Beijing and the Silk Road

Still jet lagged, we woke up at the crack of dawn. After grabbing a quick breakfast in the hutong where our hotels is located, we took a taxi to Tian Tan park. Aside from the impressive structures (unfortunately the temple was closed for restoration), we saw dozens of groups of people (mostly the 60 crowd) enjoying the park. Seemly a group for every interst, tai-chi, ballroom dancing, sword practice, a string band, and even a practicing chorus of 200 people.

Hiked from Jin Shan Ling to Simatai. Wow!! This is absolutely the best way to see the Great Wall of China from Beijing if you can take the 5 hours and 10 of climbing. It was a long 3 hours each way in the bus through the Beijing traffic... but definitely definitely worth the trip.We booked the transport from the Backpacker's Hotel near the Lusongyuan hotel. The bus drops you off in Jin Shan Ling and picks you up 5 hours later at Simatai. The round-trip bus with both entry tickets to Jin Shan Ling and Si Ma Tai was 155RMB.

Good shopping for all sorts of stuff.... souveniers, clothes, watches, toys, kitchen gadgets....And I had the best bowl of spicy Dan Dan noodles ever!It's very crowded and I think I was almost pickpocketed (or pickbackpacked rather) here! So enjoy yourself here but be alert!