Oakley Great Wall of China Hike.

Destination: The Oakley Team Average Jo Great Wall of China Hike
Location: Beijing, China
Duration: 3.5 - 4 hours
Rating / 10: 10
Extreme factor: Moderate
Cost Factor: $1700 (included flights, accommodations, transportation, food and admission to various sites and attractions)
In Attendance: 26 people
Group recommendation: This destination is a must for those that want to take on the challenge of hiking along the Great Wall of China while also taking in the sights and sounds of Beijing, China.

Team Average Jo and Innovative Fitness teamed up to lead a group of 26 eager participants to Beijing, China on March 11, 2008. This 5-night excursion not only included a half-day hike along the most difficult hiking section of the Great Wall but also an opportunity to take in many of the historic sites around the capital city.



Day 1

The first day of our trip consisted of a full-day of travel as we departed Vancouver early in the morning and didn’t arrive in Beijing until late in the evening the following day (taking into account the 16 hour time difference). The long flight and layover in Japan was made bearable, and almost enjoyable, due to the level of excitement felt by the entire group. For many people this would be their first trip not only to China but Asia as well, so there was a lot of anxiety wrapped up in the mystery of what the country had to offer.

Upon arrival in Beijing we were greeted by our diminutive tour guide, Sam, and he directed us towards our tour bus where we loaded up our gear and headed to our hotel. What we soon found out as we arrived at the hotel was that we were going to be staying in the apartment wing of the Marriott hotel that we had originally booked. This was because of a government issued renovation notice served to the hotel in preparation for the 2008 Summer Olympics. But seeing as how the group had been traveling for a full day by that point no one really seemed to care as we all retired to our rooms for the night in preparation for the full day of sightseeing to follow.

Highlights:

• Suzie and her “Easy-Fly” puffer
• Discovering our not-so-Heavenly beds
• Some of the guys getting their first taste of Karaoke as they sang “Hotel California”



Day 2

After breakfast the group piled into the bus for a short ride to Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City, where we spent half the day learning about all the history that both of these sites had to offer. Although there was a visible police and military presence in the square it surprised me a little bit that there wasn’t more of a “communist” feeling, whatever that means. From the square it was but a short walk to the Forbidden City, which is where the various Emperors resided for almost five centuries. What really caught my attention about this palace city was the absolute enormity of it. Just when I thought we’d seen the last of the courtyards Sam would lead us through another doorway that spilled out into another courtyard, each serving a very different yet specific function.



By the time we had completed the tour of the Forbidden City the group was more than ready to take a little break for lunch and to give the legs a little rest for the big hike the next day. Admittedly, I was a little relieved to find that the food at the restaurant wasn’t too adventurous and was thoroughly enjoyed by all. It was during this time as well that I noticed how compatible the entire group was as everyone seemed to be talking to and sitting beside different people. In the span of just one day the group seemed to find certain commonalities and were able to come together to share their experiences.

Once lunch was complete we were taken to the Summer Palace, which was filled with breathtaking views of lakes, temples and gardens. Shortly after we began this portion of the tour I sensed that the group was growing a little tired and had almost seen their fair share of temples and gardens so I politely asked Sam if we could do a diet version of the tour, which he politely agreed to. Although the sightseeing was a part of the package that people had signed up for I knew that everyone was really there to hike the Great Wall and as such, we needed to make sure that we were ready to go the next morning with the early start.

Highlights:

• A Team Greatness rendition of The Beatles’ cakewalk in Tiananmen Square
• Bill purchasing his first Rolex ever – or was it a Lolex?
• Cory’s fuzzy, new hat
• The fabulous bathrooms at our restaurant


Day 3

Having to account for the three hour drive to the Jinshanling section of the Great Wall, we were all up early on this day to have a hearty breakfast before hitting the road. Immediately after beginning the drive many of the group members felt back asleep before awaking intermittently to observe the countryside. Upon arrival at the Great Wall we all took some time to ready our Camelbacks and visit the bathroom (or Happy room as Sam so eloquently put it) one last time before Rob put us through an Asian version of the Innovative Fitness group warm-up.

As we began our epic hike along the Great Wall we were swarmed by a group of locals hocking various goods and products to help us commemorate our journey. What we didn’t realize at this point was that a small group of these locals would accompany us for the majority of the hike, always willing to lend a helpful hand or, offer a can of Coke.

After we all paused at the crest of the first major climb to take a few photos and digest what it was that we were about to accomplish the group slowly spread out along the vast stretch of the Great Wall. One of the initial thoughts that ran through my head was how unbelievable it was to be in a place that was so rich in history and that was such an integral part of the country’s survival. It was something that I’d never experienced or felt before and was something that I was constantly reminded of through the duration of the four hour hike.





At different points during the hike the group briefly came together to revel in the magnitude of the hike and the majesty of where we were. One of the last stops we all made together was at the transition point from the Jinshanling to Simatai section, which is where we would ascend up the Heavenly Ladder. Climbing the mountainside at a steep 80-degree gradient this portion of the hike proved to be the most difficult and most rewarding, offering panoramic views of the mountainside behind us as we climbed. This unrelenting stretch seemed to never end as we made our way up uneven stairs with a stiff headwind blowing right in our face. Finally reaching the top the group was greeted by a pair of local enforcement officers letting us know that the Skybridge was unfortunately closed and that we would have to make our way back down the Heavenly Ladder. Momentarily feeling defeated we reminded ourselves of how far we’d come and how amazing the journey had been, so we obliged and turned back around.




As we neared the completion of the hike any remnants of disappointment that we felt after being turned away from the Skybridge were immediately distinguished with the excitement of Zip-lining to the finish. For a measly price of $5 many group members decided to get strapped into a harness and traverse the river for a full minute of euphoria. It was the ultimate finish to an epic hike and had the entire group riding high long after we had piled back onto the bus for the trek back to the city.

Highlights:

• Hiking along one of the 7 Wonders of the World
• Zip-lining to the end of the hike and being greeted with smiling faces and cold beers



Day 4

Much to everyone’s delight this day started a little later than the previous ones in order to give everyone ample rest from the hike. After breakfast we made our way to the Temple of Heaven where we had a chance to observe many of the locals participating in activities ranging from Tai Chi to singing to a local version of hacky sack. Judging from the way that everyone was gingerly moving about and struggled with the slightest of downhill slopes and stairs it was clear that we were all feeling the effects of the Great Wall.

After spending just over an hour at the Temple, Sam decided to give the group a boost by taking us to the Pearl Market for a little shopping and bargaining. By the time we were done I would have argued that time spent shopping was just as arduous and physically taxing as the hike itself. The amount of energy that was expended trying to drive the prices down, all the while fighting off stubborn sales women had us all exhausted by lunchtime.

Luckily for us, the next portion of the tour would see us sitting back and relaxing as we were taken around “old Beijing” in rickshaws, which was a unique experience to say the least. One thing that really stood out to me was how there could be such a contrast in one city between such a traditional, and communal way of living compared to all the advancements and construction being done for the 2008 Olympics. It became even clearer as we were taken around in rickshaws on streets that were also being used by BMW’s and Mercedes Benz’s.



That evening, for the final portion of the sightseeing tour, we were all treated to the “Legends of Kung Fu” show, which seemed to be the highlight of Rob’s trip for sure. The spectacular display of martial arts and raw athletic ability capped off a truly amazing trip that contained something for everyone within the group to enjoy.

Highlights:

• Waking up and thinking that our legs weren’t that sore after the hike only to find ourselves on the verge of collapsing with each flight of stairs we faced
• Visiting with a local family at their home in the Hutong area (“old Beijing”)
• Enjoying a night out at the local KTV for a little Karaoke

Day 5

The last day of our trip was designated as a “free” day for everyone to spend as they wished. Several members of the group decided to go and see the Pandas at the Beijing zoo, while others decided to head back to the local markets to pick up some last minute souvenirs. All in all, it was a nice way for everyone to unwind and add a personal touch to the trip before heading back home to Vancouver early the next morning.

Final Thoughts

As the inaugural Team Average Jo and Innovative Fitness trip to the Great Wall of China, the group flew into Beijing without any expectations of what the city or the hike would be like, but ended the trip feeling like we had each accomplished something beyond greatness. To many of us, hiking the Great Wall was not just a four hour trek, but something that made us feel like we were truly a group of ordinary people doing something extraordinary.