The Great Wall
cctv.com 11-24-2005 13:37
The Great Wall of China extends more than 6000 kilometers. It was first built over 2000 years ago, then repaired and rebuilt several times at different stages in Chinese history up to the Ming Dynasty, around 600 years ago. So the wall is not one complete line, but a series of walls that follow the same general path. Some areas are easily visible, some have been restored to their former glory, and others are almost completely buried or destroyed.
The Wall was built for national defense, to keep invaders out of China on its northern boundary. There are high towers where fires would be lit to send signals warning of invasion. Horses and men could then be moved quickly along the wall to counter the attack. Passes were also built through this artificial barrier. The Juyong Pass near Beijing is one among them. You drive past this on your way to Badaling, which is the most common site to visit. These parts of the wall date to the Ming Dynasty and have been restored to their original condition. While they are now maintained as a tourist destination, the authorities are eager to preserve the wall. For example, there is a pass through the wall which is only enough for one car lane, yet strict regulations will not allow this pass to be widened. There are several places where you can see the wall in its unrestored state, for instance at Jiankou, one of the most secenic stretches of Great Wall around Beijing. It is known as the most photographed stretches of Great Wall. However, getting there is difficult, almost impossible without a car and an experienced guide. Because most of the wall here is in ruins, the climb itself is extremely dangerous. After all, the wall follows a path right over the mountains, not around them. But if you want to see the real thing, this is as real as it gets! #
There is a saying in China: 涓嶅埌闀垮煄闈炲ソ姹 implying that one is not a hero 濂芥眽unless he has climbed the Great Wall. 闈 means 涓嶆槸. 闈炲ソ姹 you鈥檙e not a hero unless you visit the Great Wall. Even for international tourists, this is a must-see location in China.
Editor:Wang Ping Source:CCTV.com
