Beijing, China: Part 2

The Great Wall of China, the Ming Tombs and Kung Fu make an aggressive combo for day one in Beijing. But with only two days with our guide, we wanted to pack as much in as possible. After debarking Holland America’s Statendam and clearing Chinese customs in Xingang, we were met by our guide and new friend Alan for the 2-3 hour drive into the capital. Beijing, being an inland city, has no direct port access so regardless of how you arrive by sea your transit time is significant.

Our first stop was the iconic Great Wall of China. Built to protect the country from invasions from the north, segments of the wall vary in length, construction material and repair. Contrary to many western beliefs, it is not a continuous wall, but rather a series of walls – plural. Those sections which are closest to Beijing are the most photographed, and most visited (Badaling being the most famous). Climbing the wall is well, a climb. Although modern construction has improved the surface that tourists roam, every step is a step up, or down. I can’t imagine those who hike here – it must be like walking on railroad tracks. Regardless, Rob and I were pressed for time and cheated – by using a tram to ascend directly onto one of the sections.

Arriving at the Pyramids of Giza, ascending the Eiffel Tower, seeing your reflection at the Taj Mahal and walking the Great Wall of China – these are the types of moments true travelers live for. I have to say, the idea of being on the wall turned out to be less about being there as it was symbolic for being in China in this time. My parent’s generation never had resources to make a trip like this at age 30. My grandparent’s generation couldn’t have come here had they wanted to at age 30. However, many of my peers have been here. For these 3 generations again I say, there is no one China.



As a tourist, it is impossible not to get caught up in the moment in a foreign environment. Just like my first trip to Venice where I took zillions of canal photos, Rob and I took a LOT of pictures of Chinese buildings. Our stop after the wall was at the Ming Tombs. Here 13 of the Ming dynasty emperors are buried. Alan was so polite assuring us “Don’t worry, you will see many buildings with this style tomorrow… please come.” His patience herding his two camera wielding cats was admirable. The tomb area reminds me of how difficult Chinese history can be for us westerners. Oh the imperial names – it’s like keeping US Presidents straight in your head in high school. Except here, the spellings are impossible. How in the world do you pronounce the letter “X”? Alan did his best, and we followed his explanations far better than I would a book. But 8 months later, I confess my retention is pretty poor. When you go, may I suggest you find a Chinese History for Dummies, if such a thing exists?

On a logistics note, plan on hiring a driver when in Beijing. Aside from it not being possible to drive yourself, the value of having a private car and professional driver is very high vis a vis the public transportation system. It was not necessarily scary, but rather tense moving around China. The concept of lanes – forget about it. Tailgating is the norm. Traffic lights - only a suggestion. My suggestion is you sit in back, talk to the guide and keep your eyes off the road. Your professional driver will get you there in one piece.

The last stop of the evening was so memorable – a Kung Fu performance. The young ages that they start into this art is crazy. I would guess some of them were less than 10, if not 6-7. The combination of rhythm, poetry, song and theatrical effects made for an excellent show. Although the audience is near 100% westerners, the experience is 100% Chinese. I’d love to see another, and recommend you try this next time you are in the new capital – Beijing.

To continue to the final post regarding Beijing, click here.
If you missed my first post on Beijing, click here for more.