Day two of substantial sightseeing on our Chinese eclipse tour started with a bang as we boarded buses, left Beijing, and headed high into the mountains northwest of the city. There we were stunned to see huge sections of the only structure built by humans that is visible from Earth orbit, the Great Wall of China. After disengaging from our buses, the 187 travelers along with MWT Associates spent more than 2 hours hiking along the long stretches of the wall rebuilt and maintained near Badaling. The steps and smooth stretches of rock are often treacherous and steep, as this stretch of wall was built more than 500 years ago.
See all the images from Dave's tour in our solar eclipse 2009 trip gallery.
Our tour guides told us that men can achieve the highest grade of bravery by hiking the “really hard” section all the way to the “top,” a battlement with an enclosed roof high up on the mountain. And so we did!
After conquering the wall, which had earlier been accomplished by the Mongols, our group moved on to a nearby attraction, the famous Ming Tombs a little closer to the city. Thirteen of the 16 Ming emperors lie entombed in this series of ancient buildings, only one of the tombs being excavated and some of the relics held within on display. The accompanying Spirit Way (pictured at right) is a long stretch of paved walkway between the tombs and a symbolic arch that marks the journey between heaven and Earth. Imagine my surprise when, as I stood looking at exhibits, Astronomy Contributing Editor Tom Polakis came up behind me and wondered what I was doing there. Meeting an old friend by chance on the other side of the planet was a little weird.
Our group also enjoyed a view of a surprising star in Beijing’s galaxy since the Olympics of last year, the Olympic Stadium, or “Bird’s Nest” as it’s called.
A wonderful dinner finished off the day, and we move on to Xian tomorrow. More to come.
Previous blog: Touring Beijing
Top photo courtesy David J. Eicher
Spirit Way photo by David J. Eicher