How great is Great?

The symbol of the Chinese nation claimed to be the only man-made structure visible from space. Which is pretty great.

A wall as in Berlin's Wall?

Peace-keeping motives were certainly behind its original construction, two millennia ago.

One wall v one enemy?

For Wall read Walls, constructed by various kingdoms beginning with the Qin dynasty in 221BC, to deter marauding nomads.

Were all the sections eventually linked?

Ten years of hard labour for thousands of political prisoners under General Meng Tian.

Has anyone measured it?

The number of walls and earthen ramparts make that impossible, though rumours in the region of 2,500 to 6,000km are rampant.

Could I walk the wall?

From Shanhaiguan Pass on the east coast to Jiayuguan Fort in the Gobi desert if you're inclined.

How would I go about it?

With one of several companies, including Gerba Expeditions (01373 826611). Its 16-day East China Adventure spends three days around Beijing visiting the most popular slices.

'I Climbed the Great Wall' T-shirt stalls?

Plenty, although Gerba, Asian Journeys (01604 234877) and Silk Steps (0117 9402800) prefer the more remote sections further north.

Such as?

Silk Steps small group itineraries next year will incorporate four days of walking at Chengde, Mutianyu, Huanghua and Jinshanglin/Simatai.

Away from the crowds?

Huanghua, in particular, is remote and unspoilt. There is also an option to see the end of the Ming dynasty wall at the great desert fort of Jiayuguan.

Is the walking easy?

Near vertical inclines and thousands of steps make it strenuous.

How much do holidays cost?

Reckon on pounds 1,500 to pounds 2,500pp for three weeks,depending on itinerary and season.

Which is?

April to November, peaking in October.

I didn't realise it was so popular?

Following Chairman Mao's dictum that 'To walk upon the Great Wall makes you a hero', it is the aspiration of all Chinese to visit at least once in their lifetime.