Photos and description by Stephen Cooper
The Great Wall of China crosses five provinces and two autonomous regions. Work on the Wall started 2000 years ago when China was united in the Qin Dynasty (221-207 BC). The Wall was built to keep the northern invaders out, but over 1000 years later the Mongols invaded and the grandson of Genghis Khan established the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368). Although much of the wall has returned to the earth, parts of the Wall has undergone renovations, especially in the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644).
The Wall shown here at Mutianyu was renovated by the Chinese Government for tourism. It is about 90km north-east of Beijing.
Stephen Cooper's web site displays pictures of his travel to China and reflect the "Asian-Australian experience." Stephen graciously gave Jade Dragon Online permission to reprint his Great Wall photos.
