On our 2nd day in Beijing, our highlight for the day would be the Great Wall of China and Ming’s Tomb. But before that, let me share what had transpired throughout the day. Similar to day 1’s activities, we had stop overs to different shops or site before we go to our main attraction. For today, we went to the Jade Museum first before going to the Great Wall and Ming’s Tomb.
Beijing BONA Jade Museum
The guide informed us of the benefits of Jade as well as the traditions of Chinese when it comes to Jade accessories. She also taught us how to distinguish a real and fake jade. I am not a fond of Jade jewelry but learning about its benefits made me buy one.
Great Wall of China (Juyong)
In reality, I didn’t know that Great wall has lots of entrance. I thought that it has one entrance and one exit. This trip including inputs from my friends proved me wrong. I just see the pictures in the internet and on TV but never really thought about the gates. Haha! Anyway, we entered the Juyong gate. The weather is good like in Baguio but that means a bit foggy too. Well, I prefer that kind of weather than the heat of the sun.
I managed to get almost at the 3rd tower. I stopped on the rest area of the 2nd and 3rd tower then went back. It was so steep and tiring too especially for someone who don’t exercise regularly. I even forgot my bottled water with me!
Along the way I saw an interesting view of padlocks with red ribbon. Later I knew that this is called the “Love Lock”. They say that married people will announce their love as they lock and put it on the chain and then throw the key over the wall representing everlasting love that cannot be broken, thus preserving their love forever.
Anyway, it’s such a pleasant view from above when you see ant-sized people below. Also fun to see different cultures when you get to the top. You see people around the world marveling on the Great Wall.
Cloisonne Factory
After the Great Wall is the Cloisonne Factory or for me the “Vase Factory“. This is also where we ate lunch as they have a restaurant on the 2nd floor. We again ate a sumptuous lunch and now with a free alcoholic drink. Haha! I just tried one shot and it really tasted a raw alcohol. I did brought this home! :p
Ming’s Tomb
This is also listed as a Unesco World Heritage site under “Imperial Tombs of the Ming and Qing Dynasties” designation. This is where the Emperors were buried but no one actually knows where the location is. Maybe the people who buried them but it’s already centuries ago so no one really knew it.
Inside is a museum of the Jade collection of the Empress and the Emperor. All of their accessories and things were made of Jade. It’s amazing that they managed to preserve those things.
Herbal Medicine Store
Next stop is the Herbal store where they informed us the benefits of herbal medicine. We had a free foot massage during our visit there. In on of their picture display is a photo of President Marcos and his family visiting the herbal store. Maybe he brought something there.
Olympic Park
I had fun in their Olympic Park. I first saw an Olympic park in Sydney and was astonished how big it can be. This I think is bigger than that of Sydney’s park. Well, later I then realized it’s cool to be an Olympic athlete. I should have trained to be one when I was a kid. Haha!
I also got to see the figures from afar because it’s closed. The souvenir shop of the Water Cube is the only shop operating that day. All else, I don’t know where it is located. It’s such a big place and we didn’t have enough time to check everything. We just took some pictures in the Bird’s Nest and Water Cube then off we go.
Outlet Stores
After the day’s adventure, we let them drop us in an outlet store near our hotel. We just took a cab going home. I let Amy write the Hotel’s name and address in Chinese characters so we will just show it to the taxi driver.
The outlet store has 3 buildings: A, B and C. Outlet A are for shoes, B are for sports wear and C are for branded names.
It’s a day and money spent well. We’re dead tired when we got back to the hotel.
For more pictures, visit my Flickr account: Beijing Second Day
You might want to see our China Itinerary.
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