| So much has been written and published about | | | | the Badaling section, Mutianyu section, |
| the Great Wall of China but one thing is | | | | Simatai section and the Shixiaguan section. |
| certain, if you travel to China without | | | | |
| visiting this world renowned landmark, then | | | | The great wall at Badaling became a strategic |
| your trip is incomplete. The history of the | | | | point of the wall since the Warring states |
| great wall is one which is difficult to | | | | period when it was built. |
| comprehend, although it is said the | | | | |
| construction of the wall began in the warring | | | | Being the very first section of the wall to |
| states period in the early seventh century | | | | be opened to tourists, it has recorded a |
| BC. | | | | statistics of about 140 million visitors who |
| | | | have climbed successively. This section was |
| The Great Wall of China is the one the | | | | built with huge bar stones which weighed |
| artificial wonders of the world which | | | | hundreds of kilograms with watch towers at |
| symbolizes the greatness of China. With a | | | | every distance. These watch towers were used |
| functionality of over a thousand years, the | | | | as the deployment points for the military |
| great wall was built to protect the villages | | | | during the olden days. This section of the |
| from the invasion of the northern tribes | | | | wall is very crowded being that it is the |
| providing a stable life, culture and | | | | most visited section. |
| government. The history of this wall is what | | | | |
| contributed to the growth of China in terms | | | | The Simatai Great Wall is located in the |
| of political, economy, culture and tourism. | | | | northeast of Beijing. Its construction |
| | | | started in the Ming dynasty and measures |
| The length of the Great wall extends | | | | around 5.4 kilometers with 35 watch towers. |
| approximately 6700 kilometers across deserts, | | | | This section of the wall retained its |
| and plateaus from the border of China to the | | | | original feature and has earned the |
| Hun territories in the north. The beauty of | | | | reputation of being the most beautiful |
| the great wall is such that you cannot | | | | section of the wall. Unlike the other |
| appreciate its beauty except you climb it | | | | sections, Simatai section of the great wall |
| step by step. It is better seen from an | | | | is very quiet and remote and this has |
| aerial perspective if you are on the plane or | | | | challenged many hikers to climb this section |
| a helicopter. In the ancient times, it was | | | | in quest of adventure. |
| called the Wall of ten thousand li (a li is | | | | |
| one third of a mile) and its construction | | | | The Mutianyu section of the great wall is the |
| started as earth works built for the | | | | most preserved section of the great wall |
| protection of the different kingdoms. Each | | | | which is very important in Chinese military |
| kingdom had its own section of wall; like in | | | | history. This section has cable cars |
| the east, the wall was built out of stones | | | | installed allowing tourists to move from end |
| and bricks, while the section on the western | | | | to the other. It is slightly rugged and full |
| part of China was built with less durable | | | | of green plans making it the greenest part of |
| materials. The individual sections of the | | | | the wall. The Mutianyu section is noted as |
| wall was later renovated and connected to one | | | | the essence of the great wall because of the |
| another during the time of the Qin dynasty | | | | distinct style and construction of this part. |
| (221 - 206 BC) when Emperor Qin recruited | | | | |
| peasants, soldiers and farmers to work on the | | | | Shixiaguan Great Wall is the most part of the |
| wall. This tradition continued for centuries | | | | great wall to be opened to visitors and still |
| until each dynasty added to the height, | | | | shows the ruins of some of the old |
| length and design of the wall through forced | | | | construction from the ancient times. |
| labor. The wall has now become a major | | | | |
| landmark for tourists visiting China. | | | | In conclusion, the great of china is |
| | | | definitely a must see on your next trip to |
| The Great Wall of China can be climbed from | | | | china. In order for you to enjoy your tour |
| different sections all of which serve | | | | around the wall, it is advisable to consult |
| different purposes. The four main sections | | | | the services of a tour operator in China to |
| best suited for climbing and sightseeing are | | | | assist you with the itinerary. |