Local farmers were herding sheep near the point where we began the hike.

We started off by walking through a village, on the way to a valley where the real hiking would begin.

A butterfly …

… perhaps recently escaped from a cocoon like this.

After a big climb, we were on the Great Wall.

Unrestored Great Wall, overgrown by grass and shrubs.

Hills and mountains in the distance.

A very steep section of wall. We didn't climb this part!