The Great Wall was incredible!  We visited a section called Mutianyu, which turned out to be a very steep climb to the top.  Luckily, there was an alpine slide to take us down to the base!  As we hiked along the wall, we could see the town from which we started in the valley below and mile after mile of the Great Wall winding along the mountain peaks.  It was definitely a relief to experience such clear skies and beautiful vistas, after living through some grey days in the Beijing metropolis.  As I realized how much manpower it must have taken to build, maintain, and defend the Wall, I could definitely feel an aura of antiquity and solemnity – The Great Wall was truly a sight to behold.