The world-renowned Great Wall, a symbol of ancient Chinese civilization, has stood grandly in the land of China for a long time. Stretching from the coast of the Bohai Bay in the east and terminating at Jiayu Pass in the West, it winds among lofty mountains for 12,700 li, or 6,350 km, hence its Chinese name Wanlichangcheng (Ten-thousand-li-lonsg Wall). Built of granite slabs and special sized bricks, the Great Wall at Mutianyu, 90 kilometres northeast of Beijing, is typical of the Wall during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). Some portions of the wall top, regularly marked by watch-tawore along its length, are wide enough for five horsemen to ride abreast or ten men to walk side by side. Less crowded than the section of the wall at Badaling, Mu Tian Yu gives a beautiful glance of ancient Chinese history with its panoramic view of the surrounding hills. |