This day started early, too early for some to realise the urgent need of an umbrella. With our private bus we drove to Swiss Gastro Bakery, located north of Beijing. This company is focused on frozen bread and mainly owned by Alfred Hiestand known as “Gipfelikönig”. There we had the honour to meet Mr. Andreas Weih, General Manager of the bakery. Starting with the tasting of delicious pastries we received valuable information about a Swiss company which entered the Chinese market and faced several challenges. So to mention is the fact that Chinese people do not have the custom to eat baked bread, therefore Swiss Gastro Bakery mostly supplies hotels and enterprises. After a tour through the factory we had the possibility to experience a Chinese lunch the way the factory workers had it.
The afternoon program included a walk on the Great Wall. We drove with the bus to Mutianyu and had perfect weather conditions. Geographically this small village is located in the Hurairou District, characterised by few tourists. After a two hours walk on the wall itself, , the organisation team surprised us with cold beer. At the end we skidded down to the bus which was a great deal of fun.
After another bus ride we arrived at the Olympic stadium and could enjoy the breathtaking lightshow at the olympic area by night. Totally exhausted we are now back in the hotel and looking forward to the guided tour inside the Bird’s Nest tomorrow.
