Beijing - No trip to China is complete without experiencing the many wonders of its Great Wall.
Listed as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World and acknowledged as a World Heritage site by Unesco, The Great Wall of China attracts a multitude of tourists from around the globe every year.
Steeped in history, the wall is a reflection of Chinese culture and tradition and its visitors will not leave disappointed - it offers some of the most scenic views of one of the vastest and most contrasting countries on earth. Stretching approximately 8,851.8km from east to west China, the Great Wall winds up and down traversing deserts, mountains, valleys and grasslands.
Thamanoon Kuprasert, general manager of Central, Eastern and Southern Africa for Thai Airways International recommends that visitors take more than just a few hours to experience China’s historical hotspot.
“The wall has many sections each offering a diversity of scenery and its own unique historical landmarks. The best departure point for the main sections is Beijing and unless visitors are familiar with which sections are slippery, steep or not easily navigable, it is recommended that visitors sign-up for one of the many tours on offer. But make sure it is run by a reputable tour operator. Tours usually include transportation to and from The Great Wall, any admission fees and sometimes even food and drink,” he says.
Another reason Kuprasert recommends joining a tour group is that unless you speak fluent Mandarin, it is not easy to communicate or find your way in a country where very few of the locals speak English as a second language.
“There are many hawkers offering a variety of souvenirs, as well as snacks and refreshments at many places along the wall. They are often quite aggressive and confrontational in trying to sell their wares and without a tour operator on hand, visitors might walk away feeling intimidated or harassed.
“Many tours also allows visitors the option of taking a detour to a jade factory, gem exhibition hall, or traditional Chinese medicine centre where a tour operator will be able to negotiate or communicate on your behalf,” adds Kuprasert.
Nearly 2 000 years old, The Great Wall is one of the biggest building structure projects ever accomplished and is made up of bricks, rocks and packed earth.
Originally functioning as a fortification, it was constructed to protect the country and various dynasties from attacks and forced entry by Mongol, Turkic, and other roaming and wandering tribes approaching from areas in contemporary day Mongolia and Manchuria.
Visitors have the option of walking, hiking or sleeping on the Great Wall. “Some of the most popular sections of the wall include Badaling, Mutianya and Simata.
These sections of the wall are busier but more suitable for older travellers and families with small children as they are easy to access and not that steep,” comments Kuprasert.
“Badaling is approximately 64km outside of Beijing and is by far the most popular. Here visitors can browse in a variety tourist shops or visit the Great Wall museum.
“Mutianyu is situated approximately 80km outside of Beijing and is much like Badaling, except that there are more guard towers and better views of the wall. Simatai also has guard towers and good views, but getting to it involves a more challenging hike.”
Kuprasert recommends that visitors who want to cover longer stretches of the Great Wall opt for a multi-day Great Wall hiking tour. “In addition to landmarks on the wall, some tours also visit the Imperial Gardens, tombs, palaces, remote villages, schools and farming communities. These tours usually include lodging and meals,” he adds.
Some, but very few, tour operators even offer packages that allow sleeping on the wall itself. “Here visitors can sleep on the wall itself in sleeping bags, with the option of a being in a watchtower or sleeping under the stars.
“Those preferring home comforts can opt to stay in a hotel at the base of the wall. Guides are available to lead hikes at night and in the morning. Guests can also travel by bus around the wall. These tours usually also include meals,” comments Kuprasert.”A trip to China’s Great Wall is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience and visitors would do well to research what tour, section and season would best suit their individual requirements and expectations,” concludes Kuprasert.
Thai Airways travellers can take advantage of the Thailand & Asia Pacific Delight Promotion and purchase an air ticket to Thailand and Asia Pacific destinations such as Malaysia, Singapore, Bali, China, Indo-China, Australia & New Zealand until March 31, 2013.
For more information, visit www.thaiair.co.za or phone (011) 268 2580.