The Great Wall
Isn’t it ironic that the walls originally meant to keep foreigners out, are the same walls that are luring most tourists into China nowadays?
One of the Seven Wonders of the World, The Great of Wall of China — Wan Li Chan Cheng, or The Long Wall of Ten Thousand Li– made it to the UNESCO World Heritage list in 1987. Some parts may have been constructed as early as 8th century B.C., but in c. 220 B.C., under Qin Shi Huang, sections of earlier fortifications were joined together to form a united defence system spanning some 3750 miles. It’s wide enough to allow ten soldiers or 5 horses to travel side-by-side, and is said to be the only man-made structure visible from the moon.
I wouldn’t be able to confirm that last bit, flying to the moon not being one of my quests, but I’d certainly want to walk the walls and see the breathtaking architecture myself. Where to stay? Hm, how about sleeping ON the Great Wall of China itself?
And when I do get there, I’ll write a review and get paid for it. What other tour would give you such a rebate?
Or maybe I’ll just submit Yupki’s story, haha! :)
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POSTED IN: Asian Adventure/Trekking
4 opinions for The Great Wall
Melissa (AnP)
Jul 11, 2005 at 6:42 am
I didn’t even know that one can still climb up the Great wall! TOurist me used hte cable car in the badaling entry/exit back in 1998 and thought all along that everyone did the same.
Lei
Jul 11, 2005 at 6:53 am
FYI, being able to see the Great Wall from the moon is an urban legend - http://geography.about.com/…
Ruth
Jul 11, 2005 at 9:16 am
meliisa, check out yupki’s photos. i thought it’s off-limits, too. hm, maybe on your next asian trip then?
lei, thanks for that bit. now i don’t have fly so far to confirm that then, haha!
Let’s Visit Asia » Preserving the Great Wall of China
Oct 26, 2006 at 10:16 am
[…] Out of the oringinally-4,000 miles spanning the Great Wall of China, only a third remain standing, and there are only a few stretches open to the public. Yes, you’re allowed to climb and walk on the wall, even sleep on it. […]
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