The Great Wall

For first-time visitors to China, the Great Wall is more than just a landmark — it often symbolizes the country. The UNESCO World Heritage site is an ideal starting point for understanding Chinese civilization. Stretching across mountains, deserts, and grasslands, it comprises an extensive defense system — walls, beacon towers, fortresses, passes, and trenches — whose construction began as early as the 7th century BC and continued through nearly every imperial dynasty. The defense structures' remnants can be found in 15 provinces, municipalities and autonomous regions across China, ranging from windswept ruins that inspire historians to carefully restored sections that draw travelers and photographers worldwide.

You can explore everything from ancient remains to museums and scenic hiking routes. Each brick, tower, and pathway reveals stories of soldiers, frontier life, and the people who shaped China's northern defenses. Whether seeking impressive landscapes, cultural insight, or a deeper connection with history, the Great Wall offers an on-site experience that brings its vast heritage vividly to life.