Mutianyu Great Wall
Read MoreMutianyu Great Wall
Part of the Great Wall of China located at Mutianyu in air pollution from Beijing
The Mutianyu section of the Great Wall is located 70 km NE of Beijing and is older, in better condition, and much less visited than the Badaling section of the Great Wall. It was originally built in the 6th century to defend Beijing and the Imperial Tombs. It is unusual in having merlons (crenelations for shooting) on both sides of the wall, and densely placed watch towers. It was rebuilt in 1569. This rebuilt wall is what you see now.
The day we visited the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall, there were record pollution levels in Beijing (API - air quality index - of over 600 on the scale that tops out at 500). The pollution extended from Beijing right up to this part of the Great Wall, but was not as bad here. With some careful processing (increasing contrast, etc.) it was possible to salvage some photos showing the closer parts of the wall clearly, and fading off into the pollution in the distance.
Judy, if I hadn't already boosted the contrast you would have seen even less than you see here, the smog was that thick.
Mutianyu Great WallBejingChinaair pollutionwatch towersmerlonscrenelationshillsforest
kjakes1
on December 4, 2017Brilliant landscape, love the Leading lines and misty background layers, excellent work!
jimholmquist
on December 4, 2017Wonderful shot Terry and I love the POV!
Franks-Focus
on December 4, 2017Great shot of this historic wall and a unique view also.
Judith Sparhawk
on December 4, 2017Wonderful pic of the wall--different from what we usually see. Regarding the smog, I wondered if you had used haze reduction or just adjusting contrast. I might clear it up more, but then it wouldn't probably be as accurate a documentation of what the air is really like. Maybe a prettier but less accurate photo...hmmm. Just a thought.
Howard's Photography
on December 4, 2017Great capture, outstanding comp!
Eyeshots
on December 4, 2017Fantastic - would love to see this in person!
Lgood
on December 3, 2017This is one of the best shots from a section of the Great Wall that I have ever seen. I just can't imagine how people breath in that kind of air pollution.
Byron Fair Photography
on December 3, 2017Beautiful.
Bruno Suignard
on December 3, 2017excellent view!!
Donna McCommon
on December 3, 2017Now that's what you call a leading line. Fantastic shot.