TRAVEL INFO: THE GREAT WALL OF CHINA

The Great Wall of China is the world's longest-man-made structure, stretching over 21,196 km across nothern China. 

It was built to protect Chinese Empires against nomadic invasions from the north. Built in stages from the 7th century BC until the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). 

Most famous sections near Beijing like Badaling, Mutianyu and Juyongguan were built during the Ming Dynasty using solid stone and bricks.

The Great Wall of China was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987. 

The Jinshangling section of the Great Wall, which is administrative-wise located in Luanping County, Chengde City, Hebei Province. 

It was rebuilt in the late 16th century under the direction of the famous Ming Dynasty General Qi Jiguang. 

The Badaling Great Wall is the most famous, highly restored and frequently visited section of the Great Wall of China. 

Situated in Yanqing District, approximately 80 km northwest of downtown Beijing. It was built during the Ming Dynasty to serve as a critical military outpost guarding a vital moutain pass. 

Highly developed for tourism with smooth ramps, handrails, cable cars, and pulleys, making it the easiest section to climb for families and elderly travelers.

The Hushan Great Wall located near Dandong, Liaoning Province, China. This section marks the absolute easternmost terminus of the Ming Dynasty Great Wall.

The large stone base inscription reads "万里长城东端起点" which translates directly to "The Starting Point of the Eastern End of the Great Wall."

It was originally constructed in 1469 AD during the Chenghua era of the Ming Dynasty. The wall stretches over Tiger Mountain right along the bank of the Yalu River, which acts as the natural border separating China and North Korea. A famous narrow strait nearby called Yibukua ("One Step Across") allows visitors to look closely into North Korean territory.

The Jiankou Great Wall, situated in the rugged mountain ridges of Huairou District, Beijing. The work "Jiankou" translates directly to "Arrow Nock", because the shape of the mountain ridge. 

Constructed during the Ming Dynasty (around 1368-1644). 

Jiayuguan Pass - or Jiayu Pass the westernmost starting point of the Ming Dynasty Great Wall. Located southwest of Jiayuguan City, it serves as a vital military choke point and checkpoing for trade caravans along the Silk Road.

Built in 1372 under the Ming Dynasty, it is historically known as the "First and Most Majestic Pass under Heaven", marked the boundary of ancient Chinese civilisation. Beyond its gates lay the vast, unforgiving Gobi Desert. 

The Mutianyu Great Wall, an archectural masterpiece located in the Huairou District of Beijing. The section spans approximately 5,400 meters in total length. It features a total of 23 original-style watchtowers closely distributed across the mountain ridges.  

The wall rises 7 to 8.5 meters high and stands 4 to 5 meters wide. It was reconstructed using solid granite slabs during the Ming Dynasty under the supervision of General Xu Da and reinforced later by General Qi Jiguang.

Laolongtou (Old Dragon Head), a historic military fortress located in the Shanhaiguan District of Qinhuangdao, Hebei Province. This fortress marks the eastern terminus of the Ming Dynasty Great Wall where the defensive structure directly meets the Bohai Sea. 

Built under the direction of Ming General Qi Jiguang, the fortification was specifically designed to repel maritime invasions from northern nomadic tribesand pirates. 

The Simatai Great Wall is one of the most famous and architectural significant section of the Great Wall of China. Located in Miyun District, approximately 120 km northeast of central Beijing.

It is the only of the Great Wall that perfectly preserves the original appearance of the Ming Dynasty (1369-1644). This is also the only section of the Great Wall open for organised night tours.

The Wanjinglou Tower - (望京楼 - "Watching-Beijing Tower") is the topmost and most iconic watchtower of the Simatai Great Wall Tourist Area.

Standing at the peak of Tiger Mountain at an elevation of 986 meters, it serves as the absolute commanding height of the entire Simatai Section.

The Wulonggou Great Wall  - a magnificent, well-preserved section of the "wild" (unrestored) Great Wall. Situated near Wulonggou Village in Laiyuan County, Baoding City, Hebei Province, stretches about 150 km, linking Liaishui County to the east and strategic Pingxing Pass (Pingxingguan) in Shanxi Province to the west.

Constructed between 1573 and 1576 during the Wanli reign of the Ming Dynasty.

The Juyongguan Great Wall (Also known as Juyong Pass), located in the Changping District, about 50 km north of downtown Beijing. Known historically as the "First Pass Under Heaven" it served as one of the most critical militry choke points guarding the ancient capital from northern invasions.

Shanghaiguan located in Qinhuangdao City, Hebei, China (not Beijing as in the photo), sits about 300 km east of Beijing and serves as a major gateway where the Ming Dynasty Great Wall meets at the Bohai Sea. 

Popular known as "First Pass Under Heaven" the building pictured is the Zhendong Gate Tower. 

Just 5 km south of this gate lies Laolongtou (Old Dragon's Head), the exact point where the Great Wall extends directly into the sea. 

Visiting the Great Wall of China is absolutely worth it, as one of the New 7 Wonders of the World.

Hj Zulheimy Maamor

Lembah Keramat, K.L

20 June 2026: 2.26 a.m