Visiting the Great Wall

Beijing has been one of the highlights of my Dartmouth experience so far. Keep reading to hear about my trip to the iconic Great Wall!

Arrival:

We checked into a 酒店 (jiǔdiàn), which is a hotel (a bit nicer than your average 旅馆 (lǚguǎn) in China). This place was unreal! The room had this amazing shower that I could've stayed in all day, and a huge bathtub with bath salts. Plus, the high ceilings, smart lighting, and modern design made the room feel extra special.

After getting settled, we wandered around the hotel's neighborhood, which was full of interesting little shops and restaurants. Then came lunch – and wow, it was hands down the best meal I've had in China so far. Everything just tasted so authentic, and I had some of the best eggplant of my life.

Hiking the Great Wall:

I want to give a huge thank you to Dartmouth for setting up this trip and all the excursions. The itineraries are incredibly detailed! Major props to Jamie, our student coordinator, who's been super helpful, always quick to respond, and totally on top of things. Shoutout to my professors and Zoe, our program coordinator, who puts so much thought and time into planning our outings. Everything's been so well-organized that we don't have to stress about where to eat or how to get around. For example, our cable car tickets to Simatai on the Great Wall were pre-booked, which was awesome.

No. 1
Simatai Bound! Enjoying the ride with friends

After about 10 minutes on the cable car, we got off and hiked a very steep path. Once we reached the top, we explored several different towers. Historically, the towers on the Great Wall were strategically designed with multiple functions in mind. They not only served as observation points to detect enemy movements and signal invasions using smoke, but they were also intentionally built close together. This proximity allowed soldiers to easily find shelter during wartime and facilitated rapid communication between posts. Additionally, the towers were used to store weapons and military supplies.
No. 2
Hiking the Great Wall

I was expecting hiking the Great Wall to be super tough in the heat, but it was actually a cool day, so we didn't even get too tired.
No. 3
The Views

Conquered the Great Wall and the views were totally worth it!
No. 4
Say Cheese!

More photos along the Great Wall!
No. 5
Tower Window at the Great Wall

Epic shot of me scaling a Great Wall tower window!
No. 6
Tower Window Pt. 2

A closer shot of me scaling the tower window from a different POV.
No. 7
Gazing out from the Great Wall—its beauty is simply unmatched

What a day! After an unforgettable experience at the Great Wall, we took a leisurely golf cart ride to a serene hot springs retreat. Dartmouth gave us a free voucher, allowing us to unwind and enjoy the soothing waters. It was the ideal way to relax after a day filled with adventure and breathtaking sights.
No. 8
At the Hot Spring!

Bri and I with the Great Wall glowing in the background
No. 9
The Great Wall From a Distance

The hot springs were an absolute delight, featuring a variety of pools both indoors and out, each with its own unique temperature. We spent most of our time in the outdoor pool, captivated by the breathtaking view of the Great Wall, beautifully lit up against the night.
No. 10
The Little Prince

As we soaked in the hot spring, a captivating drone show unfolded above us, creating mesmerizing shapes and patterns in the sky. One of the highlights was when the drones depicted the story of the Little Prince, which was absolutely magical.
No. 11
Seriously Obsessed with the Food on this Trip—my taste buds have never been happier!

The next morning, we hit the jackpot with an amazing breakfast buffet. I had been craving American food, but as soon as I tasted the Chinese dishes, that craving disappeared completely. Everything was so flavorful, and it was the perfect way to start the day!
No. 12
Lost in the Charm of this Town

After breakfast, a few friends and I explored the area around our hotel and ventured into town.
No. 13
Visiting Local Shops in the Area
No. 14
Made Some New Friends at the Pond

Check out these beautiful koi fish and swans enjoying a snack.

From the majestic Great Wall to the cozy hot springs, this trip exceeded all expectations. I feel so lucky to have experienced it, and these are memories I’ll treasure always.