Great Wall Of China

Great Wall Of China posts cover the long defensive system built over many dynasties rather than a single project of one emperor. Articles look at the early walls of the Warring States period, the Qin and Han extensions, the Ming dynasty rebuild that produced most of what tourists see today, and the eastern start at Shanhaiguan and the western end at Jiayuguan. There are practical notes on visiting Mutianyu and Jinshanling instead of crowded Badaling, the steep stair sections that catch unfit visitors out, and what the wall actually did and did not stop militarily.