Reasons to Visit the Great Wall of China

Guest post by Selena

The Great Wall of China is one of the most magnificent sights in the world, and as you can see the longest human-made structure. It was listed as a World Heritage by UNESCO since 1987. 

Just like other tourist spots, it shows an awe-inspiring view of ancient defensive construction. It has been part of Chinese mythology and symbolism for a long time. Here are the reasons why you should visit the Great Wall of China.

Knowing the Construction and Its History

The construction of the wall started during Qin Dynasty around 221-206 BCE as a barrier fortification by the three states: Yan, Zhao and Qin and continued for more than several years throughout many different dynasties. It was built to prevent invasion and to protect the Silk Road trade.

The people built the Great Wall with wisdom, commitment, blood, sweat, and tears. Families were segregated, and as part of The Great Wall itself, many employees died and was buried in the area. Some said that the Great Wall of China was over 2,300 years old, although most residents don't think that this wonder is ancient.

Unlike other wonders to visit, the Great Wall of China will be a challenge to the very center of your soul. If you want to reach the very end of the wall, you would have to walk for 21,196 kilometers, and that would be over 30 million steps. So it will be very challenging and at the same time, a fun experience.

The Great Wall's height is 5-8 meters or 16-26 feet where it has been restored. It was intended at least three times a man's height. Some of the walls have been constructed along ridges, making it look bigger. Here are several trivia about the Great Wall of China.

• The Great Wall isn’t just a wall. It was an embedded defensive military system with surveillance towers, control and logistics fortresses, communications beacon towers, etc.

• For the construction of this huge project, more than 1,000,000 workers were recruited.

• It covers 15 areas in northern China: Heilongjiang, Jilin, Liaoning, Inner Mongolia, Beijing, Tianjin, Hebei, Shandong, Henan, Shanxi, Shaanxi, Gansu, Ningxia, Qinghai, and Xinjiang.

Get the Chance to Experience the Long Walk

Although the Great Wall is more than 6,000 kilometers long, near Beijing are the best ten sections to visit.

Mutianyu

The most beautiful wholly restored. As one of the best-preserved parts of the Great Wall, this section served as the northern barrier protecting the capital and the imperial tombs.

Jinshanling

The most popular hiking route in Great Wall. It is located in the mountainous area in Luanping County, Hebei Province, 125 km northeast of Beijing.

Jiankou

Due to its distinctive style, steep hills, and lovely landscapes, this section is a photographic hotspot.

Simatai

The only section opened for a night tour. The section located in the north of Miyun County, 120 km northeast of Beijing.

Huanghuacheng

It is located in Beijing, the capital of China.

Gubeikou 

This area is one of the important passes of the Great Wall of China, serving as an ancient checkpoint between the Northeast and Beijing for tourists.

Juyongguan

It is a mountain pass over 50 kilometers located in Changping District of Beijing Municipality from central Beijing.

Huangyaguan
The race site of the Great Wall and one of Tianjin's main tourist attractions and was listed as a relic protection site in 1986.

Shanhai Pass

The section where the Great Wall meets the sea. It is a famous tourist destination on the Ming Dynasty Great Wall's eastern terminal point.

Badaling

Experience the Best Time to Hike

Spring and autumn are the best times to visit the Great Wall (around Beijing) to prevent summer heat, crowds, and freezing conditions in winter. 

A warmer spring begins typically at the beginning of April and finishes early May. Spring is a pleasant time to visit the Great Wall, where you can see the green trees, flowers, and experience mild weather. 

Fall is the best season for hiking, due to the clear weather, it allows you to see the Great Wall snaking off in the distance. From October 15 through November 15 in Beijing, the most delicate period of autumn colors will start with many trees altering their colors with charming autumn hues. You can capture the moments or just enjoy and appreciate the sight.

If your planning to visit the Wall during the summer,  you should bring heat protection things and be ready because it’s the time where the heat strikes.

Over 50 million tourists visit The Great Wall each year as it’s a must-see in China. In addition to that,  it was also attended by more than 460 heads of state and VIPs from all over the world.

Takeaway