The Great Wall of China, China

Great Wall of China is one of the significant attractions which are included in the list of wonders of the world. Now regarded as the world’s longest wall, covering over 13 thousand miles, its existence is proof of the great antiquity and creative spirit of China. This historical fortification is meant for shielding off invasions to have transformed into one of the primary icons of China’s history and traditions. The construction of the structure incorporates various forms of architectural designs and practices that have been ranged with the periods of construction. Now it is recognized as the World’s Heritage site and a popular travel destination providing the guests with the opportunity to touch the history of the Oriental country.

6/10/20243 min read

Historical Significance

The afore-mentioned Great Wall of China remains a prominent feature of China and can be considered as a great cultural asset of the country as well. It has been built as early as the 7th century BC, where several dynasties added additional rooms, and structures complexes along with improving the fortification system. Nevertheless, the most popular and commonly referred to as the Great Wall today were constructed during the period of the Ming dynasty (1368-1644). During this period the Wall also transformed from a simple symbol of power into a highly fortified defense against the northern threats especially the Mongols to the Chinese empire. However, the great policy of the wall is also needed for trading because it is very important for the military area and connecting the communication. It helped set the division of trade of the new Silk Route which is the trade route that connected china to the all Asia, the middle East and Europe. The Wall’s watchtowers and fortifications were also to manage the routes of exchange and movement of goods and people therefore had strategic roles in the ongoing commercial venture of the Silk Road.

Nowadays, the Great Wall has been enlisted in the list of the UNESCO World Heritage sites; people admire not only its historical significance but the architectural one as well. This commodity is a good example of the innovative, rational and tenacious ancient civilization of China. The Wall is built more than 13,000 miles crossing through the desert, the mountain, the plateau, the grassland and more. The materials used in it construction where earth, wood, bricks, and stone depending on the geographical location and accessibility of the materials in each part of the country where the wall was constructed. Indeed, tourists of the twenty first century and history lovers can get an insight of this ancient structure in China through the Great Wall. Two often visited part such as Badaling and Mutianyu can be visited and one gets to view beautiful sceneries in the countryside. The architecture of the Wall with watchtowers, battlements, and signal beacons are another clear evidence of the high degree of the military build біл’d engineering known at the time.

brown tree branch on green grass field during daytime
brown tree branch on green grass field during daytime
people walking on wooden bridge over green mountain under blue sky during daytime
people walking on wooden bridge over green mountain under blue sky during daytime

Personal Anecdote

Strolling at the Great Wall at Mutianyu I was amazed at how huge and old this construction was. While being on high of one of the watchtowers, I felt the great need of acknowledging oneself to the great number of people who used this trail before me; this was very worthy and encouraging; I can only imagine the centuries the architecture of this structure has seen. It was a time when it felt good to be alive and when one is able to spend few moments of the time contemplating at present and the past.

Travel Tips

Best Time to Visit: The best months to visit the National Park are; Spring from April to June and autumn from September to November as the climate is favorable as well as less crowded.

What to Bring: Both, spring season (April to June) and autumn season (September to November) are the best suited in terms of climate and least number of tourists disturbing the peace.

Guided Tours: For further information it is better to hire a professional guide that will tell you more about the history and meaning of the Wall. In this context, the guides can give you interesting stories, which bring in more insight than the purely academic facts.

Must-See Sections

Best Time to Visit: The best months to visit the National Park are; Spring from April to June and autumn from September to November as the climate is favorable as well as less crowded.

What to Bring: Both, spring season (April to June) and autumn season (September to November) are the best suited in terms of climate and least number of tourists disturbing the peace.

Guided Tours: For further information it is better to hire a professional guide that will tell you more about the history and meaning of the Wall. In this context, the guides can give you interesting stories, which bring in more insight than the purely academic facts.