The Great Wall of China was built over 2,000 years ago, by Qin Shi Huangdi, the first emperor of China during the Qin (Ch’in) Dynasty (221 B.C – 206 B.C.). In Chinese the wall is called “Wan-Li Qang-Qeng” which means 10,000-Li Long Wall (10,000 Li = about 5,000 km).

After subjugating and uniting China from seven Warring States, the emperor connected and extended four old fortification walls along the north of China that originated about 700 B.C. (over 2500 years ago). Armies were stationed along the wall as a first line of defence against the invading nomadic Hsiung Nu tribes north of China (the Huns). Signal fires from the Wall provided early warning of an attack.

The Great Wall is one of the largest building construction projects ever completed. It stretches across the mountains of northern China, winding north and northwest of Beijing. It is constructed of masonry, rocks and packed-earth. It was over 5,000 km (=10,000 Li) long. Its thickness ranged from about 4.5 to 9 meters (15 to 30 feet) and was up to 7.5 meters (25 feet) tall.

During the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), the Great Wall was enlarged to 6,400 kilometres (4,000 miles) and renovated over a 200 year period, with watch-towers and cannons added.

The Great Wall can be seen from Earth orbit, but, contrary to legend, is not visible from the moon, according to astronauts Neil Armstrong, Jim Lovell, and Jim Irwin.

The Great Wall of China was built mainly to protect the Chinese Empire from the Mongolians and other invaders. It was first built in the Seventh Century BC when China was still divided into many small states. The construction of the Great Wall never ceased during nearly all the Chinese feudal dynasties.

The Great Wall of China extends 4,000 miles (6,400 km) westward from the seaside town of Shanhaiguan to Gansu Province.

The majestic Great Wall was built with wisdom, dedication, blood, sweat and tears. It has been estimated that somewhere in the range of two to three million Chinese died as part of the centuries-long project of building the wall.

Nearly everyone has heard of the Great Wall of China. As one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in China, The Great Wall is not just a wall, but a symbol of the bravery and wisdom of the Chinese people.

Before the use of bricks, the Great Wall was mainly built from Earth or Taipa, stones, and wood.

During the Ming Dynasty, however, bricks were heavily used in many areas of the wall, as were materials such as tiles, lime, and stone. The size and weight of the bricks made them easier to work with than earth and stone, so construction quickened. Additionally, bricks could bear more weight and endure better than rammed earth. Stone can hold under its own weight better than brick, but is more difficult to use. Consequently, stones cut in rectangular shapes were used for the foundation, inner and outer brims, and gateways of the wall. Battlements line the uppermost portion of the vast majority of the wall, with defensive gaps a little over 30 cm (one foot) tall and about 23 cm (9 inches) wide.

There are some great tours to China, including the Great Wall, arranged by Complete India & Asia – www.complete-india-asia.com

 Explore the wonders of Angkor Wat, the hidden temmples of Bantea Rea, the palaces of Phnom Penh and relax on the beach at Sianhoukville, Cambodia or Ko Chang Island, Thailand.

These are some of the wonderful opportunities you have to experience the yesterday !! 

Starting with the Angkor Temples and follow the Sanker River to the French colonial town of Battambang. Then, continue to the capital Phnom Penh, learn about Cambodia’s dark history at the Genocide museum and the Killing Fields, finally heading South, first to Kep and then Cambodia’s best kept secret Sihanoukville, a beautiful unspoiled beach resort way you can spend the final days of your trip at leisure.

Cambodia offers you the complete insight into this fascinating country. You can discover the history and relics from the great Angkor and Khmer empire period, see the temples and palaces of the Kings of Cambodia and the creation of the country, visit ethnic tribal regions, learn local history and customs and discover their simple way of life with a hands on home stay experience, whilst contributing to the economic and natural survival of these people and their region, before finally seeing  deeper into the French colonial period. You will have learned plenty about the country and perhaps have the desire to return and discover more of the fascinating kingdom of the proud Khmer people.

There is the mighty Mekong River where you can travel by boat or enjoy a relaxing cruise to Laos or even Vietnam. There isa a boat servive that takes you from Siem Reap on the Tonle Sap to Phnom Penh wherer you will pass numeroius fishing villages and see the local people engaged in their daily life that has not changes for a hundred years.

Come and explore…come and taste the adventure…Come and enjoy the ancient civiisation of Cambodia !!

Sun-bleached shores, virgin jungle, ancient kingdoms, adventure travel, trekking, elephants, motor bike tours – the Thai experience is yours for the asking!

Mile upon mile of sun-bleached shores and islands where you can snorkel, dive or simply swim.  Cruise around the islands on a Chinese Junk or take a day trip on a local boat to explore the coral reefs of the Koh Chang Marine National Park.

If you are interested in archaeological sites, travel to the north east of Thailand, to Isaan – the “REAL” Thailand, where you will find the finest surviving examples of Khmer temples to be seen outside of Cambodia.  The central area offers Sukhothai and Ayutthaya where you can visit the ruins of the country’s ancient cities.

Most people have heard of Bangkok.  It is a city that never sleeps. Visit the Floating Market on the river Chaophraya or the Weekend Market on the outskirts of Bangkok. Use the Sky Train to get about or, if it is a short journey use a taxi (look for Taxi Meter) or tuk-tuk (agree the price first!) or if you want something a bit different try the River Bus.  Whatever you do the Grand Palace, home in a bygone age to the kings of Siam, is not to be missed.  Go prepared to spend time.  Do not be rushed and don’t forget your camera.

When you have had your fill of the bustle of Bangkok, travel north to the second city of Chiang Mai that is surrounded by mountains and forests.  Go by train to enjoy the scenery en route.  When you have exhausted the sights of Chiang Mai (one temple for every 500 residents!) travel further north to Chiang Rai positioned within the Golden Triangle.  Many of the people in this area belong to the hill tribes.  Visit them in their villages and purchase their handicrafts.  Take an exciting trip in a long tailed boat up river to meet the Hmong hill tribe. 

Near the Burmese border in the northwest, hill tribes make a subsistence living from the forest and farming the on the slopes of the mountains.  From Mae Hong Son, the biggest town, it is possible to go trekking in the jungle – on foot or by elephant.  Visit this area before it is spoiled by over development.

Thailand has many wonderful places to visit and you can combine a beach holiday in Phuket or Hua Hin or a holiday in Northern Thailand with a few days at a Cookery Course in Chiang Mai to learn the basics of Thai cuisine and how to cook Thai food at home. All the dishes prepared and cooked in the morning will be eaten for lunch and the dishes cooked in the afternoon will be served as a snack and dessert.

Why not explore Northern Thailand on a motor bike?  Discover the villages and country that the normal tourist cannot.

See – http://www.complete-india-asia.com/Thailand_tours_holidays/index.html

We make arrangements for: India, Pakistan, Tibet, Bhutan and Sri Lanka, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam Laos, Malaysia, China, Indonesia and Philippines.
     
Ask us for details and a quotation at info@complete-india-asia.com