Author: Miguel Aguilar
We left the wonderful city of Tianjin early on Saturday morning, May 24th, heading to the Great Wall and wrapping up our program in Beijing. Before we departed, our amazing host Abby came to say goodbye, it was the last time we’d see her on the trip. Huge thanks to Abby for being such a wonderful host and an incredible person. This trip wouldn’t have been the same without her.
The drive to the Great Wall was long, and we stopped for lunch along the way at a restaurant just outside our destination at The Great Wall.
As always, the food was amazing. My favorite dishes were the glass noodles and the beef with spicy peppers. It was a perfect meal to fuel us for the climb ahead.
During lunch, we also met Grace, who would be our tour guide in Beijing for the rest of the trip. She sat with our group and shared both historical insights and tips for tackling the Wall.
After lunch, we arrived at the entrance of the Great Wall. We were given the option to take a ferry or start the climb from the base. Everyone chose to walk.
We underestimated the number of stairs, and it was a very difficult climb! But after about 20 minutes, the view made every step worth it.
The weather was beautiful, and being there in such a historic and symbolic place was surreal. Even after reaching the wall itself, we still had to hike to Tower 1.
That part wasn’t as intense, and the breathtaking views and photo ops helped distract us from the physical challenge. Shout-out to Jazmin for being the first one to reach the top! On the way back down we encountered a group of local students who were very welcoming. We were both excited to meet one another. They gave us a red scarf, tied it around our neck, and then we had a photo op. It was a highlight of the trip that we hadn’t anticipated.
On the way back, we learned that we’d be taking the tobogganing down, a highlight we were all looking forward to. Some of us took our time heading back, and along the way, we ran into a large group of around 30 – 40 schoolchildren and their teachers, making their way up.
They were incredibly welcoming. One student even let me wave a large Chinese flag while standing on the Wall. All of us had the chance to wave it, and we took a photo together while shouting a Mandarin phrase. When I asked what it meant, they told me it translated to “Long Live China.”
As part of this beautiful exchange, the students and teachers gave us red scarves and respectfully tied them around our necks, a gesture that made us feel accepted and honored.
One student even bowed while handing me the flag, showing a deep level of cultural respect. It was a heartwarming and unforgettable experience. What stood out to me most was the pride these students had for their country. Each time someone waved the flag, they saluted without hesitation. Their pride, discipline, and kindness left a lasting impression on all of us.
Eventually, we made it to the tobogganing line. The wait was around 30 minutes, but the ride was fast, exciting, and totally worth it. It was like a roller coaster that I didn’t want to end.
Once we all reached the bottom, we regrouped, took the shuttle back to our bus, and drove about an hour and a half to our dinner spot near the hotel.
Everyone was hungry after the day’s adventure, and the meal hit the spot. We finished the day back at the hotel, resting our legs and recharging for the next day of our journey.
Climbing the Great Wall was more than a physical challenge—it was an emotional journey. From the breathtaking views to the unexpected exchange with local students, every moment reminded us why we travel: to connect, to learn, and to grow. The pride, discipline, and kindness we witnessed left a lasting mark. It’s one thing to visit a world wonder; it’s another to feel welcomed by the people who live in its shadow. This day, like so many on this journey, is something we’ll carry with us forever.
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