THE GREAT WALL OF CHINA - IS IT REALLY THAT GREAT?
THE GREAT WALL OF CHINA or rather the long wall of china
Of all of the walls built so far in the human history this is probably the Greatest. Even a name indicates that we are dealing here with an extraordinary construction. I used the expression “so far” deliberately… Ok. Let’s give Americans a break…
It takes just a short trip from Beijing to be able to see the Stone Dragon - the mightiest man-maid structure and engineering wonder on the planet Earth. It is said that Great Wall of China can be even visible from the space. Do not read the next sentence. It might completely shatter your illusion and perception of the world. The Great Wall of China is not visible from the space. The average height of the Great Wall of China ranges from 6-7 meters. I know what you feel now. I weeped too once had discovered this fact.
The Great Wall of China wriggles over 21,196 km from the Yellow Sea to the edge of the Gobi Desert. It is a product of countless labours over a period of more than 2300 years. The Chinese use a term “The Long Wall” rather than “The Great Wall” and for Chinese the Wall (Great or Long) it is a symbol of national identity. You can see it everywhere: on T-Shirts, on stamps, on an every Chinese tourist visa.
WHO BUILT THE GREAT WALL OF CHINA AND WHY?
There is another lie to be refuted. The Great Wall of China is not one continuous piece of wall. It is plural and not even a wall. It consists of many smaller pieces, technically speaking “fortifications”. It was not built by one ruler either. It was built in different areas by different dynasties over years to repel foreign invaders from Chinese territories but it really never did. OK. It is enough of the truth. It is a moot point whether the Great Wall of China really fulfilled its purpose.
Theory: Soldiers usually patrolled on the top of the wall and as soon as a guard spotted an invader, they would burn the firewood and transmit a smoke signal or a beacon fire, letting the troops know that the enemy is approaching. Small openings along the wall let the archers fire on invaders, and the larger were used to drop stones.
Practise: The research shows that since the guards on the towers felt unable to defend themselves, they would rather fail to raise the alarm if they spotted an enemy and pretend that they had not seen them. Very often they would even collude with them.
The expression “ a complete waste of time” now really takes on a new whole meaning and dimension.
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT THE GREAT WALL OF CHINA?
The best time to visit the Great Wall of China is in spring or fall in good weather conditions. Summer is the peak season with overwhelming crowds and heat. In winter is less crowded, you might even have many parts of the Wall, just to yourself but on the other hand, it is unpleasantly cold and a bit of risky especially on the loose rocks and stones. Go early morning or late afternoon and if it possible, avoid weekends particularly in the summer.
WHICH SECTION OF THE GREAT WALL OF CHINA TO VISIT?
The most popular section of the Great Wall of China is Badaling but it does not necessarily mean it is the most beautiful one and that is where you should head too. Just think, if all the tourists go to Badaling, what it means for you?
It actually means that it will get crowded on the Wall and I really mean very crowded. Do not underestimate the Chinese, they might be little but their strength is in the numbers. My choice had fallen upon the Mutianyu Great Wall. It i a bit further from Beijing but it is the longest fully-restored Great Wall section open to tourists and definitely less crowded.
Restored sections: Mutianyu Great Wall, Huangyaguan Great Wall, Badaling Great Wall, Huanghuacheng Great Wall.
Wheelchair-friendly sections: Juyongguan Great Wall, Mutianyu Great Wall.
Wild sections: Jiankou Great Wall, Gubeikou Great Wall.
Steep sections: Jiankou Great Wall, Simatai Great Wall.
HOW TO GET TO THE GREAT WALL OF CHINA?
If you decided on which section of the Great Wall of China to visit, you picked the date, there is only one more question you need to answer yourself. OK. Technically speaking, there are three of them.
Do you prefer to visit the Great Wall of China independently?
Yes. It is a good idea:
If you speak Chinese.
If you want to visit Badaling. Badaling can be accessed rather easily by both bus and train.
If you do not mind wild crowds in public transportation.
If you want to spend some more time at the Wall and you consider staying overnight in one of many hotels/guesthouses.
Do you prefer to visit the Great Wall of China as a part of a group tour?
If you are on a tight schedule or simply want to avoid the hassle, 1-day or 0.5 day tours to the Great Wall of China are run by almost every hotel, hostel and many specialist tour companies. I used the following reputable company: Mubus. You can book a tour directly on their website, you pay cash on a bus to your guide. This is also a cost-effective way to visit the Great Wall of China.
I paid 250 CNY for a return bus transportation, shuttle, 40 min guided tour, admission ticket and lunch. The only extra cost was a price of the cable car - 120 CNY both ways. There were no stops and shopping traps. (In addition, I learnt about 1-1 at the Silk Market in Beijing where you can buy a “genuine” Rolex for approximately 1000 CNY. I found out what is the name of a good bottle of Chinese alcohol ( Beijing Niu Lan Shan - Rice Wine) too).
Do you prefer to visit the Great Wall of China as a part of a private tour?
This is probably the best option but it comes with a price. Unless you travel with a small group of friends/family, join a group tour.
If you want to see the Great Wall of China from a bit different perspective, try a VIP helicopter tour.
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO - TIPS & ADVICE TO VISIT A GREAT WALL OF CHINA
Select the most suitable Great Wall section to visit and the best way to get there.
Prepare for quite a hike. Take walking poles, hiking boots, sun protection (sunscreen, hat, sunglasses), waterproofs etc. If you decide to hike up to the actual wall on your feet, bear in mind, it can take up to 1h and there is even more hiking on the wall awaiting you.
Bring water and food if you are planning a long hike on the wall. There are no shops on the wall, and restaurants are way down in the valleys. The cost of water and food is quite pricey near the Wall so better take your big lunch box, snacks and drinks with you from Beijing.
Pay attention to your steps. Be careful not to slip, trip or fall, especially on the loose rocks/bricks at wild Great Wall sections.
Try a tabogan ride and slide down from the Great Wall of China (80 CNY - one way) There is no way to slide up, unfortunately…