We visited the Ming Dynasty Tombs ( 明十三陵) on Thursday, October 6th during the Fall Festival. We began our tour at 7:30am and visiting a Jade Factory at 8am.
Max in front of an enormous Jade ship sculpture and several fou dogs.
Then, driving on to The Ming Tombs which are located some 51.35 kilometers due north of central Beijing, within the suburban Changping District of Beijing municipality. The site of the Ming Dynasty Imperial Tombs was carefully chosen according to Feng Shui (geomancy) principles. At present, only three tombs are open to the public, which we were able to view.
Kissing the Dragon!
The visitors to the tomb feel it will bring them wealth if they give money to the emperor’s burial tomb. So there is tons of Yuan around the tomb.
Shane, Sepia and Max checking out the Emperor and Emperess Tombs.
Max at Ming.
The Great Wall of China is a series of stone and earthen fortifications in northern China, built originally to protect the northern borders of the Chinese Empire against intrusions by various nomadic groups. Several walls have been built since the 5th century BC that are referred to collectively as the Great Wall, which has been rebuilt and maintained from the 5th century BC through the 16th century. One of the most famous is the wall built between 220–206 BC by the first Emperor of China, Qin Shi Huang. Little of that wall remains; the majority of the existing wall was built during the Ming Dynasty.
Shane and Max on cable car and shows toboggan ride bridge.
The Great Wall stretches from Shanhaiguan in the east, to Lop Lake in the west, along an arc that roughly delineates the southern edge of Inner Mongolia. The walls measure 8,851.8 km (5,500.3 mi).
Here is our Great Wall video.
Turret doorway at Great Wall.Climbing the wall.
We rode the cable car up to the Wall, then took the toboggan sleds down. It was so much fun!
Up to the Turret.
Sandra at Great Wall.
Sepia resting in the turret.
There was a little Chinese girl that looked so cute. I asked if I could take her photo.
Little Chinese girl with lollipop.
We climbed for 2 hours exploring and mesmerized by how far the wall goes on for miles and miles.
Katsoolis' at The Great Wall.
Then, enjoyed the sled ride down.
Wall goes on for miles and miles.
Katsoolis World 
Fabulous! You are right Sandra … How lucky are you?!
What a wonderful, amazing experience for you all – especially the kids!
I do have one question though. Weren’t you just in down parkas in the last few postings? What’s up with the weather there?
Thanks for sharing you guys. I’m jealous!
Lara,
You are very perceptive. I forgot to put the date. This tour was in October so it was much warmer. Currently, it is 20s and low 30s. I will edit the post so I don’t confuse everyone. Thanks!