The world’s first mega-project. It is still one of the more remarkable structures on earth. It is not a contiguous structure but is a series of fortifications. They were built across the historical northern borders of ancient Chinese states and Imperial China as protection against various nomadic groups from the Eurasian Steppe. The total measured length of the wall is 21,196 km (13,171 miles) and took more than 2000 years to construct. It’s heights range from 10 to 46 feet, with an average width of 13 to 16 feet.

The Wall snakes dramatically along steep mountain ridges, using high terrain as a natural defense system. Builders used local stones on ridges and built watchtowers on high peaks to spot enemies and signal troops.

I discovered that walking the wall is not an easy stroll. Walking it ranges from a casual, easy stroll to an exhausting, dangerous rock scramble. Some tourist areas like Badaling feature smooth handrails and even steps, while unrestored “wild” sections like Jiankou involve steep vertical climbs, crumbling bricks, and missing pathways.

I strolled the North Section of the wall at Badaling – it is the most famous and visited section of the Great Wall. Located 80 km (50 miles) northwest of Beijing in the Yanqing District. This Ming Dynasty masterpiece is renowned for its grand architecture, heavy stone ramparts, and complete restoration. I rode a cable car to North Tower 8 that gave me access to 12 watchtowers with steep climbs.

The Great Wall was on my bucket list (#16). When I reached it there was a powerful rush of awe, disbelief and profound gratitude. It is that surreal moment when a distant dream on a screen or page turns into physical reality, making your breath catch as the magnitude of the place finally washes over you.

Here are some other bucket list places I felt the same way, places I said to myself “I can’t believe I am here”: Taj Mahal, Sagrada Familia, Cappadocia, Victoria Falls, Hagia Sophia, Petra, Jerusalem, Rome, Acropolis, Galapagos Islands, Serengetti, Ankor Wat, Golden Temple, Paris, Burj Khalifa, Mount Fuji, Corcovado, Segovia, Arctic Ocean, Easter Island (Rapa Nui), The Kremlin & Red Square, The Hermitage, The Prado, The Blue Lagoon, Toledo, The Ramblas, The Path of the Gods, Shibuya Crossing, etc.

You get the idea.