The Great Wall is inarguably one of the most important cultural relics of China.
Its prominance does not only rest on its architectural and historical values but also
its influence on Chinese culture and even national spirit.
Coming off the beaten track, in September 2005 we visited two relatively remote and deserted sections of the Great Wall
in Simatai and Jinshanling, both lying in the outskirt of Beijing at its border with Hebei Province.
These two sections were built during the Ming Dynasty more than 600 years ago and
were amongst the most spectacular Great Walls.
Having stepped on Great Wall three times, stayed underneath for two nights, and experienced both sunrise and sunset there,
we had the closest and longest ever contact with the Great Wall. How fantastic!