Lately the Chinese version of this site has become more and more popular. If the trend continues it will soon be read by more people every day than the English one. Thank you to all the Chinese people who have read about the walk and also contributed with comments and advice. I have not answered any questions, but plan to do so the next time I get to Datong.

A big big thank you to Helen in Yulin for translating the blog entries to Chinese, adding pictures and promoting the site for the Chinese audience!

Also a big thanks to Sue – a Chinese friend who lives in Denmark now. She runs a blog on www.sina.com about walking the Great Wall. Many thanks Sue! I hope we can meet in Liaoning some time.

Back here in Shenmu I took it easy this morning, and then walked 16 kilometres northwards. I saw very little of the Great Wall but many watchtowers. On the way back to Shenmu I learned that Chinese don’t like to be touched on their shoulders. I did this as a joke to a guy in front of me, but that was not appreciated. In the west, touching a person’s shoulder is a pretty neutral thing to do. So I hope some of the Chinese readers can explain why it is not accepted in China?

On the train from Beijing to Datong a while ago I met the headmaster of a school for the deaf. We are going to meet tomorrow and he wants to show me the school. I am really looking forward to it and will take the day off walking. Will wash clothes too so that I am ready for the next leg of the walk.

16 kilometres today