World tourism is definitely on the rise. People from all over the world start to discover that there are still more things to see and do outside their native shores. That is why the hospitality industry is now slowly making huge waves in different countries around the world.
According to the United Nations - World Tourism Organization data in 2008, the People's Republic of China ranked fourth among the most-visited countries in the world, with a whopping tourist arrivals pegged at 53 million. Wow! That sure is a lot of tourists, and there is in fact little surprise to that, knowing that this country has many notable natural and man-made wonders known throughout the world.
Beijing, the country's capital, is also one of its major gateways. This means that there are increased tenancy rates in Beijing hotels, doubled number of shoppers in malls and diners in fine restaurants, eventually leading to favorable tourist receipts important in economy-building.
One of the most notable of these Chinese landmarks is the Great Wall of China. Recently, it was voted as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. This structure is 8,851.8 kilometers long, stretching from the Northeastern shores of the seaside town of Shanhaiguan to the cold and mountainous Gansu Province in the Northwest.
The Great Wall is a series of stone and earthen fortifications, which was constantly built, rebuilt and maintained between the 5th and 16th centuries to protect the country from invading Mongolians and other tribes. It also provided protection to the country's economic and cultural progress, safeguarded the Silk Route and secured the transmission of information and transportation. China's first emperor, Qin Shi Huang, ordered the construction of the wall and the emperors of the Ming dynasty continued and extended the wall to where it is today.
The Great Wall is not just a wall. Throughout its stretch, defensive structures can be seen such as forts, passes and beacon towers which were once used to house soldiers, store grain and weapons and transmit military information.
Although the Great Wall is a lifetime wonder and can be appreciated throughout the year, the best time to visit the place is during spring and autumn, primarily to avoid many crowds. In spring, one could see the blooming flowers and the lush greenery, making everything look fresh. In the winter, when it is frozenly cold, the mountains and the wall itself are blanketed with snow - the perfect time for one to see the entirety of the wall. From Beijing, the wall is mostly accessible in the area of Badaling, which is around 65 minutes' drive by bus. Other sites are Mutianyu and Jinshanling. Going to the wall is made easier since the trip is already incorporated into the itineraries of Beijing hotels.
The Great Wall of China records mankind's greatest feats. Therefore, for guests to completely enjoy their tours, they should dress rightfully for the season, bring their trusty cameras, and of course, be open-minded and gracious to others. Wherever they stay, be it in Beijing hotels, pension houses or inns and accommodations from various points, this place is not to be missed, for who knows, maybe it is in here that one will find what he's been searching for. - 31515
According to the United Nations - World Tourism Organization data in 2008, the People's Republic of China ranked fourth among the most-visited countries in the world, with a whopping tourist arrivals pegged at 53 million. Wow! That sure is a lot of tourists, and there is in fact little surprise to that, knowing that this country has many notable natural and man-made wonders known throughout the world.
Beijing, the country's capital, is also one of its major gateways. This means that there are increased tenancy rates in Beijing hotels, doubled number of shoppers in malls and diners in fine restaurants, eventually leading to favorable tourist receipts important in economy-building.
One of the most notable of these Chinese landmarks is the Great Wall of China. Recently, it was voted as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. This structure is 8,851.8 kilometers long, stretching from the Northeastern shores of the seaside town of Shanhaiguan to the cold and mountainous Gansu Province in the Northwest.
The Great Wall is a series of stone and earthen fortifications, which was constantly built, rebuilt and maintained between the 5th and 16th centuries to protect the country from invading Mongolians and other tribes. It also provided protection to the country's economic and cultural progress, safeguarded the Silk Route and secured the transmission of information and transportation. China's first emperor, Qin Shi Huang, ordered the construction of the wall and the emperors of the Ming dynasty continued and extended the wall to where it is today.
The Great Wall is not just a wall. Throughout its stretch, defensive structures can be seen such as forts, passes and beacon towers which were once used to house soldiers, store grain and weapons and transmit military information.
Although the Great Wall is a lifetime wonder and can be appreciated throughout the year, the best time to visit the place is during spring and autumn, primarily to avoid many crowds. In spring, one could see the blooming flowers and the lush greenery, making everything look fresh. In the winter, when it is frozenly cold, the mountains and the wall itself are blanketed with snow - the perfect time for one to see the entirety of the wall. From Beijing, the wall is mostly accessible in the area of Badaling, which is around 65 minutes' drive by bus. Other sites are Mutianyu and Jinshanling. Going to the wall is made easier since the trip is already incorporated into the itineraries of Beijing hotels.
The Great Wall of China records mankind's greatest feats. Therefore, for guests to completely enjoy their tours, they should dress rightfully for the season, bring their trusty cameras, and of course, be open-minded and gracious to others. Wherever they stay, be it in Beijing hotels, pension houses or inns and accommodations from various points, this place is not to be missed, for who knows, maybe it is in here that one will find what he's been searching for. - 31515
About the Author:
E. Larson is a long-time expatriate in Beijing, China. He works closely with the Beijing HWA Apartment Hotel and many other beijing hotels. Check out his website about the Beijing HWA Apartment Hotel here.
