Vacations in the Great Wall of China
Introduction to the Great Wall
In ancient China, threats of invasion from the nomads, such as Xiongnu, Monguls, Manchu has lead to building a city walls as way of protection to the Chinese. The history of building city wall can be traced back to Shang Dynasty (c 1700 – 1025 BC). Since then, techniques and equipments in wall building were improved rapidly and finally, the greatest wall as ever started building in the 5th Century BC in Spring, Autumn and Warring States Period by three countries, Yan, Zhao and Qin as individual fortification for each country.
Building, repair and reconstruct of t he Great Wall has evolved through few dynasties, of which the most famous portion was built and connected by Emperor Qin Shu Huang from 220 -206 BC in the further north of China as a united defense system. Emperor Qin was the first Emperor in China who has united China. Nonetheless, little part of that portion remains due to corrosion, war and improper maintenance. What is remain today was mainly built during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1449 AD).
Best sites to see Great Wall
In Ming Dynasty, the Great Wall was further reconstructed and reinforced as a protection from Mongul invasion. The portions nearby Beijing, the capital city for now and in Ming Dynasty were especially reinforced. This area is known as Bataling, which serves as the nearest point to see Great Wall from Beijing. It is approximately 80 kilometers (50 miles) from Beijing. Great wall at Bataling is referred as Ming Wall. This Ming Wall is also nicknamed as the Tourist Wall. The name derived from being the most popular tourist destinations in China. Ming Wall has undergone heavy restoration works and is the first part of Great Wall that open to tourist in 1957.
To view portion of the Great Wall in its more original state, the stretch between Simitai and Jinshanling is a better option and is the most photogenic part of the wall. Simitai located 110km northeast from Beijing. This nine miles section incorporate different characteristic of each section of the Great Wall, with steep vertical climb and over 30 watch towers.
Facts about the Great Wall
Great Wall of China stretches 6,700km (4,160 miles), starting from Shanghaiguan with the nickname “First Pass Under Heaven” westward to Jiayuguan, which possess a nickname of “Last Pass Under Heaven”. It is estimated that 2 – 3 millions of Chinese died from building the Great Wall.
With its long history and amazing construction, Great wall of China has earned a place in Seven Wonders of the World and as well under the recognition from UNESCO as world heritage site.
Interesting believes about the Great Wall
Chinese Legend A famous Chinese Legend has been told for centuries that a woman named Meng Jiang Nu had cried at Great Wall, mourning for the death of her husband who died from building it. The part of the Great Wall had collapsed from her bitter crying.
Visible from Moon
There are popular believes that Great Wall of China is the only man-made structure which can be view by human eye from the moon.