Save the Great Wall from philistines

China's most famous icon is the Great Wall. This national symbol of Chinese strength and determination has stood for thousands of years and remains one of China's most popular and enduring tourist attractions.

As a 35-year resident of Asia and a fluent Putonghua speaker, I have traveled to Beijing countless times on business. But I never managed to find time to visit the Great Wall and experience its grandeur. I had to be content with studying its history and watching the awe-inspiring documentary films on Discovery and National Geographic channels. I always looked forward to the time when I would stand on the Great Wall and be able to get a personal sense of its majesty and mystery.

Last month I was in Beijing, again on business, and I found myself with a day of free time. I was determined to visit the Great Wall this time. My hotel helped me hire a car and a guide and 90 minutes later we arrived at the entrance to Mutianyu, said to be one of the most photogenic stretches of the Great Wall. With great excitement I walked up past the tourist shops and up the steps to the Great Wall itself. I admit, I was thrilled and couldn't believe my luck.