Hiking photos - Swedish Embassy, 2011/04/14
Were you on this trip? How did you like it? We'd love to hear from you.
• Send us feedback • Review it on TripAdvisor • Share this page on Facebook
This hike starts in a small village that is home to the Dragon and Phoenix trees, two pine trees that are said to be about 300 years old. From this village we started a gradual ascent up a valley floor until we reached an arch in the Great Wall which the trail passes through.
This section of the Great Wall is quite steep and partially unrenovated, so it presents a challenge for those who choose to hike up for better views rather than relax. But the scenery is well worth it, with views of the Huanghuacheng reservoir as well as a section of Great Wall that rises steeply on the other side of the valley beyond. After taking a break at this high section, we hiked back down to rejoin the rest of the group in the valley that we’d originally hiked up.
Refreshed after this short excursion, we continued to hike gradually up the valley, passing orchards and walking parallel to a high section of Great Wall as we continued on our way toward the walled village. Upon our arrival there, we climbed up the stairs to the top of the wall surrounding the village; from there we could look down on most of the buildings before going down into the village for a closer look. After taking some photos of the centuries old buildings there, we went to get a hearty Chinese lunch before heading back to the city.
The wide variety of beautiful flowers in bloom was one of the highlights of today’s hike.
There were small, delicate flowers growing in the most unlikely places.
Some members of the embassy staff enjoying a break in the sun.
Our walk took us past fruit tree orchards
Our hike paralleled a section of the Great Wall, seen up high on the ridge in front.
Ming Dynasty inscriptions on the Great Wall.
The orchards had already started to bloom.
The clear skies allowed us to have beautiful views of the surrounding hills.
The impressive views of the Great Wall were enhanced by all of the trees in bloom.
Cherry, peach, and apricot trees are the main ones blooming in this area, with pink and white flowers.
We followed the length of the Great Wall along a path in the valley for most of the distance to the walled village.
It was a great day for photos.
The embassy group enjoys an easy, relaxing stroll along a flat section of trail.
This section of hillside was covered with new green leaves as well as cherry blossoms.
A lakeside resort near the trail.