Great Wall and the Ming Tombs

Day 8
Saturday, 17 March

This was a much-needed rest day from games, though our lungs and weary legs would be tested by one of the mankind’s most impressive achievements – the Great Wall of China.

Our new tour guide Mark led us through a jade market on the way, which, judging by the largely European crowd and high prices, seemed to be a common tourist trap. We moved on to our real goal, a section of the Great Wall open to tourists.

The section, dominated by six stone watchtowers, still gave us an amazing view of the countryside and it was a solid two-hour slog for most of the group.

Ming Tombs was next on the agenda and we entered the Ding Ling Tomb, a massive underground chamber where an emperor and his wives were entombed hundred of years ago.

After a wander through the centuries-old tombs, we travelled back to the hotel , stopping for photos of two contemporary structures - the Olympic stadium in its final stages and the Olympic swimming stadium wreathed in an incredible bubble-effect outer shell. Nighttime photos of the swimming venue are sure to be a hit during the Oympics as the entire structure gives off an aqua glow.

Great Wall of China

Olympic stadium, known as the Birds Nest