The First Beacon Tower

The same day of the eclipse, in the morning, the day after the talks finished, we visited what was the western end of the Great Wall, or the beginning, depending on your point of view. This place is known as the first beacon tower of the Great Wall. It's located seven or eight km away from the JiaYuGuan fort, which can be distinguished at the horizon if one follows the wall. Beyond the end, there are the cliffs over the Taolai river that constitute a natural wall very difficult to pass.



Here, and I guess in order to impress the tourists, there is a model of how could be the last defense garrison, with hanging bridge included.


To increase the tourist attractions, there is a cable that spans both sides of the river, and you can just let yourself drop along it and cross to the other side. A very impressive trip. I guess, because I didn't bother to make the queue and headed to the little fort that lies next to the bridge. Next to the cable, there is a transparent balcony that enhances the effect ot the cliff drop onto the river.

All this is in a place that begins to be really desertic, even if we could see some sheep or maybe goats on the other side —they were too far away to tell. The morning was relatively cool and the sky completely blue except over the high mountains at the back. We were at the end of a plain between mountains and all was dominated by the brown colors of the earth and the river, creating a strangely beautiful setting. I felt a little bit restless; I guess the end of the stay was getting to me. Fortunately, there is always a small beautiful flower to cheer up the day... or more than one.