Shanxi section I

Over the Tomb Sweeping holiday, I finished another stretch of the Great Wall.

This time, I started from Laoniuwan on the Yellow River in Pianguan, Shanxi, heading east before turning north toward Shahu Kou in Youyu.

The sky stayed blue in all six days. The photos came out beautifully, and I enjoyed the walk to the fullest, though my face and lips paid the price. By the end, my lips were cracked with dried blood and peeling skin.

The first section passed Huashi Fort to Shuiquan village. It was also the wildest and most difficult part of the entire route.

From there, I passed Mt. Haizilou, Dahe fort, Yunshi fort, and so on.

The final climb was over Mt. Hualin, at more than 1,700 meters above sea level. From the summit, the vast landscape opened up below, with the Great Wall winding across it as far as I could see.

From there, I walked on to Shahu Kou (pass), shouted a few "Yeahs" and brought the hike to an end.