Aug 6, 2002: (Day 4)

The second day of our tour took us to the following places:

Great Wall of China : This human marvel demonstrates the amazing continuity of a singular purpose to complete the 4000 km long construction in 2300 years during the periods of many several dynasties. It is said that the Wall of China was built to protect the country from the legendary Mongol nomads. However, one may wonder if such a seemingly simple reason could continually keep so many generations of rulers and subjects motivated. There got to be other motivations and reasons not yet known to us. 

After our brief orientation about Great Wall by our guide, Wei Tang, we posed for a group picture, got our water bottles and cameras ready and off we went ... We chose the North Beijing entry to the Wall (a.k.a. the Badaling entry) as it was easier! We go from ground zero to about 3000 feet high in seven blocks of uphill climbing. The concept of gradual escalation and steep inclination becomes quite clear on the Wall.

After about each block (by US measure) of climbing the wall, there is a rest area. These stations were in fact the guard-posts at the time. The wall is approx five feet wide. The steps are made of black stone blocks. The steps are 12 to 18 inches deep and 18 to 24 inches high. Their irregularity forces the climber to always stay alert. One cannot know what size of next step is to be conquered.

Watching the height growing behind you and the surrounding steep lush green mountains and valleys is a breathtaking experience. One must really be there to know the depth of this historical experience. 

Most of the participants, as young as 17 and as young-at-heart as 78 walked the wall to their heart. It was amazing to see Nahid and Hina in their attire of hijab and jilbab to climb all the way up with Hala, Ammad, Nabeel, Mukarram, Rakiyyah, Ruqaiyyah, and Shakeel.  This group proved themselves as the official champions of IslamiCity China Tour 2002. They adventured the highest point and wished to go farther but in the best interest of time, had to return to the waiting bus. 

Jade Factory : China is world famous about Jade. They have evolved a whole industry around this. Legends and myths are created to sanctify the Jade in Chinese society. Jade has a solution for sickness, good luck, poverty and everything in between.

The Jade Factory campus also has a big restaurant for the customers. Within the restaurant, there was an all exclusive Muslim section. We were told that this privilege is a result of demanding Malay customers who frequent the Jade Factory often. 

Mongolian Hot-Pot was an experience. A pot boiling water full of herbs and spices. few strands of beef that you pick with the chop-sticks dip it in the pot, wait for a few seconds and then relish it ... the thin tender meat stripes brings the juicy taste of spices and herbs and is just awesome.

Chang Ping Mosque (Everlasting Peace Mosque) : This is a 700 year old Mosque hidden in an small enclave of Mongolian descendant Chinese community. One has to walk pass small stores such as fruits and vegetable shops, barber shop, convenience store, etc. to reach the Mosque. 32 year old Osman Mah is the community leader and Imam of this Mosque. This mosque was relatively well kept and maintained than the Haidin Mosque in the Beijing city precincts.  Though the eternal peace (InshaAllah) will only be in Jannah but the Chang Ping Mosque does let one experience a worldly sample.

The Chang Ping Mosque has quite a sprawling campus. Over 20 rooms surround the Mosque. These are used for Islamic school which was closed for Summer when we visited. Some rooms are rented out and others are used by the Imam and the Custodian. There is a very nice store that sells traditional Kufis, ceramics and other gift items. Most of us shopped to our heart in that store. And admirably, no one from our group tried bargaining with the store lady as we all knew that the shop supports the Masjid. 

The Imam, Br. Osman Mah welcomed and recorded his surprise to meet us, the Muslims from North America. He also wished us the very best for our stay in China and made Dua for all of us. 

Green Tea Party : Chinese people have taken this to the level of art and science. Different types of tea offer natural relaxation and at the same time cures ailments. We had the privilege of sampling all the different forms of tea during an informative demonstration by a tea-expert at the Dr.Tea House in Beijing.

White Tea: Initial sips taste bitter but amazingly changes into sweet. It helps common cold and yes, constipation!
Green Golden Tea: There are fourteen different elements known to be present in the green golden tea, such as Magnesium, Calcium, Zinc, etc. This tea offers relief from hypertension, high blood pressure and cholesterol. Green Golden Tea with a bit of honey puts everyone to sleep like a baby!
Oriental Beauty Tea (The King of O'long tea): This is a natural healer. People suffering with anemia are recommended to drink this tea with few dates after dinner. It also helps women improve the skin texture. Indigestive pains are gone like magic. Diabetics are suggested to drink this daily before retiring to bed.
Jasmine Tea: This is known as a repository of vitamins. Jasmine tea is popular among people with eye-sight problems. 
Black Tea: Increases appetite and is generally offered with a slice of lemon.

Acrobatic Show : The show demonstrates the talent of young Chinese people. Quite colorful and interesting.