Since my school days, whenever I came across an article about the Great Wall of China, I would dream of visiting this ancient wonder. Last week, that long-held wish finally came true.

The night before the trip, participants of the China International Press Communication Centre (CIPCC) Programme were reminded not to be late the following morning. We needed to leave promptly from our diplomatic residence as the journey to the Juyongguan section of the Great Wall was expected to take more than an hour.

The next morning, in the crisp autumn air, with temperatures hovering around 10 degrees Celsius, we gathered at 7:30 am. Most of us bundled up in jackets and even gloves to brave the chill. I added my neck scarf and wool beanie for extra warmth.

After about 90 minutes on the bus, navigating Beijing’s morning rush hour, we had travelled more than 50 kilometres out of the city centre. As we neared our destination, the road began to climb uphill. The sight of the Great Wall in the distance filled us with excitement even before the bus came to a stop.

Stepping off the bus and seeing the Great Wall winding through the green hills, dotted with fortresses, was an unforgettable moment. It was a beautiful, almost surreal experience – one that will stay with me forever.

Before exploring, I tried to read information displayed at the Juyongguan Great Wall, one section of China’s total 21,000-kilometre fortification. It explained that the slopes on both sides of the Juyongguan Pass are carpeted with dense foliage. The ravine is flanked by mountains, with brooks flowing all year round. Since the Qing Dynasty, it has been regarded as one of the eight famous scenic spots in Beijing.

Strategically located and notoriously difficult to access, the Juyongguan Great Wall was once described as the most magnificent pass in the world. Its auxiliary structures – the southern and northern arched citadels towers, the water gate, and the pass itself – form a complete and formidable military defence system.

In 1987, China’s Great Wall was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Before we began our climb, a man approached us with a camera, repeating what sounded like ‘photo go loop’. At first, we were puzzled, but when he gestured for us to gather, we realised he was offering to take a group photo. Just before snapping the picture, he cheerfully said ‘smell’ instead of ‘smile,’ leaving us all laughing in the final shot.

Excitement carried us as we began the climb. A notice reminded visitors to consider their physical condition before attempting it. I had no plan to reach the highest fortress – the peak of the Juyongguan Great Wall – but simply wanted to walk and enjoy the scenery, as the view grew more spectacular with every step upward. Along the way, announcements in Chinese and English reminded tourists not to smoke, while numerous closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras watched over the path.

A reminder to visitors at the beginning of the climb.

I began to sweat and feel the heat from the climb, so I removed my jacket and beanie. CIPCC Programme participants from Bangladesh and Nepal cheered me on, motivating me to climb higher and higher. As I continued, I realised I had left my water bottle on the bus. Fortunately, there were shops and toilets along the way.

I stopped at a shop, along with several CIPCC Programme participants. Some of us bought isotonic drinks. I bought an ice-cream to refresh myself with something sweet. I picked an ice-cream and asked the shopkeeper what flavour it was. The shopkeeper showed the price tag – eight yuan. I said not price, flavour. After noticing that the shopkeeper did not understand English, using the translation application on my phone, I typed ‘What flavour is it?’ The shopkeeper wrote in Chinese on her phone, but when translated into English , the word ‘breast’ appeared. Too tired to laugh, I assumed it was a milk ice-cream. I just paid and enjoyed it while sitting on a bench.

The author (left) having a milk ice-cream break before the ascent.

"Let's continue climbing the final stretch," said one of the CIPCC Programme participants after I finished my ice-cream. As we approached the peak, the steps grew steeper.

The barefoot climber from Timor-Leste.

Our pace slowed, but we encouraged one another to keep going. The Timor-Leste CIPCC Programme participant climbed barefoot, saying that was how people often climbed in his country.

After one last push, a few CIPCC Programme Asia-Pacific participants, including myself, made it to the highest point of Juyongguan Wall. We were overjoyed and captivated by the breathtaking view.

The view from the highest point of Juyongguan Wall.

We decided to take a different route down. I found descending more challenging than climbing as I could see the long, steep flight of stairs stretching below me, making my stomach flutter. My pace slowed, and I carefully placed each step, determined not to lose my balance as the height made me dizzy.

The route downhill.

Fortunately, I hadn’t removed my gloves during the climb. They helped when I had to grip the cold iron railing on my way down. At one point, I sat on the stairs because it was too steep, and I didn’t have the confidence to stand. My knees were trembling.

Fortunately, I made it down safely. Near the exit, I came across several cannons, described as ‘Mighty Generals’. Emperor Chengzu had once ordered their installation along the Great Wall to defend the empire from invaders.

The Great Wall is not only a masterpiece of ancient architecture but also a brilliant defence strategy for China. I feel proud to have conquered the highest peak of Juyongguan. Thank you CIPCC for helping me realise a dream I had cherished since my school days!

-- BERNAMA

Rohani Mohd Ibrahim, a journalist with BERNAMA, is currently in Beijing to attend the China International Press Communication Centre (CIPCC) Programme from Aug 18 to Dec 15, 2025.

The initiative, organised by the China Public Diplomacy Association (CPDA), serves as a platform for practical cooperation between Chinese media organisations and those from emerging markets and developing economies.

The programme also provides foreign journalists with the opportunity to gain a comprehensive and in-depth understanding of China’s society, development and international engagement.

This marks BERNAMA’s eighth participation in the CIPCC Programme since 2018.