There is a famous saying in China, if you haven't been to the Great Wall, you are not a true man.
When I was a little kid, I dreamed of visiting the Great Wall one day. And the day finally came, after I was admitted to a university in Beijing, and was able to visit it in a sunny Saturday.
There was a long bus drive from my university to the Great Wall, since there was no subway. We arrived at the foot of the Great Wall close to noon, and took a tourist bus to where the walls actually stood. Then we started to climb the walls, which were more magnificent than I could ever imagine. Our goal is to reach the stone plate, on which were inscripted the writings of Mao Zedong, "Those who haven't been to the Great Wall is not a true man"
It was not a long distance, but very tiring, since the slopes on the walls were very steep. We finally got there, took some picture to prove we have been there and headed to the other section of the Great Wall, which was less visited, and seemed much more difficult to climb. Our judegment was right. It was a difficult and dangerous path. We had to be very careful so as not to fall down, which could lead to devestating results. In no time, we were all dripping in sweat, and our ankles began to ace. We had to stop from time to time, to allow for more energy to finish the journey.
Finally we made it, and came down to the foot of the Great Wall. Looking up, facing the giant monster, I could't help but feeling very proud to have completed the feat, which I was proud to have done. Even recalling now, I could feel the excitement, honor, and fufilment I felt at that time. I havent been to the Great Wall for many years now, and I hope to visit it again very soon.
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The Great Wall (What a terrible movie btw) - I'm fascinated at how "intact" it remains after all these years with thousands of people visiting and walking on it every single day. Surely they have reconstructed many parts of it.
I'm also confused at Mao's writing. My understanding is that he is a complicated figure in the recent history of Chinese. I'm not sure people should take everything he says to be reverence. I certainly didn't feel more of a man after visiting the wall myself.
Still, it is certainly a marvel and pictures of it never cease to amaze me so thank you for your contribution.
P.S
It is not a rule of the community, but I noticed that you made your first post on Liketu without introducing yourself. It would be a good exercise to do that so we (the community) can get to know who's behind the pictures and stories. We "liketu" encourage social behaviour here, an introduction post would be appreciated.
LOL, I watched the Great Wall movie in the movie theatre, and for the most part of the two hours, I was sound asleep. It was a terrible movie. But the Great Wall is great, standing there against all weathers. But it is physics rather than miracle. One can imagine what hardship the ancient men went through in building the walls. By the way, my friend introduced me to this platform and I am at a loss to what to post. I will try to make a self-introduction in the next post. Thank you a lot and enjoy your weekend.
LOL, I watched the Great Wall movie in the movie theatre, and for the most part of the two hours, I was sound asleep. It was a terrible movie. But the Great Wall is great, standing there against all weathers. But it is physics rather than miracle. One can imagine what hardship the ancient men went through in building the walls. By the way, my friend introduced me to this platform and I am at a loss to what to post. I will try to make a self-introduction in the next post. Thank you a lot and enjoy your weekend.
great wall,great experience!
thank you!
Sorry for the duplicate replies.