The big wall: a year between tradition and modernity in China

The big wall: a year between tradition and modernity in China

The big wall is not only a monumental building, but also an important cultural symbol for China. It extends over 22,000 kilometers and is the longest of people created by humans. This impressive wall is viewed as the heart of Chinese civilization and connects dynasties with modern China for millennia. During a one -year project, Sascha Storfner, together with a team from the ARD studio Beijing, documented the course of the wall that leads across the country.

The trip began on the border with North Korea in the east of China and ended in Xinjiang in the northwest of the People's Republic. It included different landscapes, from the sea to the desert, and offered numerous encounters with the people who live along the wall. In the border town of Dandong, a section of the wall was restored, from which you have a view of the sealed off North Korea. This region is also shaped by a significant Korean minority, many residents have relatives in North Korea.

The wall and its cultural importance

The Chinese wall is viewed by many Chinese as a sign of strength and unity. The intercultural elements that become visible along the wall are particularly fascinating. In the inner Mongolia, descendants of the "nomads from the north" guard the remains of the wall, while in the province of Ningxia, the remains of the wall from rock. This region is the home of the Hui, the largest Muslim minority in China. The Goji berry, a superfood that is very much appreciated in traditional Chinese medicine.

In addition, the wall also has a sporty component. Near Beijing takes place one of the toughest marathons in the world, in which around 5,000 runners from all over the world take place every year. The local villagers support the marathon runners and thus contribute to the connection of the wall with modern activities.

variety of structures and history

The course of the wall varies depending on the dynasty and offers a variety of structures, including fortresses and signal towers. In Xinjiang, some of the signal towers have been preserved on the northern route of the Silk Road, where the Kazakhs maintain their traditional lifestyle. This multitude of historical elements shows not only the architecture of past times, but also the diversity of the cultures that are shaped by the wall.

Overall, the large wall not only gives the great wall because of its sheer size and historical meaning, but also through the stories and traditions of the people who live along their course. The documentation of Sascha Storfner and her team takes a fascinating view of one of the most important construction work in humanity and the people who live on their border. Further details can be found in the reports of ARD Mediathek and TVSerien.de .