The Great Wall is the symbol of the People's Republic of China. It was originally built by the Han Chinese to protect against nomadic horse-riding tribes from the north. Spanning approximately 8,851 kilometers, it is the largest construction project in the world. Stretching from Shanhaiguan Pass in the east to Jiayuguan Pass in the west of the Republic, it comprises a system of multiple sections and construction techniques, some of which are not interconnected.
Qin Shihuangdi, the first emperor of China (221-210 BC), initiated the construction of the wall. Since then, the wall has been continuously added to or reconstructed. The last major renovation phase occurred during the early Ming Dynasty, when the wall was expanded and faced with bricks to its present scale. The wall could accommodate six mounted warriors side by side. Watchtowers were built within sight of each other to communicate via smoke signals and warn of approaching enemies.
The most visited section by tourists is the Badaling section, located approximately 70 kilometers northwest of Beijing. This section was fully restored in the 1950s, making it particularly impressive. Visitors can ascend the mighty watchtowers, spaced a few hundred meters apart, via steep steps on both sides of the Badaling Fortress. The effort is rewarded with breathtaking views.
Other notable sections near Beijing include Mutianyu and Simatai. At Mutianyu, about 70 kilometers north of Beijing, a cable car takes visitors to the summit.
At Simatai, approximately 120 kilometers northeast of Beijing, the wall has not been extensively restored, lending it a more romantic atmosphere for visitors. The steepest paths at Simatai are traversed by cable cars, and on the return journey, visitors can descend using a zip-line.
Unfortunately, large parts of the Great Wall are in poor condition as local villagers have used stones from it for building houses and roads. The "Great Wall Society" is dedicated to its preservation.
In 1987, UNESCO declared the Great Wall a World Heritage site.
