Spanning over 8 850 km, the Great Wall of China is one of the greatest human architectural achievements ever. It wind its way over a range of geographical conditions from the East to the West of China, through nine provinces including Beijing. The construction of the gigantic project commenced over 2000 years ago. Certain parts of the wall are believed to approximately date back to the 5th century B.C while the final renovations and additions were completed in the 17th Century. At its inception the wall was not a continuous construction but separate fortifications of several states. The extant structure was mainly accomplished by Emperor Qin Shihuang of the Ming dynasty, who succeeded in uniting the nation under him in 214 B.C. 

Originally assembled with earth, wood, stone and even grass, the use of bricks was adopted in the Ming dynasty. A multitude of Soldiers, convicts and locals laboured at the vast task of collecting and transporting material and building the fortification under the orders of contractors. The height of the wall generally reaches 9 m while the towers attain 12 m.

The Great Wall was intended to ward off the marauding Northern tribes, especially the Hsiung-nu. The interconnected watch towers served both as guarding and communicating posts.  Messages were conveyed to the capital by smoke signals during day and fire at night. The wall also played a considerable role in the culture, history, foreign policy and economy of the nation. The source of many legends and folk lore, the gargantuan construction is a symbol of the indomitable perseverance and skill of the Chinese people.

The Great Wall which has been declared a World Heritage site by the UNESCO is within easy reach of a visitor lodging at a the China World Hotel renowned as a luxurious, Beijing Hotel in the Central Business District.