By Parin Desai

One month in China and I've already experienced two of the biggest extremes China has to offer.

This was definitely a learning experience as thousands of people poured into the entrance to hike this wonder. Photo by Parin Desai

A few weeks ago students from my university, along with many of the others from foreign universities traveled to the Badaling section of the Great Wall to experience what is now one of the seven man-made wonders of the world. This was definitely a learning experience as thousands of people poured into the entrance to hike this wonder. I have never seen a place so packed and quickly learned what all the guidebooks meant by Badaling being the Disneyland version of the Great Wall.

We were also greeted by the Olympic "One World, One Dream" structure workers built near the wall. Photo by Parin Desai

The view was spectacular and on this clear day, we could see for miles. We were also greeted by the Olympic "One World, One Dream" structure workers built near the wall. That was a perfect scene for all of the volunteers to see.

I have never seen a place so packed and quickly learned what all the guidebooks meant by Badaling being the Disneyland version of the Great Wall. Photo by Parin Desai

Although this was an amazing view and I had seen this section of the wall, I wanted to go to a more secluded area and see the unrestored wall in its splendor.

On a day off from volunteering for the Olympic Games, two of my friends and I decided to take public transportation and see the Jinshanling section of the wall. This is one of the most secluded sections and the 10km hike isn't for just anyone.