Introduction to the Great Wall
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Walking the Great Wall (and Questioning Our Life Choices)
The Great Wall of China is one of those places that feels almost unreal until you’re standing on it — ancient stone stretching endlessly over mountains, built centuries ago to protect empires and now challenging modern travelers in very different ways. While it’s often imagined as one long, continuous wall, it’s actually a patchwork of sections built by different dynasties over hundreds of years. Translation: some parts are nicely restored… and others feel like a medieval obstacle course.
Standing there, it’s impossible not to be impressed — by the scale, the history, and the sheer determination it took to build something like this without modern tools. It’s beautiful, humbling, and a solid reminder that humans have always been wildly ambitious.
We Came, We Climbed, We Sat on Our Butts
My friend Ingrid (younger, fitter, and far too cheerful) and I climbed together, eventually making it to Gate 13. The Wall technically continues on to Gate 16, but after hearing that people have actually died beyond 13, we decided that was a great place to call it a win. Most of our group had already started descending, so we lingered, admired the views, and congratulated ourselves.
Then the wind showed up.
Not a breeze — a full-on, rethink-your-decisions wind. On a narrow section of the Wall, with no guardrails and dramatic drop-offs on both sides, we realized dignity was optional but survival was not. So we sat down, locked arms, and butt-shimmy-slid our way to safety like two very determined crabs. Not graceful. Very effective.
Exhausting? Yes. Terrifying? Briefly. Worth it? Absolutely.
Why It Sticks With You
Beyond the physical challenge and unplanned butt-scooting, the Great Wall leaves a lasting impression. Walking where soldiers, workers, and travelers once stood makes history feel personal. Every uneven stone represents effort, endurance, and a belief that what they were building mattered — even if they never saw the final result. It’s a powerful reminder of what humans can create together, and why preserving places like this matters.
Other Things to See (Once Your Legs Recover)
Beijing has far more to offer than just the Wall. Don’t miss:
- The Forbidden City – massive, historic, and surprisingly peaceful once inside
- Temple of Heaven – beautiful architecture and local life in motion
- Summer Palace – gardens, lakes, and a slower pace
- Hutongs – narrow alleyways that offer a glimpse into traditional Beijing life
- Peking Duck dinners – because this is not optional
The Great Wall may steal the spotlight, but Beijing delivers the full experience — history, culture, food, and stories you’ll be laughing about long after your legs stop hurting.