Here are ten interesting facts about the Badaling Great Wall, a famous tourist attraction in Beijing suburbs.
Most Visited Section of the Great Wall
Badaling Great Wall is the most visited section of the Great Wall of China, with an estimated 10 million visitors every year. The popularity of this section can be attributed to its proximity to Beijing and its accessibility for visitors of all ages and physical abilities. Badaling Great Wall is also the most well-preserved section of the wall, with extensive renovations and restorations completed over the years to maintain its integrity and historical significance.
First Section Open to Tourists
Badaling Great Wall was the first section of the Great Wall to open to tourists in 1957. Since then, it has become a symbol of China’s rich cultural heritage and an iconic landmark that draws millions of visitors from all over the world. In recognition of its cultural importance, the Badaling Great Wall was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987.
Strategic Location
Built during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), Badaling Great Wall was strategically located to protect the northern gateway to Beijing. It was one of the most important parts of the Great Wall, serving as a defense against invading armies from the north. The wall was also used as a means of communication, with smoke signals and other forms of signaling used to send messages across long distances.
Impressive Architecture
Badaling Great Wall is an impressive feat of engineering and architecture, featuring large bricks and tamped earth that are reinforced with battlements and watchtowers. The wall is approximately 7.6 meters (25 feet) high and 5.8 meters (19 feet) wide at its base, making it a formidable defense against invading armies. The wall also features steep inclines, sharp turns, and uneven steps, making it a challenging climb for even the most experienced hikers.
Watchtowers
There are 43 watchtowers along the 3.74-kilometer (2.33-mile) stretch of the Badaling Great Wall, each with its own unique architectural style and design. The watchtowers were used to house soldiers and store weapons and supplies, and they also served as lookout posts to monitor enemy movements. The highest tower reaches a height of 1,015 meters (3,330 feet) above sea level, providing stunning panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
Restoration Efforts
The Badaling Great Wall has undergone extensive renovations and restorations to maintain its historical significance and cultural heritage over the years. The first restoration effort was launched in 1957, shortly after the wall was opened to tourists. In the 1980s, another major restoration effort was undertaken, with over 70 million yuan (approximately 11 million USD) invested in the project. The restoration efforts have been carried out with great care and attention to detail, using traditional techniques and materials to preserve the wall’s original appearance and character.
Iconic Landmark
Badaling Great Wall has become an iconic symbol of Chinese history and culture, and it is widely recognized as one of the most important landmarks in China. The wall has been featured in countless films, TV shows, and documentaries and has been visited by numerous foreign dignitaries and celebrities over the years. The wall is also a popular destination for domestic tourists, who come from all over China to explore its history and admire its beauty.
Presidential Visit
In 1972, US President Richard Nixon visited the Badaling Great Wall during his historic trip to China, marking a significant moment in US-China relations. The visit helped to raise awareness of the wall’s historical significance and cultural heritage, and it helped to cement the wall’s reputation as a significant landmark in China. Since then, numerous other world leaders and dignitaries have visited the Badaling Great Wall, including Queen Elizabeth II, Margaret Thatcher, Vladimir Putin, and Angela Merkel.
Cultural Significance
The Badaling Great Wall holds great cultural significance for the people of China, as it represents their history, identity, and resilience in the face of adversity. The wall has been a source of inspiration for generations of Chinese people, who view it as a testament to the strength and determination of their ancestors. The wall is also a symbol of the unity and solidarity of the Chinese people, who worked together to build and defend it over the centuries.
Tourist Attractions
In addition to the wall itself, there are several other tourist attractions in the vicinity of Badaling Great Wall. The Badaling Wildlife Park is a popular destination for families, with over 10,000 animals from 200 different species. The Ming Tombs, located just a short distance from the wall, are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and contain the remains of 13 Ming emperors. There are also several museums and cultural centers in the area, including the China Great Wall Museum and the Great Wall Cultural Park, which offer visitors a deeper understanding of the history and culture of the Great Wall.