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China |
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China |
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Beijing...The Great Wall of
China |
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To view a larger size image simply click on the thumbnail of the picture. |
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The Great Wall of China was built over 2,000 years ago. It stretches for 6,352 kilometers (3,948 miles), which makes it the longest man-made structure in the world. It is one of the eight major scenic wonders of the world. Constructed as a defensive wall, it is a series of steps that lead to watchtowers and barracks that wind like a ribbon over the mountains. The Badaling section of the Great Wall built in 1505 was an important defense for the Ming Dynasty. The great wall averages 7.8 meters (about 25 feet) in height and is 6.5 meters wide at the base and 5.7 meters at the top. The width is enough for five horses to go side by side. The wall was made of stone, wood, grass, and earth. The top was paved with square bricks that were fired in kilns set up along the Great Wall. The bricks were carried by men on their backs, donkeys, mules, and goats. |
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 A pagoda at the wall |
 We visited the wall on a very overcast day. Even though it was a dreary day, the wall could be seen even before we actually got to it. The sight ran chills up my spine. |
 Armed with water we were ready for the climb. |
 This placque has an inscription that is supposed to be a replica of Chairman Mao's handwriting. It says something about not being a real man until you have visited the Great Wall. |
 The Badaling section of the Great Wall is closest to Beijing. It is very, very steep, which makes it a very difficult climb. I wanted to make it up to at least the third tower, but only made it up two. I was glad I didn't go any further because the descent was even harder than the ascent. My knees felt like jelly!!! |
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 There is a tradition among families adopting from China. The family brings with them a lock (with a key) that is engraved with the names of the parents and all of the children in the family-including the one that is being adopted. When the family tours the Great Wall of China they attach the lock to a chain on the wall. When the family returns years later, they search together for their lock. |
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 You can have anything for a price in China! This station is located somewhere past the first tower. There's a long way to go before reaching anywhere! |
Click here to see
pictures taken by another traveler at the Badaling section of the Great Wall
of China. He made it to the top! |
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