Photos! Best Great Wall photos - Page 5

greatwallforum · #41 (**permalink**) 04-24-2008, 12:34 AM

Very interesting construction in that first picture. It looks like the pathway was made wide enough for only one person while leaving room to defend against any enemy that might have made it onto the top of the Wall. It's surprising to see, as you mentioned before, no trace of an inside parapet.

The second photo is beautiful with the rich blue sky. It looks like some pretty high steps too. The construction here is typical Qi Jiguang quality and seems to have survived nearly intact in many areas. If China wants to rebuild sections of the Wall, I wish they would rebuild where it has been completely destroyed (or never existed at all) rather than at fascinating places like this one!

Great photos as usual, Kim!

greatwallforum · #42 (**permalink**) 04-24-2008, 02:57 AM

Badaling viewed from the highest point (north 8th tower)
Qinglongqiao area at center of photo in the distance

Kim · #43 (**permalink**) 04-24-2008, 09:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by greatwallforum

Very interesting construction in that first picture. It looks like the pathway was made wide enough for only one person while leaving room to defend against any enemy that might have made it onto the top of the Wall. It's surprising to see, as you mentioned before, no trace of an inside parapet.

The second photo is beautiful with the rich blue sky. It looks like some pretty high steps too. The construction here is typical Qi Jiguang quality and seems to have survived nearly intact in many areas. If China wants to rebuild sections of the Wall, I wish they would rebuild where it has been completely destroyed (or never existed at all) rather than at fascinating places like this one!

Great photos as usual, Kim!

On most part of the wall here the pavement (not sure that's the right word to use) extend to the edge of the wall facing away from the enemy, so I don't think there ever was a inner parapet on this part of the wall. The pathway on the first picture is very narrow and the steps are also very high here. Interesting to see how they used the natural rock as some of the steps. A good example of how the surroundings play a great role in building the Great Wall.

I don't mind that they repair a few places for the average tourists but they shouldn't turn the rest into a Disney Land. I don't like Badaling but at least it draw in a lot of tourists that just want a picture of themselves on the Great Wall and don't think much more about it. As far as I can see the Badaling section was already in almost perfect conditions some places before it was repaired so the damaged is not so big.

It would seem like a job for the International Friends of the Great Wall but it seems to be difficult to get in touch with them

greatwallforum · #44 (**permalink**) 04-24-2008, 01:30 PM

What do you mean? Badaling is almost deserted. Look at the two Badaling photos in this thread (posts 18 and 42).

Ha ha.

I had to be at Badaling very late in the day, on a week day, to get those photos and still I was lucky. Badaling is terribly crowded for sure, but it's still interesting and impressive. The views are hard to beat, especially on a clear day. Just don't go on a weekend or a holiday! Most people walk (or take cable cars) up the east side, so if you go west at the entrance, it's much better, too. Qinglongqiao, immediately to the east of Badaling, is even more impressive and has not been rebuilt.

Kim · #45 (**permalink**) 04-24-2008, 01:52 PM

I agree that Badaling is very beautiful and the view fantastic. Once you get past the top north tower there is almost no tourists - I really don't know why everybody wants go go up the same way. I've been to Badaling two times and last time I made the mistake of going on a public holiday - I'll never make that mistake again

I will surely come back to the Badaling area again to explore the less crowded places. It is about time I complete my Great Wall wish list, so I can begin to plan my next five years in China