The Great Wall

Our expert China

The Great Wall

Previous Next

The Great Wall Construction began in the 5th century B.C. to contain the threat of Mongol invasion, though in the end it was never actually used. Best View Stock / age fotostock

See more pictures: The Great Wall

Buses leaving from 6:00 am facilitate an independent visit to the Great Wall, in Badaling; the restored part that is extremely frequented to the point of becoming a real boulevard. Badaling is 46 miles from the city centre. The history of this wall is not told; it was erected from the 5th century BC to contain the threat of invasion by the Mongols, however in the end it was hardly used. Under the Ming dynasty it extended over more than 4,030 miles to the sea. Several other sites are accessible to visitors such as Mutianyu, which is 56 miles away to the north-east. This site has also been subjected to excessive tourism. Less frequented (up to now...) as it was opened more recently and is still being restored is the site of Simatai, 70 miles from the centre of Beijing. Some thirteen miles involve impressive slopes at 70% and a cable car. Those who get vertigo, beware!