sounds like ur having a good time, im impressed with the detail of your findings! But have u seen any snakes?xx also is there a literal chinese translation for hu flung dung?
lucy ZELD! I am loving the blog...it's so detailed i feel like I'm on the adventure with you..definitely getting an education in all things china. Love the photos...the great wall looks amazing as does that karaoke bar, the acrobatic bicycle thingy and that Peking roast duck dinner sounds divine!! I can't wait to hear all about the infamous Xingtai...don't worry if it's not to wild ...you need to prepare yourself for our "party in the usa" in august!! zài jiàn! xx