SUZHOU, China – Hiking has always been about more than just the physical journey for me. It’s about reaching a viewpoint where I can look down and see the world spread out beneath me, to gain perspective on the beauty and intricacy of our surroundings. I’m currently traveling in China, where I, together with my fellow Filipino delegates who are part of a tour organized by the China Public Diplomacy Association, visited the world-renowned Great Wall of China a few days ago as part of our itinerary in Beijing, the Chinese capital.
It was my second time to visit this UNESCO World Heritage site, and it still gave me that familiar thrill that comes with every hike that I’ve done – daunting but awe-inspiring. Always. When we visited the Great Wall, we took the widely famous Juyongguan section.
It is one of the most well-preserved and historically significant sections of the wall. It is located in a valley surrounded by mountains, offering stunning scenery and a more accessible climb compared to some other sections. READ MORE: PH ban on Pogos can attract ‘real’ Chinese tourists to PH – expert Chinese Consul: Cebuanos are always welcome to visit China Juyongguan was an important military stronghold during the Ming Dynasty, and its strategic position made it a key defense point protecting Beijing from northern invasions.
Juyongguan is approximately 60 kilometers (37 miles) northwest of central Beijing. It’s one of the closest sections of the Great Wall to the city, m.