The Great Wall is more than 25 feet (7.8 meters) high, 21 feet (6.5 meters) wide at its base, and 19 feet (5.8 meters) wide at its top. For every 328 feet (100 meters) long, a watchtower about 40 feet (12 meters) high is built.
Many walls were built up to defend the borders of the different kingdoms from the nomadic peoples in northern China simce the Spring and Autumn Period. The Great Wall had become the dominant fortification for the Han people since the Qin Dynasty.
But as a matter of fact, the walls didn't really work as the defending project to resist the attacks of the dangerous enemies.
The Ming Dynasty tried their best to renovate the wall, regardless of the heavy investment in time and resources, but ironically, the leader of Oirat Mongols not only led his army to crack the defense of the wall, but also took the emperor Yingzong of the Ming Dynasty alive in 1449 CE. Interestingly, the Tang Dynasty was one of dynasties which never renovated the wall and turned out to be one of the most prosperous in Chinese history.
The Great Wall is the symbol of Chinese civilization, wisdom and hard-working. As the most important historic heritage, now, the Great Wall has become the most famous scenic spot in Beijing which attracts tens of thousands of tourists every year. As what the well-known Chinese proverb inscribed on the wall saying, “He who has never been to the Great Wall is not a true man.”
In 1987, the Great Wall was added to the list of World Cultural Heritage sites.
Travel Tips:
Badaling Great Wall: 50 miles north-west to Beijing, Badingling Great Wall is the most popular section and attracts more visitors than other sections,
Admission Fee: 45RMB, or 85 (Badaling Great Wall plus cinema ticket)
Open Time: 6:30-19:00 (high season), 7:00-18:00 (low season)
Mutianyu Great Wall, it is another popular sectionabout 43 miles north-east to Beijing, the steps on Mutianyu Great Wall are steeper than other sections.
Admission Fee: 20RMB to 45RMB
Open Time: 8:00-16:00
JiankouGreat Wall, it is the most picturesque section of wall, about 45 miles north to Beijing.
Admission Fee: 20RMB Open Time: 7:00-17:00
