Ming

There's no question it's impressive. Imposing. Intricate, the way it weaves over the hilltops. 

It has a toboggan run. And a chairlift. Oh, and a cable car. Plus a Subway sandwich shop. 

Pitched as a quieter section of the Great Wall, we weren't so sure. Although we did see video footage of a chocker, people-filled wall at the most popular area. Definitely wouldn't have liked that, nor being jostled in my delicate state.

We were actually lucky because as we were returning, hundreds of school children were heading up the hill. Much of the wall, we shared with just a small handful of people.

In rather apt weather, we heard about how long the Great Wall was used for in earnest and who by, including the Ming Dynasty.  

The experience wasn't altogether a surprise (apart from the toboggan run - that blew my mind a little). A government run site of huge historical interest, seemingly run in the interest of, well, um, money. Just a little reminiscent of Ha Long Bay last year. And, no question, it had to be seen. You can hike to more remote areas it seems but even if we'd had time, I'm in no fit state to hike anywhere so a chairlift was my fortune cookie.

I didn't make it so far today. Walking is jolting my back somewhat. But I did enjoy seeing the wall winding across the hilly landscape and into the cloud before slowly disappearing as the rain came in quite heavily. 

It's coming to light again this year that talking to locals is what brings these holidays to life for us. The tourist hotspots are almost a means to an end. We've found ourselves fascinated by life here, with how the economy works and by the similarities and differences to home.

On the way back to central Beijing, we heard about how expensive apartments are and how leases hold a maximum of 70 years. If they are no longer fit for purpose, the government can take back ownership within that time with little or no compensation; the owner has to start again.

I wondered if their house price rise was due to increased demand or maybe inflation. 

Neither. The government decided to put the prices up. But, it did seem that most people could still afford to buy, unlike in the UK. So it sounded harsh. But maybe not so much. And I do acknowledge the ideals of their state capitalism/communist mix run well/for the people with such an enormous population. Shame it's not.

We had an impromptu stop at a government owned tea house which is free to have a demo and tasters. It was fabulous. We were shown how to smell and taste the tea and sampled fruit, herb and black tea along with hearing about the benefits. Of course we bought the China infusion mug that reveals The Great Wall of China when the temperature changes. Oh and a little fruit tea. For an impressive sum. Nothing is truly free, is it?!

Rich notes that there has been no sky yet. When the sun is shining, it's behind a haze. When the cloud is raining, it's flat white. I wonder if we'll see it at all. Breaking through fluffy white clouds in the aeroplane seems a while ago now!

We've shared a lovely meal of shredded roast chicken & veg with boiled rice whilst listening to a lady playing most delightfully on a flat harp-come guitar instrument, a guzheng. 

It's been a fascinating day.