|
The story of a 23-day test of endurance - The Great Walk to Beijing 2008 took 23 days and covered 228 kilometres. A million steps symbolised the journey cancer patients take in their fight against cancer. When the event began, sponsors and fans were able to experience The Great Walk through www.greatwalktobeijing.com and our world wide media partners. * Requires Flash Player 9 - Click here to download Flash Images of China thanks to Emma Nicholas and Brendan Fletcher under copyright.
A final preparatory briefing launched the team into immediate severe physical challenges. Aching muscles but scenic and historical rewarded the walkers all the way along the forbidding mountain barrier before the descent to the coastal plain and the “Old Dragon’s Head” dipping into the sea. A brief beachside rest gave relief from the relentless opening pace. Photogenic Opening pictures resonated the ancient nature of the wall. Key geographic features: Simatai Peaks, Coastal views of the Borhai Gulf from Jiashan Mountain. The Dragon’s Head (as it approaches the sea).
At least the terrain was flat (that’s why a Wall was needed) but a walk in this arid place 6,700 km from the coast was demanding. Views of perpetually snow-capped 4-5,000 metre peaks refreshed the spirit, as the team reflected on the ancient confrontations between the isolated western-most Chinese defenders and nomadic raiders on horseback. As the mileage buillt up, the blisters began to multiply!
The Walkers explored the oldest part of the Great Wall where Silk Road split towards India, Persia and Europe. A melting-pot of civilisations, creative art and spiritual beliefs in the middle of the desert, where traders from the West and Buddhist missionaries from India once sheltered wind, dust and heat. Walkers sensed the loneliness of the Gobi and the Silk Road. Camels made the sand dunes come alive. Walkers kept their muscles well toned and spirits elevated for the rigours of Stage 4! Key geographic features: The flat Gobi Desert punctuated by sand dunes. The oasis fed by snow melts.
Village life on the ancient front line with the Mongols. Few of the comforts of home out there, as the annual spring sowing was underway in often barren terrain. Evenings were enlivened by warm, rustic hospitality. A tent felt like “home sweet home” as chronic fatigue set into the limbs. Key geographic features: Yellow River, terraced agriculture interspersed with rugged peaks and near impassible dry river beds. Key historical landmarks to be visited: Watchtowers substituting for the Great Wall on the Canyon Bank of the Yellow River. Fortress at the Huashizhai Village.
Stage 5: ‘Circling the Capital’ There were still a few jagged surprises and plenty of kilometres awaiting the team on the homeward stretch. Proceeding East the team returned to the protective mountain screen around Beijing, featuring the precipitous approaches to the capital through tranquil mountain valleys. Key historical landmarks to be visited: The Qing Emperors’ ‘resting place’ Inn on hunting expeditions.
Just when most were expecting to coast downhill to the finishing line, some sadist threw in two final morning climbs with among the steepest gradients of the whole trek. Nevertheless, there was a sense of euphoria, as the finishing line appeared in the Badaling Valley below. Walkers experienced the steepest parts and deepest steps of the Great Wall before being rewarded with magnificent views. The warmth of the welcoming party’s greetings was genuine for what had indeed been “a feat of considerable endurance”. Key geographic features: Steep mountains. Key historical landmarks to be visited: Ming Dynasty Tombs, The Great Wall – entrance to Beijing. Images of China thanks to Emma Nicholas and Brendan Fletcher under copyright.
|
Stage 1: ‘Mountain to Old Dragon’s Head’
Stage 2: ‘Ming Dynasty Meets the Gobi Desert’
Stage 3: ‘Spirituality, Silk Road and the Han Dynasty’
