Fantasy: Great Wall of China

The Great Wall of China is one of the greatest man-made creations citizens of Earth have come up with. Originally built for practical purposes, defending China from foreign invaders, the Wall stretches some 13,000 miles.

Many people today visit the Wall in an attempt to escape the modern noise and chaos of China’s mega cities and get in touch with China’s ancient past. An escape to a simpler, but equally impressive time.

Reality: Great Wall of China

These days the Chinese aren’t worried about foreign invaders scaling the walls and attacking, they’re worried about tourists desecrating one of the symbols of China’s historic might. The Wall is subject to littering and vandalism, if you can believe it.

And despite its immense size, most tourists to the Wall visit in a few specific spots. This means you won’t be the only one there. In fact, the wall will be overrun with fellow visitors when you arrive. So much for pondering life’s great questions in peace.