We decided to visit the section of the Great Wall of China in Mutianyu. Mutianyu is about 45 minutes north of Beijing, and said to be less traveled, less tourist focused. Still, the base of the wall contained a small market selling trinkets, magnets, "I climbed the wall" clothing, even a Chinese Hack Sac (called Tien-za). I did some shoping. Buy this time I have learned you can purchase items for about 25% of the asking price. Bartering is fun. They are not good at it.
A Chinese Hacky Sack, called Tien-za (sp?)
At Mutianyu, there are two ways to get to the Great Wall. Climb, and take a cable car. Neither seemed appealing to me. However, the cable car was more of ski lift (less terrifying). We chose that option. It tooks about 5 minutes to climb around 550 meters. Once on the Wall, we spent the next few hours walking from tower to tower, taking many pictures along the way. We must have walked a few miles. The terrain varied from flat, to steep; but overall was not as daunting as anticipated.
While the climb to the wall (up the cable car) may not have been idea - getting back was. Mutianyu has a Toboggan run from the Wall to the base of the Mountain. Mush like Crystal Mountain's wall at our wedding - but much longer. Also, because of the time, the ride could go much faster. You couldn't script a more enjoyable way to descend the mountain.
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