To the Top of the World We Go

Hey there, Reader-Friends!

I hope you enjoyed the first installment of my posts about my travels to Asia! If you missed out on the talk about the food I encountered, you can read about it here!

What’s on the menu today? Don’t worry; It’s nothing that can stare back at you! This post is all about the sites.

So, in China the main attractions are found in the capital city of Beijing. (Remember? Something kind of HUGE went down there a few years back.)

Does this ring a bell? Or perhaps, light a torch? Okay, I’m done being corny (for now).

The next site is for the history buff:

The Forbidden City- the Emperor’s building and Tiananmen Square

The next place would interest those who love history and those who appreciate beautiful architecture.

This is the Summer Palace. Though a “summer” estate, this was considered more of a home than the Forbidden City. Many of the sites are led by tour guides, and though you have the option to have someone lead you around the estate, there is much to explore on your own if you chose.

This outside corridor by the water is said to be one of the longest in the world. There is a very detailed scene intricately painted on every beam.

Emperor’s ferry, completely made of marble. #luxurious

Tip: Take a dragon boat across the water (it will take you back to where you started the tour).  It’s very traditional transportation and a great way to cool off after walking around,;plus you get another great view of the palace from the water.

What would a post about the sites of Beijing be without this next “wonder”?

Welcome to the top of the world!

The wall was originally built, by all man power, I might add, to protect the northern Chinese empire from invading nomadic groups. The thing is over 2000 years old! Mind blowing? You just can’t go and miss this! Here’s a few tips to  make your Great Wall experience, well great!

1. Go in the summer. I recommend this because it’s a gorgeous time of the year for this particular site! It’s very snowy and cold in the winter and you have to be careful not to slip on ice.

2. If you do go in the summer, hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! And pace yourself! You’re up very high and the air is different; the heat can always get the best of us. The steps of the wall are insanely jagged and in some areas insanely steep! I felt like I was climbing with my hands and knees at times. But if you aren’t up for that kind of “stroll” there are more timid areas on the wall to tour.

3. Enjoy the ride up and down!

Here are the options (there really aren’t many for those afraid of heights, unless you want to hike up):

The sky lift: Old School

Sorry for the quality of this one. This is the sky lift for those who would rather the security of walls on the way up. I took this up last year and the old school lift last year. Hopefully, you will handle it a little better than my very manly friend, Jep:

And definitely take the toboggan down, down, down! So. Much. Fun.

The sleds have breaks, in case anyone is petrified of how fast this could go. But you have to get down somehow and the following is not an option:

I love Chinese-English translation!

Did you have fun on this very quick trip to the sites of Beijing? I hope so! Have questions? Comment below or send me an email!

Amber Marie