Throughout my travels, I have always had an affinity for certain structures or locations that I have identified as markers of a culture or civilization. My first visits to Pompeii and Delphi both made such an impact on my impressionable teenage mind that when I was able to return later as an adult, I was full of anticipation to see if second visits would have the same effect. Without a doubt, they did. Needless to say, when Matt and I first started discussing a visit to China, the Great Wall was placed high on our proposed itinerary.
Before leaving Japan, we had booked a private tour with guide and driver to take us to the outskirts of Beijing for the day and explore the wall and Chinese countryside. As we drove away from the hazy brown city (I know I keep remarking on the air quality, but it was remarkable what a mysterious essence it gave to our visit), our guide Trezi discussed many aspects of Chinese culture and history with us. I had been intrigued to see exactly what she would say since the government so strictly controls the tour industry and the marketed perception of China and Matt and I were careful not to cross any controversial boundaries, but I think she still managed to convey a lot of insightful information about China and the Chinese people.
As the car traveled into the Juyonguan Pass, we began to see sections of the wall through thick green trees and vegetation. The section of the wall we visited was accessible by a short cable car ride. After a briefing from Trezi (and several reminders to watch our footing), Matt and I hiked from our entrance point along the steep stone path to the watchtower at the peak of the Badaling section. The wall itself – wide enough to accommodate 10 horses across – was impressive, but the view of other sections of the wall streaming out like ribbons and winding effortlessly across the mountaintops as far as the eye could see was amazing.
Did you think I would let you get away without a history lesson? The wall was built and maintained from the 5th century B.C. through the 16th century A.D. to protect China from foreign invaders. 
The wall was constructed of stone from nearby quarries, bricks and packed earth. Several sections (including Badaling where we are pictured getting ready to hike) have been repaired and maintained for tourists to visit.
The wall is shorter on the Beijing side and taller with spaces to accommodate archers on the sides facing enemy territory. Watchtowers were placed intermittently along the wall to provide command posts and shelter. 
The wall is over 4,000 miles in length and despite popular rumor, it cannot be seen from outer space. Another large (but somber) statistic is that over 2 million Chinese workers died during construction of the wall.
3 comments:
Awesome! Despite my political leanings, I'd still love to see several parts of China, the wall being one of them. Thanks for sharing!!
Wonderful pictures and Wonderful description!!! Chase wants to know why they built the wall.
Chase - they built the wall to protect against invaders like the Mongols, a tribe of people who lived in the north. The invading tribes were not able to get past the wall because it was high in the mountains and very difficult to cross. Plus, it was guarded by thousands of Chinese soldiers.
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