With my 21st birthday rapidly closing Eleanor said she had organised an outing as a surprise but that I should expect to be cold and should brush up on my night time photography. With these hints I wondered what was on the way and I don't think I would have guess an ice sculpture show. Walking to the pick up point we commented on the fact that the walkways over the ring road have one set of stairs and what look like a ramp on the far side but it is in fact just another set of stairs at a shallower angle to disappoint anyone who thought they could get a pram over the road safely. We caught up with some friends also going on the trip who were walking at 3 year old pace which was a good indication we weren't running late at least.
The bus ride was a little under two hours and was the first time we had left Beijing since we arrived and we were surprised how quickly you get into the mountains and noted it for some summer trips. Despite some initial grumbles from Alex he slept most of the way and we even survived our first on the move nappy change. We arrived in Longqing to be greeted by lights. Lots and lots of lights. They clearly know their specialism and do not miss a trick to let you know around the entrance.
We were a bit behind the rest of the bus by the time we had mobilized the little fella - it was icy cold so much wrapping up was needed - and we got to the entrance a little after the main group which caused some problems for our tour guides with the tickets. A bit of haggling over and we strolled into the entrance square with lots of snow sculptures and lanterns. Really this outing was to let me play with my new camera and tripod and there was an element of learning on the go!
Further on was the hall of ice sculptures, in the first half these were mainly small carvings with animals on top and in the second mini-castle like structures lit up enough neon to make a Las Vegas casino proud. All were surrounded by the normal boisterous Chinese crowd who seemed to be enjoying the show.
Further along we came to the dam, in front of which water has been frozen to resemble a water fall. Of course I'm assuming that there was not in fact just a leak in the dam but that also remains a possibility. To get to the top of the dam we had the pleasure of the longest escalator in the world. As exciting as this sounds it is in fact quite dull. To replicate the experience find a shopping mall and ride the escalator up and down eight times and you get the idea. Now try it with a hungry screaming child and chill the air temp to about -5 degrees. However, while you will end up at some dull shop or perhaps McDonald's we were treated to splendid views down the valley.
The last part of the walk went through some caves which held a hundred flowers. This was a slightly bizarre exhibit with lots of plastic flowers and vines making the walkway look like something from a jungle, not at all like the dry plains around Beijing.
All that remained was to wonder down and head back to the coach feeling slightly chilled. On the way home we would have called Alex 'chatty', I suspect the other people on the bus might have used slightly stronger language but eventually he drifted off!
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