2-889-466 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

The Great Wall of China, seen from the Top of the Tower, 1850. '...the wall continues apparently more or less in a ruined state for about three miles in a N.N.W. direction over a fine undulating country...It then takes a sudden curve to the S.W., passing near a large town called Shan-hae-wei. Thence it ascends directly up a bleak rugged range of mountains, about 3000 feet in height, creeping up the side like a gigantic serpent and disappearing over the summit of the ridge. The general features of the country about the Wall are very pleasing; the land, rising slowly from the sea up to the foot of the mountain range is well wooded, and apparently densely populated on the Chinese side. On the Tartar side it undulates gently away into the distance, and appears rich and well cultivated, and dotted here and there with villages...'. From "Illustrated London News", 1850.