Wall at Shalingzhai 沙岭寨
I paid my entrance fee just nearby the parking lot where my driver will be eagerly waiting for me. Jinshanling is quite a distance away from Beijing city center so I need to make it quick here. It was already twelve noon and the sun sets early here so I need to get back to the parking lot by four in the afternoon. I wouldn’t want my driver to be driving at night in the highway.
Marker at Shalingzhai 沙岭寨
After the entrance there was a fork in the road. I was trying to figure out where to go when a middle aged lady passed by and said this is a short cut. So I followed her advice and also climbed up. She started talking to me and I realized it was a mistake to be following her. She was obviously one of many vendors who hound tourists as they climb the mountain. I tried to hurry and walk faster but it was futile as the slow and steady climb was far superior than a fast but tiring climb.
The top of the shortcut was met by a large wall with a small opening for visitors to go through. This place is called Shalingzhai or the Shaling Village 沙岭寨. This used to be a major pass and there were villages here. So important was this pass that a large number of troops were stationed here. Now only a few ruins of houses remain in the area. So far I wasn’t impressed with this place, but I’m sure it will only get better.
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