The Great Wall

The Great Wall of China. It is simply a breathtaking experience to find yourself on top of this well-constructed engineering marvel that has withstood the test of time. Although much of the Great Wall is in rather weather-battered conditions, this particular section (Badaling Pass) is considered the most well-preserved section of the Great Wall. The Badaling section is located approximately 80km from the Chinese capital of Beijing, and is the most visited section of the Great Wall. 

The walls here average 7.8m high and 5m wide, enough for 5 horses to ride side-by-side. Strong military fortification was the primary purpose of this section, when built in the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). Watchtowers averaging every 250 yards allowed guards to keep a sharp eye on any incoming attacks. Stones were strategically removed, leaving holes in the walls to allow archers to shoot, should enemies strike. Signal fire platforms alerted other watchtowers of incoming attack. The well-preserved wall is a time capsule. Close your eyes, and you can almost feel the guardsmen keeping post, maintaining a sharp eye, sparing a minute or two to write to their loved ones. So much history lay here. If only these walls could talk. This is the soul of the Great Wall.

Michael