From Yanqing The Ig and I headed towards Mutianyu, another famous bit of the Wall. The day started with us actually finding the road we wanted without it even being marked. The second road was easy to find, as it was lined with idling semi trucks.

It was a disgusting walk breathing all the fumes, but at least the vendors were plentiful. On our first break this man rode past and we scored a couple spring onion pancakes hot off the grill.

And here we have a few random photos from the roadside.

Our plan was to cut an entire day off our walk by cutting through a 4 kilometer long train tunnel. It would be an unnerving walk in a pitch black tunnel, but we were prepared; Ig had his flashlight and I had my spiffy headlamp I’d barely used. First, however, we had to get over the fence.

After hiking the tracks for a kilometer we arrived at the tunnel, but we were turned away by two camoflage clad guards. And damnit, I really wanted to put that headlamp to good use.

It was a beautiful walk through the mountains

and small villages,

and after three days we finally got our first peek at Mutianyu.

Here’s to the crazy Chinese; there’s actually wall up there on the peaks!!!!!!!