Chinese Architecture: Great Wall, Beijing

The south face of the Great Wall at Badaling. Click an arrow for an image from that location

Before the construction of the Great Wall in the 17th century, the northern border was protected by a sporadic and crumbling series of walls that did little to intimidate invaders. In response to hostile incursions by barbarian tribes, the Ming dynasty undertook the construction of the Great Wall--a feat of engineering unequaled in the history of mankind. The exact motives for constructing the wall are unknown, but it provided many benefits:

A barrier against barbarian attacks
A fortified highway for moving troops along the northern border
A physical boundary between China and the barbarian lands to the north
A signal to barbarians of China's territorial claims

The wall begins at the western shore of the Yellow Sea and snakes several thousand miles into the central Asian desert. Most of it has suffered serious damage, especially in the east, where erosion and theft has claimed large chunks. The Badaling section of the wall, where it comes closest to Beijing (about 70 kilometers) was recently restored in 1957. Here it is about eight meters high and six meters wide, snaking along a scenic area of rugged mountains. Visitors begin at the base of a valley and choose whether to ascend either the north or south mountain. The climb is so demanding that the crowds thin out after a few hundred meters. However, the souvenir sellers will follow you every step of the way. The 1957 restoration only extended about a kilometer in each direction. Visitors are not permitted to continue into the unrestored sections.

The climb is very demanding in the summer heat (unless you take the cable car to the top, which spoils the experience). However, the guard towers are uniquely constructed so that the cool mountain breezes naturally air condition the interior. Weary travelers can literally "chill" in the guard towers before continuing along. Souvenir sellers also camp out inside for the same reason.

Tip: bring plenty of bottled water and use the restrooms before ascending the wall.

Note: Contrary to popular belief, the Great Wall cannot be seen from space with the naked eye. It is long, but very thin.

Click for larger views of the south face of the great wall