China – Day Three – January 9

Hello America!

Today we had the “greatest” day of this trip so far. We went to one of the Seven Wonders of the World, The Great Wall of China! The Great Wall was much steeper than we originally thought. Everyone made it up but not everyone made it to the top. Those lucky few who did make it to the top were privileged with breathtaking views down the wall and the surrounding mountain range.




After finishing the hardest stairmaster in the world, we cooled down by going to the Cloisonné Factory. Cloisonné is the ancient Chinese art of bronze sculpture making. Everything from flower vases to chopsticks was created there.

However, most of the souvenirs for the day came from the pearl factory that we went to after lunch. Thousands of pearl and jade necklaces, rings, bracelets, and more filled a giant warehouse that dazzled with translucent beauty.

And to top off the “greatest” day we drank some tea and went shopping. We took part in a ceremonial tea service and then headed to the night market. At the night market everyone was able to strike up deals and walk away happy.

Now, we are headed to the overnight train ride across the Chinese countryside. See you soon!