Stopping in like that along the way, our minibus arrived at the gate to the Wall after 11 o'clock, about one and a half hours late than in the direct driving course. We were lucky, however, since there weren't large crowds of tourists in the areas. "In a few days", said the guide, "the Wall will be flooded with millions of local people because we have the vacation on National Foundation Day, starting on the 1st day of October. So today is the last day you can enjoy the sightseeing at ease". The Chinese really love the Great Wall.