Ever Wondered Who’s Taken the Ultimate Challenge- Discover the Few Who’ve Walked the Entire Great Wall of China
Has anyone ever walked the entire Great Wall of China? This question has intrigued many, as the Great Wall is one of the most iconic structures in the world. Built over several centuries, the Great Wall stretches for over 13,000 miles and is a testament to the ingenuity and determination of ancient Chinese civilization. While the full length of the wall is difficult to traverse, there have been a few intrepid individuals who have attempted to walk its entire length.
The first recorded attempt to walk the entire Great Wall was made by a German named Erwin Baur in the 1930s. Baur, an engineer and a keen hiker, spent several years exploring the wall and documenting his journey. However, his journey was not without its challenges. The Great Wall is not a continuous structure and many sections have been lost to erosion or were never built in the first place. Baur had to navigate through rugged terrain, dense forests, and deserts, often relying on local guides to help him find his way.
In the 1980s, a Chinese man named Wang Yongqing embarked on a similar journey. Wang, a teacher and a historian, was determined to walk the entire wall to better understand its history and significance. He spent over a year walking the wall, covering over 2,000 miles. Wang’s journey was documented in a book and a documentary, capturing the attention of the world and inspiring others to follow in his footsteps.
In recent years, there have been several more attempts to walk the entire Great Wall. One notable example is the Chinese adventurer and environmentalist, Zhang Yong, who completed the journey in 2012. Zhang walked over 5,000 miles, documenting his journey on social media and raising awareness about the environmental impact of the wall.
Despite these efforts, it remains a challenge to walk the entire Great Wall of China. The wall is vast and often difficult to traverse, with many sections being inaccessible or in poor condition. However, the spirit of adventure and the desire to experience the full majesty of the Great Wall continues to inspire people from around the world.
The Great Wall of China is more than just a historical artifact; it is a symbol of human perseverance and the power of dreams. While the journey to walk its entire length may be daunting, the efforts of those who have attempted it serve as a reminder of the wall’s enduring legacy and the human spirit’s boundless potential.
