The Great Wall The Great WallIt was one of the most amazing trip I ever took. First of all, it was in some way a 'homecoming' for me - an overseas second-generation Chinese but for the most part, its awesome history humbles and traditions eye-opening.
The only man-made structure that could be seen from space is not a monolithic space-age machine but a snaking wall of 6400km built since 214BC. Like other Wonders of the world, it is an amazing testimony of early man's endearvours. Driven by Shih Huang-ti, the first emperor of a united China, millions toiled under harsh and extreme conditions placing brick unto brick on rugged terrains. The Wall was put to the test throughout history. First the Hsiung-nu, nomadic tribes of the northern steppes, then Genghis Khan and finally the Manchus. Several hundred thousands lost their lives. Yet, 2 millenium and countless battles later, the Wall still stands. 'Great' seems too belittling a word.
The Simatai section of the Great Wall is located in Gubeikou Town of Miyun County, 120 km from downtown Beijing. it was built in the early period of the reign of Emperor Hong Wu of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). It is the most dangerous part of the Great Wall and is one of China's most well-preserved historical monuments. It has been listed as one of the world's cultural heritages by UNESCO.
(Click on thumbnails to see enlarged image)
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