Fun fact: The use of WeChat is massive in China! Chinese people now don’t worry about forgeting their money or credit cards when they go out; but make sure that their mobiles are charged. Apart from messages, voice, and video calls, this app regulates their finances. They use WeChat as a credit card. It was the only thing we could use to communicate with our daughter and other relatives from inside China; they didn’t allow WhatsApp and Facebook use back then.
The traffic in Beijing was pretty chaotic even though most of the city offered several lanes on the roads. Chinese people didn’t need a license for scooters or cute little electric (mini) cars popping out from everywhere passing hastily on the streets.
The Great Wall of China was on the agenda for day 3. Visiting the Great Wall of China was like a dream come true, and we were excited! It was another level of attraction for us. We heard so much about the Wall as among the Seven Wonders of the World.
We entered through the Juyong Pass of the Wall.
The beauty of the Wall was mesmerising all around, and the view was breathtaking.
The Wall stood as a remarkable and inspiring achievement of ancient architecture and the longest in the world. They built the Wall to defend off the invasions from northern invaders. The Great Wall was not just a wall. It was a cohesive military self-protective arrangement with watchtowers for surveillance, fortresses for command posts and logistics and ideal towers for communications. Its twisting path over the rocky country and steep highlands allowed us to take incredible photos of some magnificent scenery. This track was so long that it would take about 18 months to finish it if someone were to walk the whole way. The majestic Great Wall was built with insight and commitment. In doing so, families separated, and many workers died and were buried as part of the Great Wall itself. It took almost 2000 years to build. Listening to Tristan detailing the history and story behind the Wall, I couldn’t comprehend how they accomplished this phenomenal achievement.
The first few steps were not very challenging. I completed these steps quickly, but I had to stop. I couldn’t go up the further. Each step was comprised of three bricks and relatively high for me. I was short; my legs were folding into my tummy.
‘You go up, I can’t’ I told Arpan to go without me.
‘I never heard you said you couldn’t go up. What’s wrong?’ said Arpan.
That was the first time I told him that I couldn’t climb up the stairs. It has never happened before. In most of the places, I was the first one to go up.
I couldn’t fulfil my desire to reach the peak of the Wall there. I was distraught.
But I did reach the peak of my gratitude. The Wall had been there thousands of years and will be there thousands of years or even more. I felt fortunate for the opportunity to put my feet on and touch the Wall. It was a moment of truth. I felt small in front of its incredible presence. It was a total learning experience to know the history of the construction, and I was able to be present there to experience and feel it physically. I was awe-struck.
On a lighter note, Arpan’s curiosity about the social life of China was keeping Tristan busy. He started opening up.
Tristan was the only child of his parents. He was born when they had the one-child policy in China. He came from Nanjing, and his parents still lived there. He hardly met his parents while living in Beijing. The young generation in China preferred city life and worked hard to live in the city.
China has ascended to the second-largest economy globally, transforming itself into a manufacturing and exporting hub over the years. This country has undergone a cultural change as well. China’s men population outgrew women population due to the one-child policy, and now they have realised that there are not enough girls for the men to marry. So they prefer one boy and one girl, symbolising a Dragon and a Phoenix in the family, keeping the balance. Jade is the most precious present one can give at the wedding and passed through the generations as good luck.
I was a bit disappointed not to see the Bird’s Nest, Beijing’s Olympic stadium, and Water Cube, Beijing’s National Aquatics Centre, going inside. We had to be content with the view from a nearby bridge.
Summer Palace was a beautiful place where the kings used to live in summer. It is one of China’s largest and most well-preserved Royal Parks and has significant influences on Chinese horticulture and landscapes with its natural views. Two stunning islands on either side made it a perfect place to relax and enjoy the serene Kunming Lake.
We walked to both sides of the lake and relaxed for some time, admiring the views around us. We enjoyed an old gentleman scripting Chinese Calligraphy on the marble pathway by water and brush. We never saw it before!
This place seemed very popular with locals as well.
A quick visit to the Hutong area finished our day. The place was full of buzz with many hangout places for the young and old and offering entry to many nightclubs. It was an excellent place for street food and souvenirs as well.
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