MY TRAVEL INFO: THE GREAT WALL OF CHINA

The Great Wall of China is an ancient series of fortifications in northern China, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and a powerful national symbol. It stretches over 21,000 kilometers in total, with the most well-preserved sections primarily built during the Ming dynasty (1368–1644). 

Key Facts:

• Location: The Great Wall generally runs across the historical northern borders of China. It starts in the east at Shanhaiguan in Bohai Bay of Hebei Province (near the Bohai Sea) and extends westward to Jiayuguan in Gansu Province, winding through mountains, deserts, and grasslands.
• Total Length: The officially surveyed total length of all its branches and sections is 21,196.18 km (13,170.70 miles). It is mostly found in 15 provinces : Hebei, Beijing, Tianjin, Shanxi, Shaanxi,Gansu, Inner Mongolia, Heilongjiang, Jilin, Liaoning, Shandong, Henan, Qinghai, Ningxia and Xinjiang. 
• Most Famous Section: The most famous and best-preserved sections are those built during the Ming Dynasty (1368–1644), which measure approximately 8,850 kilometers (5,499 miles).
• Purpose: The primary purpose was defense against invasions by northern nomadic tribes, but it also served for border controls, immigration regulation, and protecting the Silk Road trade routes.
• Construction History: Construction spanned over 2,000 years, with the earliest walls dating back to the 7th century BC. The first emperor of a unified China, Qin Shi Huang (c. 220 B.C.), ordered the linking of earlier fortifications, built by Western Zhou Dynasty. 
• Visibility from Space: Contrary to popular myth, the Great Wall cannot be seen from the Moon with the naked eye and is barely visible from low Earth orbit.
• Tourism: It is China's top tourist attraction, with popular renovated sections near Beijing including Badaling and Mutianyu.Today, many sections of the Great Wall in Beijing, TIanjin and Jiayuguan are open to visitors such as Mutianyu, Jinshanling, Simatai, Huanghuacheng and Badaling. 
• World Heritage: It was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987.

Visiting the Great Wall near Beijing

The most accessible and popular sections are a short drive from the capital.

• Mutianyu: Known for beautiful scenery, a good family atmosphere, and a less crowded experience than Badaling. It features a cable car and a fun toboggan run for descent.
• Badaling: The most famous and best-preserved section, though also the most crowded. It offers a grand and imposing view of the wall's architecture.
• Jinshanling & Jiankou: For serious hikers and those seeking a more adventurous, unrestored "wild" experience with rugged, natural scenery.

Further readings:

1. China Xian Tour: 20 Interesting Facts about the Great Wall of China.
2. Wikipedia: GREAT WALL OF CHINA

15 December 2025: 9.34 p.m