Beijing: The Chinese have a famous saying that: 'He who does not reach the Great Wall is no hero.' In truism, this maxim, originally drawn from one of Mao Zedong's poems, has been the motivational factor behind every tourist and visitor's determination to get to the summit of this age-old UNESCO World Heritage Site. For adventurers, surmounting this all-important Wall is not for the faint-hearted. It is a demanding task that requires courage, tenacity, and resilience.
According to Ghana News Agency, the mere sight of climbing this imposing Wall simply puts some visitors off, especially for those who are afraid of heights. "I have been here on two occasions, but each time, I find it extremely difficult in getting to the peak of the Wall," Patricia Esami Lubba, a Nigerian journalist, shared after her visit to the Juyongguan section of the Great Wall. The magnificent edifice, stretching across the rugged landscapes of northern China, stands as one of the most iconic symbols of China's rich history and cultural heritage. It is not only a marvel of ancient engineering but also a testament to the perseverance and ingenuity of the Chinese people.
This historic wonder, which stretches over 13,000 kilometers, offers incredible views, an engrossing history, and a glimpse into the Asian giant's cultural legacy. "In 1987, the Great Wall was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and since then, it has attracted millions of curious visitors across the world," Xie Wd, Deputy Director at the Chinese Cultural Center for Diplomatic Missions, told the GNA. In 2024 alone, over one million tourists visited the Wall, contributing significantly to China's GDP, the Cultural Officer noted.
Tourism has become an essential contributor to China's GDP, particularly since the country's opening up reforms in the late 1970s. Visits to historical sites like the Great Wall, Forbidden City, and Grand Canal have become key features of China's growing tourism industry. Last year, tourism revenue was estimated at 6.4 trillion yuan (about $883 billion), with recent years' revenues primarily generated by domestic tourism, according to the Chinese National Bureau of Statistics.
In separate interviews, some visitors to the Great Wall shared their experiences, recounting their excitement and desire to revisit the historical site. "My visit here today will forever remain in my memories because I was able to accomplish my long-cherished desire of reaching the top of the Wall," Guo Junyou, a 14-year-old student from Beijing, told the GNA. Shirley Shao, a student at Beijing Foreign Studies University, described herself as a heroine for having reached the summit of the Wall on her visits.
Visitors are captivated by features like the Land Deity Temple, Mountain Deity Temple, City God Temple, and the Ancient Cannon, which reflects the Chinese people's military might, especially during the Ming Dynasty. Given the Wall's historical, cultural, and socio-economic importance, it is no surprise that the government is determined to protect this iconic tourist attraction. President Xi Jinping emphasized the responsibility to protect and pass on this heritage, urging villagers at the Badaling section to safeguard the Wall as they do their homes and to promote its culture.
A visit to China is incomplete without experiencing the Great Wall, a representative symbol of the nation and an important emblem of Chinese civilization.
