Flying into China

Flying over China

It's frequently dark when we fly into China, but on our last trip it was daylight as we ended our long flight from San Francisco into Beijing.



For the last half hour or so, I kept my eyes glued to the window, hoping to get a glimpse of the Great Wall. From research I did for an article, I know it can't be be seen from outer space, despite what others may claim. Well, it might be, according to NASA, if the timing and lighting are right and you know just where to look; otherwise, it's like trying to find a single strand of hair from two miles away. According to the space agency, apparently an astronaut did see it one time, but didn't know what he was looking it. Even satellite photos don't show it.

I honestly thought my chances of seeing it on a descent from 35,000 feet would be better. They weren't. I could pick out roads and rivers, but, alas, no Great Wall. Unless, of course, I blinked at the exact moment we passed over it.

Oh, well, I'll keep trying. Maybe one of these trips.

Have you seen the Great Wall when flying into Beijing? If so, please leave a comment.

Are you going to China?

If China, especially Beijing,  is in your travel plans, check out my website, Cheryl's China, or feel free to email me with any questions.