Ruins of the Great Wall 长城 in Jinshanling 金山岭

It is impossible for the 8,000 kilometer wall at least five hundred years old to be in top condition. The arid conditions of Northern China rendered much of the Great Wall severely eroded. Other times it is the passing of time which takes its toll on the wall. In the early years the Great Wall was made out of mud and earth. However, the Chinese have learned how to build with brick which are much sturdier. However, even though these bricks can stand the onslaught of Mother Nature and large parts have already succumbed to her.

Although large parts of the Great Wall in Jinshanling were already renovated. There were still portions which were left untouched. Because of this, it has its feel of desolation and isolation. There were several watch towers which are severely eroded and collapsed. In other parts, the path itself was eroded with some parts either missing bricks or were loose. This made trekking in these parts rather dangerous. It is said that the Simatai 司马台 section of the Great Wall is more ruined, although I like the ruined look, I still need to walk on it, and meeting an accident in the middle of nowhere is not really a good idea. I guess in some ways it is a good thing they closed the Simatai section of the Great Wall for renovation.

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