The Great Wall of China is one of the most iconic tourist attractions in the world. A visit here can be considered the journey of a lifetime. The wall is located just an hour and a half away from Beijing, making it perfect for a day trip away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Stepping back into its history
The construction of China’s ancient wall system began between the 8th and 5th centuries BCE, when different ancient Chinese states were building their own fortifications. This process continued during the Warring States period. In the 3rd century BCE, the first emperor of China, Qin Shi Huang, united these walls to protect the country from northern invasions.
The Han dynasty continued to expand the Wall to protect the flourishing Silk Road trade. Later, between the 14th and 17th centuries, the Ming dynasty added watchtowers and fortresses to strengthen the Wall and restored the older sections. Over time, some parts of the Wall collapsed due to natural events or human intervention. Most of what we see today was built by the Ming dynasty.
Although the main purpose of the Wall was to stop enemy invasions, it failed to prevent them. Genghis Khan, the first Great Khan of the Mongol Empire, managed to breach the Wall and conquer northern China in the early 13th century. His grandson, Kublai Khan, completed the Mongol conquest of China by defeating the Song dynasty in the south in the year 1279.
The Great Wall of China stretches across northern China and consists of many individual sections. From a tourism standpoint, the most popular sections are Jinshanling in the east, Badaling in the west, and Mutianyu, which is near Beijing.
Tourist attractions
- The ancient watchtowers, which once housed soldiers and signaled the wall, serve as landmarks along an endless landscape of peaks and valleys. You can have a picnic in any of them, with a panoramic view to the north, where Mongolia lies.
- At Jinshanling, the wall rises steeply over high ridges and is visible from miles away in both directions. A 2.9 km section has been restored and is illuminated with colorful lights at night.
- If you want some excitement, the Mutianyu section of the Wall has a toboggan slide that takes about five minutes to go down. You can get to this part by walking, taking a chairlift, or riding a gondola. It’s also much quieter than the busy Badaling section, which is usually crowded with tourists.
- The one who climbs Tian Qiao (the Stairway to Heaven) is rewarded with a breathtaking view of the Miyun Reservoir and Beijing.
Conclusion
The Great Wall of China is an impressive achievement and a symbol of China’s history, attracting millions of visitors every year. No matter the season, this fascinating monument offers a unique experience, but autumn stands out as the perfect time to visit, with its clear skies. As one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, it is a must-see destination.