Great Wall, China

Joints creek, muscles scream their objection, yet we’re still only half-way down. A brief pause to bathe in the glorious scent of forest pines baking in intense afternoon sun. This is the first day since Naha where we haven’t been freezing. Having traversed more than 4000 steps along the wall, not to mention the ascent up from the village, our legs are now more like jelly.

Our first views shows a sprawling structure zigzagging across steep mountain peaks. It’s incredible to think this is but one segment of many composing the 13,170 mile system of fortifications going back more than 2,500 years. Built in 1568 atop an older section from the 6th century, Mitianyu features 22 towers spanning a pass between two ranges. It served as protection for the Capital and imperial tombs.

Today we climb what was then an experimental hollow watch tower. We are presented with a panorama of dense woodlands, cascading ranges, and Beijing skyscrapers faintly visible 43 miles away. Uniquely designed to allow archers to shoot through openings on both sides, defense wasn’t the only purpose of the wall. Immigration and controlling trade were also important, particularly during the active periods of the Silk Road.Read more