Hiking photos - Auspicious Village to Huanghuacheng, 2011/03/06

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Our hike started out easy, on relatively flat ground that looked like an old country road as we headed toward the distant cliffs ahead. After a while, we started a gradual ascent to a high point from where we could see where we'd hiked from and where we'd be hiking to. The views included a range of high peaks and a section of Great Wall on top of a long ridge running off into the distance. Because of the great weather and clear skies, we also got great views of numerous high, distant peaks far beyond the valley ahead.

On this hike, we were travelling through an area where the way of life has not changed much over the last century, and where many of the local residents still use donkeys as a form of transport. Therefore they are commonly seen in these valleys. This area is also heavily cultivated, mainly with chestnut and persimmon trees, and we had lunch in a chestunt orchard before continuing.

The last part of our route took us below the section of the Great Wall that we saw on the ridge. It still looked to be in pristine condition after hundreds of years. We hiked parallel to the wall for a few kilometers leaving it behind to head into the next village and back to the bus after another enjoyable day in the countryside.

Man and donkey, Beijing Hikers Auspicious Village and Huanghuacheng,March 06, 2011

Donkeys are still one of the most commonly used forms of transportation in this area.

A donkey, Beijing Hikers Auspicious Village and Huanghuacheng,March 06, 2011

A donkey enjoying a break in an orchard.

A local pruning his trees, Beijing Hikers Auspicious Village and Huanghuacheng,March 06, 2011

A local pruning his trees; chestnut and persimmon trees are abundant here.

Our group, Beijing Hikers Auspicious Village and Huanghuacheng,March 06, 2011

Our group hiking through one of the orchards.

A short break, Beijing Hikers Auspicious Village and Huanghuacheng,March 06, 2011

A short break in an orchard.

The Great Wall, Beijing Hikers Auspicious Village and Huanghuacheng,March 06, 2011

The Great Wall seems to go on forever…

This part of the wall, Beijing Hikers Auspicious Village and Huanghuacheng,March 06, 2011

This part of the wall appears to be in good condition.