Along the back of a Winding Dragon – Experience the Great Wall of China
The extraordinary Great Wall of China has for thousands of years inspired the strength and pride of a nation. It is undoubtedly one of the greatest wonders on the earth, as it winds majestically through grasslands, over mountains and plateaux and across desert plains.
The sections of the Great Wall were built by different dynasties, during different periods of ancient Chinese history. It stretches an extraordinary 5,500 miles from East to West. The wall started as a defensive line in the State of Chu, as the sates of China warred against each other around 700BC. When the country was unified by the Qin, there seemed to be no more need for the magnificent structure. However the nomad of the North often tried to invade the peaceful territory. Soon the Qin Emperor Shihuang ordered the expanding of the defence wall, to guard against these ‘Huns’. It was called the Great Wall of Ten Thousand Li.
The Great Wall grew and increased in length throughout its early life and became the principle protection when the Silk Route was established. Since then over ten dynasties added to, rebuilt and maintained the superb formation of the Great Wall. Today many sections are in a ruinous state, as maintaining the vast winding wall proved time consuming, expensive and the labour needed was intense.
However this has not stopped countless visitors making the pilgrimage to view this marvel of China. There are many scenic tourist spots, including the Badaling, Simatai and the Shanhaiguan Pass in the Hubei Province.
There are beacon towers along calculated places along the wall which were integral to communication along the wall. It also houses, battlements and watchtowers, where ancient soldiers could defend against enemies with flying arrows and terrifying canon fire.
Overtime as farming near the Great Wall became essential to maintaining its millions of soldiers, markets and gradually towns were being formed. The fighting slowed down and the gates of the passes were kept open. This encouraged trade and commerce, as city grew.
The Great Wall of China was inscribed by UNESCO in the list of World Cultural Heritage Sites in 1987, but it has long since fascinated mankind long before that.
There are even several myths surrounding the Great Wall. A most famous story among the Chinese people is the story of Meng Jianghu. It is said she shed sorrowful tears for her husband who died during its construction that part of the wall collapsed in ruins.
The Great Wall is beautiful to behold at all times of the year. In the spring and summer, colourful flowers and lush vegetation embraces its long sides. The scenes of autumn are warm and inviting, as an amazing view is created. In winter, the snowfall on the mountains envelope the wall and makes it the only time of year when the entire wall can be seen.
There are numerous places on and near the wall that offer spectacular views. In the Shanxi Province, there is a part of the wall that is not well known, but it is spectacular nonetheless. The Yulin Wall is seven kilometres and is built of piled dirt, covered in layers of bricks.
The Zhen Bei Tai is a square four story tower that has been called the First Tower of The Great Wall. There are sections of the Ningxia Wall in the North that have been beautifully preserved. The Grand Jiayuguan Pass is the location of the ‘end’ of the Great Wall. A fort was constructed here, in this small oasis amidst an inhospitable desert and eventually a town was founded.
The Great Wall is an extraordinary example of ancient skill and craftsmanship. It has impressed thousands of people, in its simplicity and purpose of build. It takes its trekkers through China’s beautiful terrain and with a little imagination, back in time to its long and wonderful history.
