The Great Wall of China: Climbing the Dream I’ve Had Since Childhood

I’ve been to many beautiful places, but a few stopped me in my tracks. Some made me cry. Others made me quiet. Each one reminded me how small I am and how wide the world can feel. My first step on the Great Wall of China made me do all of the above.

Trails and Tastes of Cinque Terre: Our Stay at Sostio a Levante AgriturismoI had seen the Great Wall of China in books and movies since I was a little girl. Standing before it decades later felt surreal. The Wall rippled across the mountains, disappearing into mist like a living thing. I could almost hear the echo of time. We joined a guided tour, the kind that keeps you moving. Convenient, yes, but limiting too. The Wall isn’t meant to be seen in a hurry—it’s meant to be felt, step by step.

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

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• China Is Far More Modern Than You Think
• China’s Scale Feels Bigger Than Anything Familiar
• Traveling Around China Is Easier Than Expected
• Your Passport and Visa Shape Each Day
• The Language Barrier Shows Up Everywhere
• Navigation Requires Different Tools
• Essential Apps Make China Easier to Navigate
• Electric Vehicles Change How You Move
• Major Attractions Live Up to the Hype

The History of Badaling

Badaling, near Beijing, is one of the most famous and well-preserved sections of the Great Wall. Built during the Ming Dynasty in the 1500s, it once guarded the empire’s northern frontier. The restored battlements, watchtowers, and stone pathways now welcome millions each year. Still, beneath the layers of restoration lies something raw and powerful—centuries of endurance and fortitude.

Walking the Great Wall of China

The steps were uneven, polished smooth in the center from countless feet. Some were so high I had to hoist myself up with my hands. Others were shallow, barely there at all. The Wall undulated over the hills—rising, dipping, twisting—with each turn revealing another layer of beauty. The crowds thinned as I climbed higher. The people below shrank to dots, and the noise faded into wind and heartbeat.

Steven called from behind, reminding me to be careful. But I felt unstoppable—giddy with happiness, like a kid again. The Wall stretched endlessly before me, and every tower felt like a reward. For a moment, I forgot the tour schedule. I forgot everything except the history under my feet and the dream I was living in real time.

A Monument to Endurance

The Great Wall is more than stone and mortar—it’s a story of resilience. Like the pyramids of Egypt, it honors the labor of thousands who built it. Soldiers, farmers, and prisoners carved their sweat into these hills. As I ran my hand along the stones, I thought of them.

When our guide called out that it was time to go, dread set in. I didn’t want to turn back. We had never been the last to return on previous stops, but this time, we almost were. The true last group returned laughing, ice cream in hand, never venturing far from the start. I smiled, knowing we’d gone as far as we could—and that was enough for now.

Looking Forward

I’ve since researched quieter stretches of the Wall—wild sections where time moves slower and silence rules. I want to walk those next, not for the pictures but for the peace. This Black woman has seen more of the world than she ever imagined. Yet the Great Wall reminded me there’s always more to see, more to feel, more to learn from the world and myself.

Travel continues to surprise me. It humbles me. It connects me to something ancient and unshakable—proof that dreams, like walls, can stand the test of time.

Quick Note on Staying Connected

China handles the internet differently, so your usual apps may not work the moment you arrive. A little preparation keeps everything running smoothly. I wrote a short guide that explains what to expect, which VPNs actually worked for us, and how WeChat and Alipay function with a foreign number and a simple eSIM. It helps you stay connected without frustration.

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