The Great Wall of China
China’s best-known attraction is still mind-boggling. The Great Wall begins at Shanhai Guan on the Bo Hai Sea and snakes west to a fort at Jiayu Guan in the Gobi Desert. A comprehensive archaeological survey has concluded that the entire Great Wall, with all of its branches, stretches for 8,851.8 km. The separate walls that had been constructed by independent kingdoms, to keep out marauding nomads, were linked together. Several important sections have been rebuilt since, kitted out with souvenir shops, restaurants and amusement-park rides, and formally opened to the public.
The views from atop the Great Wall at Badaling are tremendous. This is the most touristed area of the Great Wall. The scenery is raw and yields choice views of the wall snaking archetypally into the distance over undulating hills. The wall at Badaling has undergone heavy restoration, and in 1957 it was the first section of the wall to open to tourists. Now visited annually by millions, the immediate area has seen significant development, including hotels, restaurants, and a cable car. By car from downtown Beijing it’s only one hour. Take a look at our Top 10 list of landmarks and attractions in Beijing.
Website: http://www.badaling.gov.cn/
China National Tourist Offices: United States (888/760-8218 New York; 800/670-2228 Los Angeles. www.cnto.org).
