National Geographic Travelさんのインスタグラム写真 - (National Geographic TravelInstagram)「Photos by Michael Yamashita @yamashitaphoto / Despite being one of the Seven Wonders of the World, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the most recognizable symbol of China, the Great Wall is really not a single wall at all. It is a series of fortifications built over centuries, dating back 2,700 years, to help ward off incursions by nomadic tribes to the north. The portion that gets the most attention—and tourists—was built during the Ming dynasty, from the 14th through the 17th centuries. Badaling, the section of the Ming wall northwest of Beijing, is a truly impressive stone and brick collection of watchtowers, fortresses, and barracks that once housed thousands of soldiers and served as a conduit for transporting men and arms over long distances. But farther to the west, the wall tapers off to a dilapidated barrier made of rammed earth winding through the wilderness. Though the wall was often breached by invaders making end runs around it—most notably Genghis Khan—it did function as a symbol of China's military might and ability to fortify huge swaths of territory and reign over its millions of citizens. And no, contrary to popular belief, it can't be seen from outer space. #greatwall #greatwallofchina #mingdynasty #china #Badaling」12月12日 0時39分