The Great Wall 长城 of China Marathon, May 2015 and 2016

HuangYaGuan Great Wall, near TianJin, one hour east of BeiJing by high speed rail, by the coast.

* 2015 ...

[640],shadow=true,start=,stop=365
[320],shadow=true,start=,stop=

* 2016 ...


Race day film with Liza ...

[320],shadow=true,start=,stop=
The Great Wall of China is one of the most iconic and awe-inspiring attractions in the world, drawing millions of tourists each year. Here's a guide for tourists visiting the Great Wall:

History and Significance:
Historical Significance: The Great Wall of China is a series of fortifications built over centuries to protect China from invasions by nomadic tribes from the north. Its construction began as early as the 7th century BC and continued through different dynasties, with the most famous sections built during the Ming Dynasty (13681644 AD).

Length and Structure: Stretching over 13,000 miles (21,196 kilometers), the Great Wall is not a continuous wall but a series of walls, trenches, and natural barriers, including mountains and rivers. Its main purpose was to provide defense and control trade routes along the northern border of China.

Visiting the Great Wall:
Sections to Visit: While the entire Great Wall is massive, certain sections are more accessible and popular among tourists. The most visited sections include Badaling, Mutianyu, Jinshanling, and Simatai. Each section offers unique features and experiences.

Badaling: This section is the closest to Beijing and is one of the most well-preserved and accessible sections of the Great Wall. It can be crowded, especially during peak tourist seasons.

Mutianyu: Located about 1.5 to 2 hours' drive from Beijing, Mutianyu offers a less crowded but equally impressive experience. It features restored sections as well as more rugged and original parts.

Jinshanling and Simatai: These sections are farther from Beijing but are known for their scenic beauty and relatively fewer crowds. They offer a more authentic and adventurous hiking experience.

Tips for Tourists:
Best Time to Visit: The Great Wall can be visited year-round, but the best times are spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November) when the weather is pleasant, and the scenery is beautiful.

Avoiding Crowds: To avoid crowds, consider visiting the Great Wall early in the morning or during weekdays. Badaling tends to be busiest, so opting for less-visited sections like Jinshanling or Simatai can provide a more peaceful experience.

Wear Comfortable Clothing: The Great Wall involves a fair amount of walking and climbing stairs, so wear comfortable shoes and clothing suitable for hiking.

Stay Hydrated and Sun-Protected: Bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and a hat, especially during hot summer months, as there may be limited shade on the Wall.

Respect the Environment: Help preserve the Great Wall for future generations by refraining from littering, defacing, or damaging the structure.

Cultural Insights:
Learn about the History: Take the time to learn about the history and significance of the Great Wall through signage, guidebooks, or guided tours.

Capture Memories: Don't forget to bring a camera or smartphone to capture the breathtaking views and memories of your visit.

Interact with Locals: Engage with local vendors, tour guides, or fellow travelers to gain insights into Chinese culture and customs related to the Great Wall.

Visiting the Great Wall of China is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that offers not only breathtaking views and photo opportunities but also a deeper appreciation for one of the world's most remarkable architectural achievements.

Tianjin, located in northeastern China and just a short train ride from Beijing, is a bustling metropolis with a rich history, vibrant culture, and a unique blend of Chinese and Western influences. Here's a guide for tourists visiting Tianjin:

Historical and Cultural Attractions:
Tianjin Ancient Culture Street (Guwenhua Jie): This pedestrian street is lined with traditional Chinese-style buildings and shops selling arts, crafts, and souvenirs. Visitors can also enjoy street performances, local snacks, and cultural activities.

Tianjin Eye: This iconic Ferris wheel offers panoramic views of the city skyline and Hai River. It's especially stunning at night when the city lights are illuminated.

Italian Style Street (Wudadao): Located in the former British concession area, Wudadao features over 2,000 European-style buildings dating back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Visitors can admire the architecture, visit cafes and boutiques, and take guided tours to learn about the area's history.

Porcelain House (China House): This unique attraction is a mansion adorned with millions of porcelain fragments, creating intricate mosaics and sculptures. It's a fascinating example of modern Chinese art and architecture.

Modern Attractions:
Tianjin Binhai Library: Known for its futuristic design, this architectural marvel features a massive spherical auditorium surrounded by bookshelves that appear to float in mid-air. It's a must-visit for architecture enthusiasts and book lovers alike.

Tianjin Haihe Cultural Square: This waterfront promenade along the Hai River is a popular spot for leisurely strolls, boat rides, and cultural events. Visitors can enjoy views of the city's landmarks, including the Tianjin Eye and the Tianjin TV Tower.

Culinary Delights:
Tianjin Cuisine: Sample local specialties such as Goubuli Baozi (steamed buns filled with meat and vegetables), Jianbing (Chinese-style crepes), and Erduoyan Fried Dough Twists (a crispy snack made from twisted dough).

Guifaxiang Mahua: These twisted, fried dough snacks are a beloved Tianjin delicacy. Visitors can watch as vendors prepare them fresh on the spot and enjoy them hot and crispy.

Practical Tips:
Transportation: Tianjin has a well-developed public transportation system, including buses, subways, and taxis. The city is also easily accessible by high-speed train from Beijing and other major cities.

Language: Mandarin Chinese is the official language, but English may not be widely spoken outside of tourist areas. It's helpful to learn a few basic phrases or carry a translation app.

Weather: Tianjin has a temperate climate, with hot, humid summers and cold winters. The best times to visit are in the spring and autumn when the weather is mild and comfortable.

Tianjin offers a fascinating mix of historical charm, modern attractions, and culinary delights, making it a rewarding destination for tourists. Whether you're exploring ancient streets, admiring futuristic architecture, or savoring local flavors, Tianjin has something to offer visitors of all interests.

TianJin map

Related Videos

 

Featured Videos

Exploring China 中国 – a solo backpacking adventure …
An (English-speaking) Italian explores the mountains and cities of China ... Part 1 : GuangZhou (GuangDong) | ShangHai | HangZhou (ZheJiang) Part 2 : HuangShan (AnHui) | JiuHuaShan (AnHui) | Xi'An (ShaanXi) Part 3 : Xi'An (ShaanXi) | HuaShan (ShaanXi) | HohHot (Inner Mongolia) Bonus film ... BeiJing, ShangHai, Xi'An, GuiLin ... Plus, even more bonus films, starting with - Diabolo around China ...
Chinese food from the pomelo fruit
The pomelo (Citrus maxima or Citrus grandis) is the largest citrus fruit from the family Rutaceae and the principal ancestor of the grapefruit. It is a natural, i.e., non-hybrid, citrus fruit, native to southeast Asia.
Planning war on China – part 27
With The New Atlas ... With NuMuves ... With The New Atlas ... Meanwhile ...
Breakaway – by the Double Angels; music video
From the TV new music talent show Sing!China. 【纯享版】打包安琪 《尼古拉斯狂想曲》好声音20180907第八期 Sing!China官方HD Then that double happiness - that sublime mix of yin and yang - became one * ... * Internet hate led to the other withdrawing from the show. So sad. But she's young. The takeaway - don't ever let that be you. No matter how meek one tries to be, hate is always there. So realise that it is really nothing, just air; not even a breeze. One life; one chance to be you. Valiant effort by the remaining girl to maintain an experimental vibe. Kudos.
ZhengZhou 郑州, HeNan province
One of the 'Eight Great Ancient Capitals' of China. Great music in this beautiful film ...
Cycling in GuangXi  广西 province
Among the beautiful karst hills between HeZhou 贺州 and YangShuo 阳朔 ...
GuangZhou 广州 travel vlog
Provincial capital of GuangDong. GuangZhou, on the Pearl River about 120 kilometers (75 miles) north-northwest of Hong Kong, has a long history and was a major starting port for the Silk Road of the Sea. The city features avant-garde architecture such as the GuangZhou Opera House (also known as the Double Pebble), the carved, box-shaped GuangDong Museum, and the iconic, and unusually feminine, Canton TV Tower skyscraper, that resembles a slim hourglass.
First time in China – tour
With Max and Jacqueline ...
YuYuan 豫园 bazaar, ShangHai 上海 at night

Tag search ?