Destination: The Great Wall of China

One’s trip to Beijing (even China alone) cannot be completed without a trip to the Great Wall. Long and imposing, this chain of fortifications along the country’s northern border is awe-inspiring to even the most-weary traveler, and to be able to climb its walls is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. There’s no doubt that its incredible architectural feat and history has placed it in the Top-Seven New Wonders of the World, with the likes of the Taj Mahal and Machu Picchu.

The history of the Great Wall (長城) is as extensive as the fortifications themselves. Construction began as early as the seventh century BC, with many, small walls scattered across the north to protect people from nomadic groups. However, unification didn’t begin until the second century BC, when the first Chinese emperor Qin Shi Huang (of the eponymous Qin dynasty) began joining the various walls together. His efforts paved way for future emperors and dynasties to extend and expand, which took place throughout the later centuries.

While the Qin dynasty only ignited the country’s interest in building the Wall, it was really during the Han dynasty (200 BC to 220 AD), aka the “Golden Age of China” that reparations and extensions truly began. After several centuries of minimal to no efforts, the Ming dynasty (1368 to 1644 AD) revived the project as means of beefing up their security against the Mongols and Manchus. Technology also evolved, from the less-stable clay earth used in earlier dynasties to solid brick and stone. Much of what has survived of the Great Wall today are from the Ming dynasty, and it’s where tourists can walk along its strong, fortified grounds.

The Great Wall totals a staggering 13,100 miles (21,200 kilometres), yet only about 5000 miles (8000 kilometres) is truly walk-able. Much of the older walls are much too unstable and in decay to properly walk upon, yet a good deal of the fortifications remains in relatively-good shape for the brave to tackle, should they desire. People have actually walked the full 5000 miles in the past, including an American couple in 2007 who completed it in 10 months.

My family and I had no intention of walking the entire Great Wall, as we only had an overnight stay in the area. Instead, we opted for a much-gentler 1200 metres tour along part of the main walls (“Mutianyu”) from the Ming dynasty. After a two-hour drive north of Beijing, we immediately hit the fortifications for the 1200-metre walk. Despite the short distance, it was still quite the workout as portions were extremely uneven. There were stairs between each watchtower we passed under– some steps were toddler-tiny, while others were so tall that we had to use our hands to push ourselves up! Even for the fittest of athletes, walking the Great Wall will tire you out.

The views of the Great Wall are difficult to describe. Sure, they’re stunning, but they also bring a sense of sublimity that one cannot quite put their finger on. Perhaps it’s the sheer history and man-made technology that has made this architectural feat a reality, or maybe it’s because one can see miles and miles of the fortifications snaking along the lush, green mountains– all while standing on the Great Wall itself. One might call it a sense of disbelief, and it’s no wonder that it is, in fact, one of the new wonders of the world.

Weather was hot and humid in the late-August summer, which added to the difficulty of the short walk. Plenty of flying insects were milling about, too, and it was also a chore trying to avoid getting hit in the face with them! All was well in the end, though, as we took a fun toboggan ride down to the Great Wall’s base before calling it a day.

Our accommodation for the night was in the countryside, in BnB-style houses that offered plenty of natural lighting through its floor-to-ceiling windows. It was a lovely stay, despite the bugs that got into our rooms (and subsequently yielding bites). We would rest for the night before returning to Beijing-proper the following day, and to continue our trip in China.

The Great Wall effectively concluded our time in Beijing, and we ended on a high note by experiencing one of the great new world wonders. This architectural masterpiece is a must-visit for first-timers, as it’s emblematic of the country’s long history, manpower, and ambition to make an otherwise impossible feat a reality.

More of my China trip to come soon. Stay tuned!

 

— Rebecca