The Great Wall of China inspires wonder among its millions of visitors each year.
Read on to learn about its unique history and how to visit.
Like a writhing dragons tail, the Great Wall of China snakes its way across Chinas northern border.
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The Great Wall of Chinas history stretches back more than 2,000 years.
But the Great Wall isnt even a single wall.
Want to discover more Great Wall of China facts and bits of history?
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Read on for our definitive guide to this world wonder and ancient marvel.
Where Is the Great Wall of China?
Generally speaking, the Great Wall of China defends the countrys northernmost border.
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How Long Is the Great Wall of China?
At its widest point, the wall is 32 feet thick.
When Was the Great Wall of China Built?
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Why Was the Great Wall of China Built?
Originally built as a wartime defense, the Great Wall of China features many towers and passes.
During the Han dynasty, (between 202 B.C.E.
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and 220 C.E.)
the Great Wall was extended to protect the Silk Road trade.
How Was the Great Wall of China Built?
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There are even portions of the Great Wall that are natural barriers, like rivers or high mountains.
More than a million soldiers, commoners, prisoners, and animals were recruited to help build the wall.
When Is the Best Time to Visit the Great Wall of China?
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These are major holidays and everyone travels, explained Godwyn.
Autumn is arguably one of the most popular and beautiful times to visit the Great Wall of China.
Weather is comfortable and dry, and the mountains foliage is a kaleidoscopic array of hues.
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Can You See the Great Wall of China From Space?
Contrary to popular rumor, you cant see the Great Wall of China from space with the naked eye.
How Many People Visit the Great Wall of China?
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The Badaling section sees the most visitors each year.
It once received 100,000 visitors in one day.
Most clients do one day at the Great Wall as part of a visit to Beijing, explained Godwyn.
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Pick the part of the wall that best suits your needs and interests.
And dont rush it.
But getting there can be a bit tricky for travelers making the trek solo.
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Here, youll need to transfer to a bus stopping at the Mutianyu Roundabout.
The Airport Express connects directly from the Beijing Capital International Airport to Dongzhimen Station.
Subway lines also transfer to Dongzhimen Station from the Beijing West Railway Station and Beijing South Railway Station.
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Many travel experts recommend skipping the train and opting for a hired car and a guide.
A car is also the best way to maximize your time.
After a day exploring the highlights of Beijing (Tiananmen Square, the Temple of Heaven, etc.)
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youll begin a moderate hike from the Jiankou section to Mutianyu.
These tours start at $50 for a private visit to the wall.
Here, unrestored sections of wall switch back and forth along steep mountain passes.
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Hikers should expect to spend up to four hours each way.
The Great Wall of China Dos and Donts
Dont visit the Great Wall during a holiday.
The attraction is popular with tourists, but locals love the site as well.
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Tomb-Sweeping Day in April, for example, sends claustrophobia-inducing crowds to the countrys most famous sites.
Do packcomfortable walking shoes, and plenty of water.
Chinese state-run media has reported that nearly one-third of the walls have already disappeared.
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Generally speaking, however, food near the Great Wall is quite expensive and not particularly notable.
Alarmingly, 30% of the original structure has disappeared, largely because of mankinds endless meddling.
President Obama isnt the only notable world leader or celebrity to visit the Great Wall.
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Celebrities like Beyonce Knowles-Carter and Jennifer Lawrence have been seen sightseeing at the Great Wall.
