One of the only man-made structures visible from space, the Great Wall of China, which stretches for some 6700km (4163 miles) through northern China, is the greatest symbol of the country's history and grandeur. Begun in the third century BC, the Great Wall connected a number of earlier walls to create a defence against nomads invading from the north. Although the wall ultimately failed in this regard, it was effective in bringing stability and continuity to Chinese culture. Much of the wall that exists today was rebuilt between the 14th and 18th centuries by the Ming dynasty. Many tourists choose to walk along a stretch of the wall, as it passes through some of China's most spectacular scenery.

For more information on the Great Wall of China, contact China National Tourism Administration (see Tourist Information above).

Air: Beijing Capital Airport. Rail: Train: Badaling Station. Road: Bus: Tourist bus (from Beijing city centre). Car: Motorway to Badaling (from Beijing).

China