The Great Wall, a must-see for anyone visiting China. Dating back around 2000 years, the Wall stretches from the border with North Korea to the western province of Xinjiang, passing through 17 provinces. The Wall's non-continuous length is reported to be 8851 km. It was built to defend against the invading Mongols.
The stretches of Wall closest to Beijing have been rebuilt. However, other strips have been destroyed by encouraging the usage of bricks as building material as well as for making way for new developments such as roads and highways. Nature has also taken its toll.
I visited a more recent stretch, Juyongguan. It was first constructed in the 5th century, rebuilt during the Ming dynasty and was more recently restored. It is the closest section to Beijing and has been somewhat over-renovated. So much so that little of the original authenticity has remained. Nonetheless, it's part of the famous Great Wall of China.
Also, contrary to popular belief, the Great Wall being the only man-made structure visible from the moon, is a myth.
The stretches of Wall closest to Beijing have been rebuilt. However, other strips have been destroyed by encouraging the usage of bricks as building material as well as for making way for new developments such as roads and highways. Nature has also taken its toll.
I visited a more recent stretch, Juyongguan. It was first constructed in the 5th century, rebuilt during the Ming dynasty and was more recently restored. It is the closest section to Beijing and has been somewhat over-renovated. So much so that little of the original authenticity has remained. Nonetheless, it's part of the famous Great Wall of China.
Also, contrary to popular belief, the Great Wall being the only man-made structure visible from the moon, is a myth.
Crazy traffic jam on the way to the Great Wall.
So much smog that the mountains and the wall were barely visible from the highway.
Some more information about Juyongguan.
The beginning section was extremely crowded with tourists. However, once past the first couple of watchtowers, tired legs and lungs discouraged most from pursuing the steep ascent. The uneven heights of the steps made going up more strenous.
It was extremely hot and muggy.
Snaking through the mountains... The Wall is majestic and awe-inspiring. 
I finally reached the top. This stretch of the wall stopped here. 
Going back down. Notice the reduced number of climbers.
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