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I Found Love On The Great Wall Of China! (#205)
Great Wall of China: Jiayuguan Adventure
Ah, the Great Wall of China. Although it's not true that you can see it from space, it still remains in my opinion the coolest manmade wonder of the world. Of course, every wall has a beginning and an end. And I wanted to see the END of the wall.
So I dragged Mr. Small Brained American along...
Ah, the Great Wall of China. Although it's not true that you can see it from space, it still remains in my opinion the coolest manmade wonder of the world. Of course, every wall has a beginning and an end. And I wanted to see the END of the wall. So I dragged Mr. Small Brained American along against his will to go climb the wall with me. Feeling a bit under the weather, he wasn't in the best of Great Wall moods. But little did I know! By the magic of the Wall, I would also meet another pair of climbers would help make the trip unforgettable.
Sabbatical's journey to the end of the Great Wall of China was an unexpected adventure. Despite her travel companion's initial reluctance, the majesty of the Wall and a chance encounter with fellow climbers transformed their experience. This video promises a captivating story of unexpected friendship and the wonder of one of the world's most iconic landmarks.
Ah, the Great Wall of China. Although it's not true that you can see it from space, it still remains in my opinion the coolest manmade wonder of the world. Of course, every wall has a beginning and an end. And I wanted to see the END of the wall. So I dragged Mr. Small Brained American along against his will to go climb the wall with me. Feeling a bit under the weather, he wasn't in the best of Great Wall moods. But little did I know! By the magic of the Wall, I would also meet another pair of climbers would help make the trip unforgettable.
This vlog follows Sabbatical's adventure to the westernmost point of the Great Wall of China, located in Gansu Province. The journey begins on a high-speed train, offering a glimpse into the vast, barren landscapes of China's western regions. Sabbatical, accompanied by Mr. Small Brained American, experiences the unique cultural nuances of Gansu, from inexpensive cigarettes to the principles of the Communist Party of China displayed on public signs.
Their exploration of Jiayuguan includes a stay in a quintessential Chinese hotel, followed by a stroll through the town, where they encounter the local charm and discover the significance of moon cakes during the Mid-Autumn Festival. Sabbatical's commentary provides insights into the historical and geographical context of the Great Wall's westernmost section, highlighting its strategic location along the Silk Road and its role in protecting the empire from nomadic tribes.
The climb to the Great Wall itself is punctuated by humorous interactions with local vendors and a chance encounter with two Chinese Muslim women who become Sabbatical's unexpected tour guides. This encounter provides a poignant moment of cultural exchange, revealing the diversity within Chinese society. Sabbatical's reflections on the Great Wall's historical significance and the vastness of the landscape are interwoven with personal anecdotes and emotional moments, making the journey relatable and engaging.
The video culminates with a visit to a nearby pagoda, offering panoramic views of the surrounding area. Throughout the vlog, Sabbatical's engaging storytelling, coupled with stunning visuals, creates an immersive experience for the viewer, leaving a lasting impression of the beauty and complexity of China's cultural heritage and the human connections forged along the way.
Sabbatical's journey to the western end of the Great Wall of China is a captivating tale of unexpected encounters and cultural immersion. From high-speed train rides across the Gansu Province desert to a charming, if slightly pungent, hotel, the video is brimming with unique details. Sabbatical's interactions with locals, including a heartwarming encounter with two Chinese Muslim women, showcase the vibrant tapestry of Chinese culture. The breathtaking scenery of the Great Wall, especially its less-visited westernmost section, is a highlight, as is Sabbatical's humorous commentary and insightful reflections on China.
Sabbatical's epic Great Wall adventure culminates at the wall's western end. Unexpected friendships and stunning views create an unforgettable, heartwarming experience.
Gansu Great Wall: Western End Exploration
2:14 As you go further west in China, you reach regions historically not well controlled by the Empire. These were far-flung regions, passing between Mongols, Tibetans, and Uyghurs, lying along the Silk Road where ideas and religions passed through along with merchandise. Many people in this province are Muslim, most indistinguishable from the rest of the Han.
7:22 Moon cakes are on sale for a great price. You could subsist on one for a day, so this is a week's worth of food for an incredible price. China is quickly becoming the best value for money in the world.
15:32 Never go to the section of the Great Wall next to Beijing; it's crowded. This stretch is much emptier because we're in the Gansu desert, the furthest the Great Wall reached.
29:20 The Great Wall isn't one long wall, but different sections built for different barbarians in different places. This western section shows how far the Han Dynasty reached.
34:03 Many believe Silk Road travelers journeyed for months or years. Actually, middlemen traded goods at points like Jiayuguan, handing off items to others for transport to Beijing. This continued until Europeans found sea routes and colonized much of the world.
2:14 As you go further west in China, you reach regions historically not well controlled by the Empire. These were far-flung regions, passing between Mongols, Tibetans, and Uyghurs, lying along the Silk Road where ideas and religions passed through along with merchandise. Many people in this province are Muslim, most indistinguishable from the rest of the Han.
7:22 Moon cakes are on sale for a great price. You could subsist on one for a day, so this is a week's worth of food for an incredible price. China is quickly becoming the best value for money in the world.
15:32 Never go to the section of the Great Wall next to Beijing; it's crowded. This stretch is much emptier because we're in the Gansu desert, the furthest the Great Wall reached.
29:20 The Great Wall isn't one long wall, but different sections built for different barbarians in different places. This western section shows how far the Han Dynasty reached.
34:03 Many believe Silk Road travelers journeyed for months or years. Actually, middlemen traded goods at points like Jiayuguan, handing off items to others for transport to Beijing. This continued until Europeans found sea routes and colonized much of the world.
0:08 High-speed train to Gansu
1:27 Arrival in Gansu Province
4:44 Hotel in Jiayuguan
6:30 Jiayuguan near Great Wall
9:43 Rest before wall climb
13:07 Climbing the Great Wall
15:07 End of the Great Wall
20:27 Meeting new friends
26:05 Pagoda climb begins
33:18 Mysterious Pagoda visit
0:08 High-speed train to Gansu
1:27 Arrival in Gansu Province
4:44 Hotel in Jiayuguan
6:30 Jiayuguan near Great Wall
9:43 Rest before wall climb
13:07 Climbing the Great Wall
15:07 End of the Great Wall
20:27 Meeting new friends
26:05 Pagoda climb begins
33:18 Mysterious Pagoda visit
sabbaticalpolyglot中國中國長城the end of the great wall中國旅遊影片jiayuguan中國旅遊長城甘肅silk roadchinese culturemid autumn festivalmuslim culturehistorical sitetravel vlogWhat's the best part of the Great Wall to visit?
Definitely not the part near Beijing! It's way too crowded. The western end is much better, more peaceful, and you get to see a different side of the wall's history.
What was it like meeting the two Chinese Muslim women?
It was awesome! They became my tour guides and showed me a side of Chinese culture I wouldn't have experienced otherwise. It was really special.
What's the most surprising thing you discovered on your trip?
Probably the $1 cigarettes! And how cheap the moon cakes were during the Mid-Autumn Festival. China has amazing value for money.
