Without a doubt one of the most awe-inspiring places on earth is the Great Wall of China. Some parts of the wall date back to the 7th century and some of the most famous sections were built between 220 and 206BC. The wall runs from Shanhaiguan in the east to Lop Lake in the west. The total length is just over 5,500 miles, however only 3,889 miles actually have remaining wall sections.
One of the more notable sections of the wall is the North Pass of Juyongguan, otherwise known as Badaling. This section is made from stone and brick and is almost 8 metres in height and 5 metres in width.
The Jinshanling section of the wall is one of the most striking. It has 67 watchtowers and stretches for some six and a half miles. It was constructed during the Ming Dynasty and is sometimes referred to as the Ming Great Wall. Wangjinglou is one of the watchtowers; it sits some 980 metres above sea level.
There are many companies that arrange holidays for people who want to visit the Great Wall. The best time to visit the Great Wall is either from mid-March to the end of May or from mid-September to mid-November. This is when the weather will be at its best; the summer months can be hot but provide amazing clear views. However, during the winter months the snow does make the wall and its surrounding area look especially spectacular. Regardless of when you visit the Great Wall is a stunning place and will leave you with a memory that will last a lifetime.
