Great wall of China - Jinshanling to Simatai

Back in Beijing, i was happy to be reunited with Will and Hazel again (we left for our seperate ways after Chengdu). Before i left for home and they for the trans-siberian railway, we went on a trip to the Great Wall on the outskirts of Beijing city. The hike took about 3.5 hours and took us through some very deserted parts of the wall with fantastic views.

Steps, steps and more steps.. it was like being on a 3.5hour stair-master workout...

We must have climbed at least 15 watchtowers along the way..

Parts of the wall between Jinshanling and Simatai are so steep and crumbly you have to scramble up on all fours. We didn't meet many other travellers on the way. It was deserted save for a few very hardy touts who tried to pursue us along the wall and sell us postcards.

We saw a couple taking their wedding photos as we approached the Jinshanling gate. The photographer was trying to coax a smile out of the groom while the bride shuffled uncomfortably in her poofed-up dress. Meanwhile, the girl in purple just can't wait to get it over and done with. Funny!