China's modernization confronts travellers at every turn

No trip to China would be complete without an excursion to the Great Wall.

Built to protect China's northern borders, it is the world's longest man-made structure, coming in it at over 6,350 kilometres.

Snaking its way just beyond Beijing's fringes, it is easily arranged as a tour from all city hotels and guesthouses.

Long sections of the wall have been rebuilt to much of its former glory. By tramping it for an hour or two you'll have the satisfaction of pattering over stones that have been tread since time immemorial.