From Hefei, the fast train carried us 1000+ kms north to Beijing in less than 5 hours. Then we covered next 110km, two subway lines and two buses, in just under 4 hours to Gubeikou Village. It seemed every family in the village is running a guesthouse (hotel) or in the process of turning the family home into a guesthouse. We stayed for three nights and had two days of hiking from our front door. The weather didn't disappoint us either. Though it got
We came to Gubeikou not without expectation, albeit not particularly high, we left rather pleased.
The fast train from the bleak rainy weather of Hefei in the south to sunny skies in the north. Northerners grow wheat via irrigation from the Yellow River.
One of the new "fast train" stations we passed through on our way north.
After settling into the Ju De Guesthouse in Gubeikuo, we spotted our landlady and her mother grinding sorghum flour across the street.
The Tom Sawyer effect.
Ju De Zhan (Ju De Guesthouse).
Getting our first day of hiking going with a filing breakfast at our guesthouse.
View to the east.
Looking back west to Gubeikuo.
Every 300 meters or so there is a watchtower.
The Great Wall was built with local materials; local stone, and bricks made from local clay. Here, the glazed bricks have a yellow hue.
We saw very few people this day, except for a large group of tourists from the UK.
Looking east with the late afternoon sun shining on The Wall.
A tasty plate of chao bing (fried cut bread noodles) after a long day of hiking.
Another very filling breakfast to start day two's hike.
We run into the postman on his bike.
Goal for the day: the 4 watchtowers at the top of this peak.
Clear but windy today.
Looking east to the other side of the valley at the section of wall we hiked yesterday. Bonus: a train comes by.
The Wall gets steeper as we ascend.
A view straight down to the railway station and in the far left the small valley where we started the day from our guesthouse front door.
Nearing the top it's best not to look down. ;-)
Classic Great Wall view from the top.
Another train.
On the lower sections, the steps and towers are restored.
After another long day, John digs into a plate of tofu noodles and cucumber slices at a Muslim restaurant.
But it's not straight home after dinner; we climb above Gubeikuo Village to watch the sun set.
It is very interesting to see the contrast between restored and not restored. The pictures are amazing. The food looks yummy. Odd question but curious - is there a need to wear sunscreen?
ReplyDeleteBy the way, national tourism day in China is 19 May. Have you read works by Xu Xiake?
ReplyDeleteThat looks to be some pretty precarious footing. Maybe I should stick to the renovated sections!
ReplyDeleteKathy, Of course I used the photos that showed SL in the greatest chance of peril; however, IMO it's the fear of heights rather than actual precarious footing that poses the real challenge. That said, the first day's walk was easy, the second day, steep; very long sections of steep, both up and down that tested our mental and well as physical stamina.
ReplyDeleteNot to mention the wind. Several times SL felt she was about to be blown off the trail. In fact, the first day a burst of wind brought some rain but we were unable to get our rain jackets on; they were like sails. Luckily the rain stopped after a minute or two.
Liz, We put on sunscreen everyday when traveling, and often wore our hats. Best not to find out empirically if sunscreen is needed. ;-)
ReplyDelete@Liz, I have only read a few excerpts of Xu Xiake back when I was in school. Talking about tourism, that's one of the ways the government is encouraging spending. It may be working too well, since people are beginning to travel abroad as they become better off.
ReplyDelete