5 Top Must-Know Facts on the Badaling Great Wall

 Badaling Great Wall

Once a significant defensive wall, Badaling Great Wall, runs along the rolling mountains which shaped Beijing's northern frontier. It's today the best-preserved as well as the most sought-after section. Here are the 5 top facts on Badaling Great Wall that'll fascinate you.

1) It's crammed with almost 2,500 years' worth of history.

The earliest ramparts and even beacon towers surrounding Badaling could be traced back to the era called Warring States Period, from 475 to 221 BC. Following that, several dynasties came and went, but all contributed to the overall construction in varying scales.

The Ming Dynasty was actually the last state to implement the big-scale perfection of Badaling's section and founded in 1505 the Pass City. General Qi Jiguang in 1568 was assigned to supervise the Great Wall's reconstruction, and he directed much effort to this particular section, stretching the length to cover 400 miles when completed in 1582. After the Qing Dynasty, Badaling's defensive role vanished. Consequently, the once stunning military fortress started to fall apart before it ended mostly in ruins.

2) Ancient military fortress turned into a popular tourist attraction

First, the Great Wall's protection started in 1949, and then renovation work began quite soon. Not too long ago, Badaling became open to visitors in 1958 after getting partially renovated. Since 2.3 miles of this wall as well as 19 watchtowers have seen restoration, it now has turned into one of Beijing's most popular attractions, with over tens of millions of tourists each year, not to mention almost 400 world leaders.

3) Pass City was the doorway to the Great Wall

Encompassing a total area of about 5,980 square yards, in reality the pass is shaped as a trapezoid, the west being broader than the east. Its battlements are 2,260 yards in length and 25 feet tall. Two gates were erected at the west and east wall. While the plaque found over the east gate was etched with these letters, "Ju Yong Wai Zhen," the west gate reads "Bei Men Suo Yue."

Along the path of the horse track that leads up to the wall, you'll find 5 old iron cannons, which were some of the Ming Dynasty's most advanced weapons. The biggest one is actually three yards in length with a firing range of more than 1,100 yards. Equipped with such firing capacity, Badaling seemed invincible in their foes' minds.

4) This wall was broad enough for 5 horses or 10 soldiers to walk by

Prior to arriving at this point of much scenery, Badaling wall winding past rolling hills can't fail to catch your eye in the distance. The ramparts' height ranges from 20 to 30 feet and the usual average width is 7 yards, allowing 10 people or 5 horses to go by. To make it extremely solid and endurable, the wall's bottom is broader than the top while the outer rampart is taller than the inner one. Although the majority of segments are flat and wide, there exist some portions holding an almost vertical steepness that might require you to use both feet and hands to continue climbing up.

5) Watchtowers were previous sentry wards

The wall is separated into southern and northern branches at the Pass City. Twelve watchtowers on the northern section and seven towers newly renovated along the southern part make up of this wall. The distance between each tower varies on account of the terrain's conditions. For example, some are just one-storey towers constructed for soldiers to serve as guards, and others have two storeys with the top level built with battlements and arrow holes; the lower level was used for soldiers to store supplies and rest.

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10 Best-Rated Must-See Tourist Attractions in Cesky Krumlov

Cesky Krumlov

 

 

Cesky Krumlov

After Prague, Cesky Krumlov is the Czech Republic's second most-visited and popular tourist destination. The entire heart of Cesky Krumlov is a well-deserved UNESCO World Heritage Site. Popularly nicknamed "CK" for short and situated in Southern Bohemia, it's referred to as one of the world's most beautiful cities and famous for its uncommon but rapidly endearing fairytale-like appearance.  A tour here is like traveling back hundreds of years while you walk along a beautifully preserved maze of avenues packed with many Renaissance houses and structures.

Top tourist attractions range from the enchanting Church of St. Vitus, the Minorite Monastery, museums to intriguing art galleries. Also, the city offers plentiful of other pursuits such as dining at its several excellent restaurants, browsing through shopping centers, hiking the close by Mount Klet to kayaking along the River Vltava.

To enhance your overall experience, review this list of 10 best-rated must-see tourist attractions in Cesky Krumlov. I have left the best one for last.

1) Cesky Krumlov Castle

The vast castle complex, Eastern Europe's biggest, not only dominates the old town but also provides historical insights into the lives of many aristocratic personalities ruling throughout the ages. Despite its roots go back to 1240, a lot of what's observed now was erected in the 17th century such as the Royal Apartments, the Renaissance Hall, chapel of St. George, and the splendid Rosenberg Ballroom. 

Do not dare miss viewing significant collections of tapestries, paintings, and superb period furnishings. All said, the whole site comprises 40 structures and palaces, 5 castle courts, and the pleasant 27-acre castle garden.

2) Cesky Krumlov Regional Museum

It showcases fine exhibits regarding the history of the Bohemian region and the city itself. Situated in a previous schoolhouse, worthy highlights range from many archaeological artifacts and displays, folk arts, furnishings, weaponry to some ethnographic exhibits. Others include a large ceramic model of the city built in amazing detail and a great collection of Gothic sculptures.

3) Wax Museum 

Cesky Krumlov's wax museum exists in a completely restored Renaissance house. The museum sports several fascinating wax figures dressed in costumes and even situations characteristic of medieval Europe. For example, look for replicas of a medieval tavern, blacksmith's workshop, and a neat re-production of Emperor Rudolf ll's royal courts. In addition, you'll see wax figurines of renowned people of later times.

4) Minorite Monastery

Its construction, one of the city's oldest surviving structures, began back in 14th century and resumed off and on till the Baroque period's end. Yet in operation, it's ideal to visit the monastery during its recitals or religious concerts. Beguine Convent is part of this huge estate. Be sure to notice the elaborately carved entrance, along with a tall early Baroque altar, stunning saintly statues, and some old organs.

In addition, you can participate in any number of interesting workshops that teach skills for shoemaking, glassmaking, tailoring, and blacksmithing.

If there's time left over, check out the monastery gardens. Then, drop by the nearby cafe to treat yourself to a baked dessert created from genuine traditional monastery recipes. You won't be disappointed.

5.  Cathedral of St. Vitus

The beautiful 15th-century Cathedral of St. Vitus, which stands beside the castle on top of a promontory, hosts the renowned tower with a clock at the top and 14th-century-stained glass and mosaics by artist Alfons Mucha. 

The exterior and interior are equally impressive. It's the best example of Gothic architecture featuring frescoes, the gravestones of Wiihelm von Rosenberg, his third wife Anna Maria, and a 17th century altar. The cathedral is also the final home of several saints, archbishops, kings, and princes. 

Today, you can stop by and visit inside the cathedral free of charge when there's no mass taking place at the time. Do remove your caps and hats as you enter.

6.  International Music Festival

Attend the Czech Republic's longest running music festival which goes on for around 5 weeks beginning in mid-July. In addition, it's one of the world's few festivals that includes a broad selection of musical genres such as from leading soloists, tenors, the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra to international personalities like Maynard Ferugson and Jim Morrison. If you are visiting while the festival is happening, make sure to catch part of it.

7.  Moldavite Museum

A long time ago, an incredibly huge meteorite struck the earth in the area of today's modern Germany.  The impact proved so powerful that remnants of the moldavite rock broke and spread, flying everywhere and some ending up where Cesky Krumlov stands. The museum not only showcases quite large boulder-sized pieces of moldavite but also presents futuristic interactive displays, brief films, and provides audiovisual sections. 

8.  Underground Mine 

Cesky Krumlov boasts a graphite mine as well as a rich history of conducting mining operations that ranges from graphite to precious minerals and metals. 

Just book a guided tour, wear protective gear, and then go underground to begin to understand what 18th century mining might have been like and even how the so-called "graphite rush" of the year 1846 shaped the town significantly.

9.  Five Petaled Rose Festival

If you arrive at Cesky Krumlov during the weekend nearest to the summer solstice, more precisely, June 21, you'll see the whole town turned into a medieval wonderland. While musicians and craftsmen bring their instruments and tools to the Old Town's corners, jousters clad in medieval costumes monumentally set the tone for the exciting festivities. Everything from folk theater performances, Middle Age food to fireworks displays only add to the overall experience.

10.  Museum of Torture

Although surely not for all people, this museum offers an intriguing overview of the barbaric ways in which law-breakers were abused ruthlessly throughout the centuries. Situated in the old Town Hall's medieval cellars on the main square, this unusual museum showcases over 100 instruments of torture and gruesome artifacts, even an alarming display exhibiting details of the notorious witch burning practices which revealed Europe's prevailing ignorance at the time.

 

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5 Top Reasons to Visit Jostedalsbreen National Park -- Museums, Ice Cave, Glaciers

Jostedalsbreen National Park

 

Jostedalsbreen National Park

What is the closest you came to experiencing the Ice Age--not counting seeing very realistic movies? Jostedalsbreen National Park comprises 1,310 square kilometers of wonderland in Sogn og Fjordane and Europe's biggest glacier. The park offers anything from adventurous glacier hiking, rafting, wildlife tours to kayaking.

The park's glacier is massive. In fact, so vast, were it to melt, the entire nation of Norway would be filled with enough water to last 100 years. At 80 kilometers in length, the glacier encompasses an area of 487 square kilometers and the ice is as thick as 500 meters in certain places. It's easy here to imagine you're in the Ice Age as you hike all around the huge whiteness and thank goodness the only giants, you'll come across will be statues.  

Though the park is large, you'll never feel lost here. Why? Because there are 3 visitor centers and museums, each strategically situated in Stryn, Fjaerland, and Jostedal. You'll get acclimated to this area quite fast. You could book guided tours and enjoy watching interactive exhibitions. 

Take a brief lesson on climate change

Climate change isn't fake. Here's evidence: the Haugabreen glacier has retreated approximately 130 meters within the previous decade. The park's various visitor centers provide opportunities to learn much about the specifics regarding climate change and what you could do to contribute to the environment. While you're surrounded by so much ice, the very idea of it melting grows more and more real than ever.

Take a glacier walk

Although the exhibitions are surely fascinating, in this park you will have the opportunity to experience the glacier quite actively. You could book glacier walks with the professional guides from any of the visitor centers at any time ranging from the months May to October. Know that the hiking distances are large and you'll be walking for a few hours prior to even arriving at the glacial area, which all means that you have to be in fair physical condition. 

Explore a range of environments

Despite that whiteness is everywhere, it's not always like that. Inside the national park, you will get the chance to explore a broad range of natural terrains such as from fjords, farmland to mountains home to cascading waterfalls. Nope, you won't be bored.

Something for everyone

If walking on icy terrain for many hours seems intimidating, the park also offers other activities like skiing, rafting, light historical walks for beginners, kayaking in glacial lakes, and even touring the mysterious blue ice cave beneath the glacier. Whatever's the level of adrenaline you are most comfortable with, you are certain to find activities more suited to you.

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