Watch Trekking the Great Wall

Trekking the Great Wall is a documentary film released in 2011 that follows the journey of William Lindesay and Paul Rabiger as they explore the Great Wall of China. The two men undertake a grueling 1,500 mile trek across the wall, covering both repaired and un-repaired sections of the wall, exploring its history and cultural significance, and meeting local people who live near the wall.

William Lindesay is a British archaeologist who has dedicated much of his career to the study of the Great Wall of China. He is regarded as one of the world's leading experts on the wall and has written several books about it. In the film, he serves as the guide, providing valuable insight into the history of the wall, as well as its construction and maintenance over the centuries.

Paul Rabiger is an American cameraman and filmmaker, who has worked on a number of documentary projects. His contribution to the film is his expertise in cinematography, capturing the beauty of the wall and the surrounding landscapes, as well as giving the audience a glimpse into the challenges that the two men face during their journey.

The film explores a number of themes, including the historical and cultural significance of the Great Wall, its current state of preservation and restoration, the challenges of the terrain, and the lifestyles of the people who live near the wall.

One of the central themes of the film is the journey itself. With a length of over 13,000 miles, the Great Wall is the longest wall in the world, and the trek that William and Paul undertake is a daunting one. From crumbling sections of the wall that require careful navigation, to rugged terrain that puts their physical endurance to the test, the journey is grueling, but ultimately rewarding.

The film also explores the history of the wall and its construction, including the various dynasties that contributed to its construction, as well as the labor and engineering that went into building such an impressive feat of architecture. It also examines the various uses of the wall over the centuries, including its use as a border defense, a cultural symbol, and a tourist attraction.

Throughout the film, the two men encounter local people who live near the wall, allowing the audience to gain insight into the daily lives of those who live in this area of China. From farmers tilling their fields to artisans crafting traditional items, the film highlights the diversity of the region and the strong connection between the people and the wall.

The film also examines the current state of preservation and restoration of the wall, with much of it being in a state of disrepair. As the number of tourists who visit the wall each year continues to rise, the need for preservation becomes increasingly important. The film highlights the efforts of the Chinese government and various organizations to restore and protect the wall, as well as the challenges that they face.

Overall, Trekking the Great Wall is a fascinating exploration of one of the world's most impressive feats of architecture and engineering. Through stunning cinematography, expert commentary, and firsthand accounts of the challenges of the journey, the film gives the audience a unique perspective on the history, culture, and people of the region. For anyone interested in the Great Wall of China, or Chinese culture in general, this film is a must-see.

Trekking the Great Wall is a 2012 documentary with a runtime of 50 minutes.