OMG, Exhausted AF!!!
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Oh my goodness, if you're like me and not someone who can walk endlessly, you really need to think twice before coming to Beijing!
In Beijing, although the attractions may seem close when viewed from afar, walking between them can be quite exhausting.
- This morning, I went through a beautifully arranged ancient costume service (where they dress guests up in traditional Chinese attire and style their hair; then let them take photos at scenic spots). I planned on going into the Forbidden City (the supreme palace complex of former Chinese emperors) by noon to capture some photos.
- The ride in a shared bike was decent, quite delightful before entering the Forbidden City.
- However, as soon as I got inside the Forbidden City, oh wow, it was pure nightmare! It's so big that it's almost disheartening. I carried heavy clothing, and the walk seemed endless; my legs were shaking like jelly!
- In addition, I initially planned on visiting those souvenir stores (known as creative & cultural products sales), but due to exhaustion, I ignored it entirely.
- Finally, just as the Forbidden City closed, I got "kicked out," but still struggled on to visit the nearby Jingshan Park (a small hill park positioned opposite the Forbidden City).
- Honestly, If you are already weary, It is really unnecessary to climb this hill. Although the top offers an amazing and panoramic view of the Forbidden City, for me at that time, it became torture. My legs nearly gave out, and my feet were sore.
- Then, with my traditional costumes on, there was still hope left to take photos near Tiananmen Square (one of China's most famous squares), and the Temple of Heaven (where the emperor would worship heaven and pray for good harvests), taking photos.
- Upon arrival at Tiananmen Square, I was rather overwhelmed – Important reminder: You must pre-book a visit to Tiananmen Square!
️ Since I was unaware of the requirement, I wasted all that effort in vain.
- Well, since Tiananmen Square was not achievable I turned my attention to Temple of Heaven. On arrival, I attempted to walk to祈年殿(Qiniandian; where there is a round temple with a blue roof; visible in many pictures of the Temple of Heaven) but it was impossible. No more strength left, too tiring!
- Upon arrival at Tiananmen Square, I was rather overwhelmed – Important reminder: You must pre-book a visit to Tiananmen Square!
- I am currently lying down in a corner of Temple of Heaven, thinking about climbing the Great Wall two days ahead and afraid that I would die on it.
- Beijing is so much a city of "endless walking," which definitely decreases my travel experience. Perhaps I am really not suited for energetic travel like this. Haha!
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Just looking at my itinerary, I can already picture how exhausted I'm going to be. My step count will be at least 30,000, easy. One day it's Tiananmen Square, the National Museum, and the Forbidden City; the next, it's the Badaling Great Wall, the Old Summer Palace, and the Summer Palace.
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The National Museum and the Forbidden City on the same day? You're really something!
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In Beijing, expect at least 20,000 steps a day. After a few days, you'll need pain relief patches just to cope. For a less strenuous climb at the Great Wall, you can take the cable car halfway up to North Tower 7, hike to North Tower 8, and then head back down.
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I forgot to bring my pain relief patches... How was I supposed to know it would be this bad!
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Oh man, I'm heading there tomorrow and I'm already dreading it!
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It's going to absolutely exhaust you!
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Plus, the subways have so many stairs, up and down. That really humbled me.
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I don't get why the walks in the subway stations are so long, both for transfers and just entering the station.
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I'm heading to the Great Wall tomorrow too! Are you taking a high-speed train? Badaling, or was it that Mu-something section... Mutianyu?
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Badaling. I'll probably take the high-speed rail. Haven't bought my tickets yet. I feel like I'm going to freeze to death!
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After hiking the Great Wall today, I'd originally planned to go to the Summer Palace in the afternoon. But when my high-speed train got back, I just took the subway straight back to the hotel and slept for an hour. I really couldn't handle any more.
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Hahahahaha, I'd only dare to dedicate a whole day just to the Great Wall and call it quits after that.
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Old Summer Palace this morning, Summer Palace this afternoon. Over 20,000 steps... I'm dead tired.
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This is killing me!
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That week touring Beijing was an absolute nightmare for someone like me who hates walking. We were on our feet from 8 AM to 10 PM every day. Back at the hotel, I'd just collapse into bed. It felt like I'd been through seven days of boot camp.
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Boot camp involves that kind of walking?
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Oh no! I was planning to take my parents to Beijing after the May Day holiday!
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I brought my dad, he's 60, and he couldn't handle more than one day of sightseeing.
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We arrived too late, so I couldn't get the traditional costume and makeup done. Inside the Forbidden City, my boyfriend and I didn't even get to see some parts. Then at Tiananmen Square, after taking photos, we accidentally re-entered a Forbidden City gate and had to walk all the way around to get out again – it nearly killed me! I was so exhausted I had no energy left to see the rest of the Forbidden City properly. So many inner palace doors were locked, and you couldn't see inside many places. The Dragon Throne was roped off so far back, and with the bright sunlight outside, it was too dark to actually see anything inside.