At over 20,000 km in length, the Great Wall of China is of course one of the most famous landmarks in the world but also the world’s largest military structure. The fortification was continuously constructed and rebuilt over a period of 2,000 years until the time of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644).¹

Sections of the wall are well-preserved and restored and these are also the areas most frequently visited by tourists. The Badaling section, due in part to its proximity to Beijing, is the most visited but over-tourism also brings danger to the historical structure itself.²

Other threats to the ancient structure include erosion and destruction and loss due to human activity. Even though the UNESCO heritage site is a protected structure, residents in remote villages often remove the stones that make up the wall for reuse as building materials.^1,3

The most “authentic” sections of the Great Wall are known as the “Wild” Great Wall and stand slowly decaying and unrestored since their original construction hundreds of years prior.³ These are far off the tourist routes and not serviced by roads, cable cars or other tourist infrastructure. Considering that the wall was constructed as a defensive barrier, reaching wild sections of the wall can be a significant physical feat. Additionally local villages also serve to protect approaches that go through their areas. Nonetheless, hikes on the wall can be arranged with private groups.