The greatest Chinese dragon, they say. Meandering like a shiny river along the silent mountain tops, repeatedly rising up and diving down, always on the lookout for… something. What were they SO afraid of to construct such a giant? This thought (and imaginary possible scenarios) was constantly on my mind as I was climbing the uncountable steps of Mutianyu, Gubeikou and Jinshanling sections of the Wall and inspecting their watchtowers, barracks and gates. The Mongols are the first threat that comes to mind but actually many other nomadic tribes had tried to invade Mainland China before the Mongols took their turn. Nowadays, the threat is gone and the Great Wall seems like a sleeping giant safeguarding the myths of the over 2,000-year-long past. It’s hiding them amid the morning mists, late afternoon golden sunbeams and unexpected midnight lightening storms.