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According
to legend, the Great Wall was built by the first emperor
of the Qin Dynasty, Qin Shi Huang (Reigned 221-210 BC),
though historical records trace the true origin of the
wall to defensive fortifications built in the fifth century
BC From the statement "Square walls surround the
Kingdom of Chu," we can trace walls with a total
length of 500 kilometers in what is now Henan Province
dating back to the Eastern Zhou Dynasty (770-256 BC).
In addition to Chu, the kingdoms of Qin, Qi, Wei, Zhao,
Han and Yan all had their own separate defensive walls
spread about through the Yellow and Yangtze River basins,
running in different directions and beginning and ending
abruptly. The walls of this period bear little relationship
to the wall of today with its predominantly east-west
configuration.
 In
221 BC, the armies of Qin conquered the abovementioned
six kingdoms and unified China. Qin Shi Huang ordered
the demolition of the walls separating these kingdoms
and rebuilt a new "Great Wall," based on the
walls protecting the northern frontiers of Yan, Zhao and
Qin. According to the Records of the Historian (shiji),
written approximately 100 BC, "General Meng Tian
mobilized 300,000 laborers and built a great wall which
followed the contour of the land, taking advantage of
natural defenses." This wall extended more than 6,000
kilometers from Lintiao (in Gansu Province) to Liaodong.
Thus the general plan of today's Great Wall was laid down
during the Qin Dynasty (221-206 BC).
During
the Han Dynasty (206 BC- AD 220) Which followed the Qin,
in addition to making improvements in the Qin wall, the
Han emperors constructed a separate outer wall north of
the Yinshan Range with a total length of 10,000 kilometers.
This was the longest single wall built in ancient China.
After the fall of the Han Dynasty, the wall gradually
decayed into ruins. In 1368, the founding year of the
Ming Dynasty, Emperor Taizu commanded his general Xu Da
to direct the reconstruction of the Great Wall. Beginning
at the Juyong Pass, the work went on for more than 100
years. Based on the general dimensions of the Qin Wall,
the Ming wall stretched from its westernmost point at
the Jiayu Pass more than 6,000 kilometers east to the
Yalu River. The section, which lies between the Jiayu
and Shanhai, passes remains in good condition today and
is known throughout the world as the Great Wall of China.
 Setting
out from Beijing, the most popular destination for visiting
the Great Wall is Badaling. Both trains and buses go to
the northwest of the city proper in a deep mountain-flanked
gully 15 kilometers long. In summer, the peaks here are
covered with brilliant stretches of leaves and luxuriant
flowers. As early as the 13th century, the area was known
for its beauty, and was listed as one of the"Eight
Great Sights of Yanjing." The name "Juyong"
first appeared in the huainanzi, a philosophical work
from the second century BC, in the following annotation:
"The Juyong Pass is one of the nine great passes
in the country."
To
the west of the Juyong Pass is a white marble structure
called the Cloud Platform (Yuntai), which was built in
1345 to serve as the foundation for a set of three stone
pagodas built at the command of Emperor Huizong, the last
ruler of the Yuan Dynasty. At this time, the structure
was known as the Pagoda Bridge (Guojieta). After the pagodas
were destroyed some time around the fall of the Yuan Dynasty
(1368), the Great Peace Temple (Tai' ansi) was built to
replace them. But the temple was burned down in 1702 during
the reign of Emperor kangxi.
The
Cloud Platform is pierced by a hexagonal arched gateway.
Both the ceiling and facades are covered with Buddhist
carvings, including depictions of the Four Heavenly Kings
in relief executed with great detail and expressiveness.
Texts of Dharani sutras and an inscription entitled "A
Record of Charitable and Pious Pagoda Building" carved
in six languages -- Lantsha (Nepalese Sanskirt), Tibetan,
Phagspa Mongolian, Uygur, Western Xia and Han -- are valuable
for the study of philology. The inner roof of the arch
is covered with mandala patterns and Buddha images surrounded
by flowers, all fine examples of Yuan Dynasty craftsmanship.
 The
Juyong Pass area contains many relics associated with
popular legends. One of these relics, dating back to the
Northern Song Dynasty, is the Five Heroes Temple, which
commemorates the ostensible digging of the gully by five
men of unusual strength. The fanciful name of the Playing
the Zither Gorge (Tanqinxia) is derived from the clear
and melodious sounds of the river flowing through it.
Continuing on from the Juyong Pass, one will arrive at
Badaling, the highest point along the entire length of
the Great Wall. Between Badaling and Juyong Pass, two
Chinese characters Tianxian (Natural Barrier) are carved
into a steep and imposing cliff. During the Ming Dynasty,
two fortifications were built in this area, the Northern
Gate Pass on west and the Juyong Garrison on the east.
By climbing up through the pass and looking westward,
one will be able to see a chain of mountains stretching
away to the horizon with a single defile leading through
them. To the north of the ridges near the wall is the
platform for Viewing the Capital (Wangjingtai) and on
clear days the White Dagoba in Beijing Park can be seen
from here. By climbing over another slope and following
a flight of stone steps up to the highest point of the
southern section of the wall, one can see the dragon-like
Great Wall making its way over the mountains.
Strategic
platforms were built every 300 to 500 meters along the
wall. These platforms served a variety of purposes: for
posting patrols and sentries; to serve as observation
posts; and as battle platforms for offensive actions and
weapon storage. Here there are also reinforcing walls
built alongside the wall proper and beacon towers for
transmitting military information.
The
Badaling section of the Great Wall most frequented by
visitors dates from the Ming Dynasty, Constructed of large
blocks of granite and bricks, the wall at this point is
6.6 meters high and 6.5 meters wide at its base, narrowing
to 5.5 meters on the rampart. It is wide enough to permit
five or six horses to stand abreast.
 In
recent years, the Chinese government has carried out restoration
work on the sections of the wall which have collapsed
or been eroded by wind and sand. Despite this, the great
increase in tourists at the Great Wall in recent years
has led experts to suggest the opening of a "second
Badaling" to accommodate the great number of visitors.
The "second Badaling" is located to the northeast
of Beijing proper and can be reached by bus in approximately
two hours. Built on the Great and lesser Gold mountains
(Jinshan), this section is also called the Gold Mountain
Great Wall. According to historical records, the construction
of this part of the wall was begun in 1571, and is part
of the 1,000-kilometer-long section of the wall between
the Shanhai Pass in the east and Changping County in the
west, which was the result of cooperation between two
famous Ming generals, Qi Jiguang and Tan Lun. In terms
of construction it is in no way inferior to the wall at
Badaling.
The
Great Wall at the Gold Mountain is seven meters high,
six meters wide, and built of rectangular slabs of stone.
The brick-paved walkway along the top of the wall is four
meters wide and the crenellated openings two meters wide.
In the merlons (the solid intervals between the crenels)
there are small holes for observation and shooting arrows.
There are also special openings between the crenels to
insert flags for display or signal transmission.
The
158 battle platforms in the Gold Mountain section of the
Great Wall were designed in a great variety of shapes-square,
circular, oval and multi-cornered. Their interiors are
constructed of wood or brick and their roofs are flat,
domed or barrel-vaulted. There are also variations in
the shape of the archways, which give access to the battle
platforms.
To
the north of Tiger Mountain is a huge solitary piece of
rock, which has in it an indentation one meter in diameter
and 20 cm deep called the Spring of Heaven. The water
from this spring flows continuously in both the rainy
and fry seasons. Near the spring is a defense tower called
the Five Eyes Tower. Unique in design, the body of the
tower is made of rectangular stone blocks and the roof
of polished bricks. Inside there are two large barrel-vaulted
ceilings, three corridors, 10 arched openings and a central
octagonal dome supported by four brick columns arranged
in a square. The stone columns are decorated with relief
carvings of flowers, which add a touch of elegance to
this otherwise austere building. Standing atop this tower,
one can see the Great Wall winding its way along the contours
of the mountains. From this vantage point, the wall appears
like a ribbon of jade linking the Wuling Mountain (the
highest peak of the Yanshan Range) with the Sleeping Tiger
Range near Gubeikou.
Leaving
the Five Eyes Tower and proceeding along the wall, one
comes to the Tower for Viewing the Capital (Wangjinglou),
which sits at a strategic point in Tiger Mouth Peak. The
tower commands a panoramic view of the surrounding countryside.
Off to the southwest, the mirror-like surface of Miyun
Reservoir appears, the outline of Beijing can be seen
in the early morning and the city lights become visible
at night.
The Mutianyu section of the Great Wall was opened to tourists
on May 1, 1986. Located 73 kilometers from Beijing proper,
it joins the Juyong Pass in the west and Gubeikou in the
east. A new 4,000-meter-long pathway has been constructed
from the road. It can also be reached by cable car.
This
well-preserved section was built about 1,400 years ago
and reconstructed later during the Ming Dynasty. History
of Ming Military Affairs explains why it was rebuilt.
When
Emperor Yongle returned north and reestablished Beijing
as the capital, he was exposed to attack on three sides.
Harassment increased after the reign of Emperor Zhengtong,
so work was begun to strengthen and lengthen the wall
at Yalu River in the east.
The
strategic importance of Mutianyu was obvious, as many
battles took place there. It is said that during the Three
Kingdoms period when Cao Cao exterminated Yuan Shao's
regime, his army advanced through Mutianyu. In the mid-Ming
years, the noted General Qi Jiguang was transferred from
the south. As Military Superintendent of Jizhen, he built
observation towers and provided storage areas for military
weapons.
The
highest observation tower in the Mutianyu section is 540
meters above sea level. Crenels and shooting holes are
part of the solid construction. To the east, the Great
Wall continues across the mountain ridges, to the west,
it enters a point of strategic importance at a peak 1,044
meters above sea level.
Badaling
Great Wall
Add:
Yanqing County, 70 km from Beijing's city proper;
Entry ticket: 45 yuan/person;
Transport: Tourist Bus No.s 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5; or Bus No.
919 from Deshengmen Bus Station; or drive along the Badaling
Expressway via Madian Overpass;
Tel: 86-10-69121235, 86-10-69121338.
Remnant of the Great Wall at Badaling
Add:
Donggou Village, Badaling Town, Yanqing County;
Entry ticket: 50 yuan;
Transport: Bus No. 919 from Deshengmen;
Tel: 86-10-69120990.
Juyongguan
Great Wall
Add:
North of Changping, government seat of Changping District;
Entry Ticket: 40 yuan/person;
Transport: Bus No. 919 from Deshengmen; or Tourist Bus
No.s 1-5; or drive along the Badaling Expressway;
Tel: 86-10-69771665.
Shuiguan Great Wall
Add:
Badaling, Yanqing County;
Entry ticket: 12 yuan/person;
Transport: Bus No. 919 from Deshengmen.
Mutianyu Great Wall
Add:
Huairou District;
Entry ticket: 35 yuan;
Transport: Tourist Bus No. 6 from Xuanwumen, Qianmen and
Dongsi Shitiao; or take Bus No. 916 from Dongzhimen to
Huairou, and then change to a local bus or hire a taxi
(17 km);
Tel: 86-10-61626873, 86-10-61626022.
Xiangshuihu Great Wall
Add:
Huairou District, 8 km west of Mutianyu;
Entry ticket: 18 yuan;
Transport: Take Bus 916 (extending line) from Dongzhimen,
or take Bus 916 to Huairou and then change to a local
bus or hire a taxi;
Tel: 86-10-89602539.
Lianyunling Great Wall
Add:
Dazhenyu Village, Huairou District;
Entry ticket: 18 yuan;
Transport: Take Bus 916 from Dongzhimen to Huairou, and
then change to a local bus or hire a taxi.
Huanghuacheng Great Wall
Add:
Chengguan Town, Huairou District;
Entry ticket: Not yet formally open;
Transport: Take Bus No. 916 from Dongzhimen to Huairou
and then change to a local bus or hire a taxi;
Tel: 86-10-61651004.
Heituoshan Jiankou Great Wall
Add:
Northwest of Huairou;
Entry: Free of charge;
Transport: Take Bus 916 from Dongzhimen to Huairou, and
then change to a local bus or hire a taxi;
Tel: 86-10-61611674, 86-10-61611614.
Bailingguan Great Wall
Add:
Toudaogou Village, Miyun County;
Entry: Free of charge;
Transport: Take a bus from Dongzhimen to Miyun, and then
change to a local bus, or hire a taxi;
Tel: 86-10-81022491.
Jinshanling Great Wall
Add:
On the border between Beijing's Miyun County and Hebei's
Luanping County.
Entry ticket: 30 yuan/person;
Transport: Take Train L671, which starts at 7:25 AM from
Beijing North Railway Station, and get down at Gubeikou;
or take a bus from Dongzhimen to Miyun and then change
to a local bus or hire a taxi.
Simatai Great Wall
Add: Gubeikou Town, Miyun County;
Entry ticket: 30 yuan;
Transport: Tourist Bus No. 12 from Xuanwumen and Dongsi Shitiao; or take bus from Dongzhimen to Miyun and then change to a local bus or hire a taxi;
The Great Wall -- Travel Essentials
The Great Wall of China is definitely a travel destination that won't disappoint you. Covering such a huge amount of history and offering so many stories, it's certainly worth reading up before embarking on your journey.
To gain the maximum potential from the Great Wall of China, and to appreciate it's 'greatness' it's best to get up close and personal and take a walk along it. This can be treacherous and difficult if you are not properly prepared. By following these simple guidelines, you will get the most from your adventure.
- Clothing: Since it was a military facility, the Great Wall was mainly built along the ridges of steep mountains. Your clothes should therefore be light, loose outdoor sportswear suitable for mountaineering. Your sportswear should be waterproof and wind-resistant suitable for mountaineering. It is also recommended that the fabric is air-permeable to keep your body dry and comfortable.
- Foot protection: Different routes require different shoes. Your feet will swell with the altitude and heat, so be careful with new shoes. New shoes may be uncomfortable; 'wear them in' by going on a couple of hikes prior to your journey. Hiking boots or Tough waterproof trainers with good traction and ankle support are recommended. Shoelaces shouldn't be too loose or too tight; otherwise your feet will easily get tired and even hurt.
Socks should be of moderate thickness, cotton socks although soft and are sweat absorbent, may cause blisters. Vaseline and grease can be daubed on feet to ease the rubbing and prevent blisters. If you do get a blister, place antiseptic and an expandable band-aid over the area - do not prick it!
- Sunburn protection: It is very easy to get sun burnt in mountaineering due to the altitude and strong ultraviolet radiation. The following measures must be applied to avoid that, or you will suffer for a few days. First, DO NOT expose yourself to the sun, wear a hat and long loose clothing. Secondly, about half an hour before you start your journey, please use a strong sun protection cream on all exposed areas - don't forget the back of your neck. Re-apply the protection cream every couple of hours.
- Water supply: Water us essential for your trip. You should drink plenty of fluids to replace the fluids your body uses during exercise. You should drink at least 100 ml every 30-40 minutes, so pack half a liter for every hour you intend to walk. Alkaline drinks are preferred to quickly restore physical strength.
- Safety: Traveling on the Great Wall can be exhausting if you are not fit. Seniors and weaklings are recommended to take it slowly and get enough rest to appreciate the charming scenery of the Great Wall. When touring to undeveloped sites, do not climb onto insecure or damaged sections as you may injure yourself and damage the wall.
Whilst taking pictures, pay attention to barriers underfoot - many people have come 'unstuck' during a lapse of concentration.
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