China’s culture is founded on an ethos of balance and harmony, exemplified within the art of Tai Chi.

The Great Wall mimics the curves of the peaks it sits on, proving that the man-made and nature can work harmoniously together.

Watchtowers, in various states of disrepair, dot the 14km trek on Day 1.

Snaking its way through the landscape, the trek is as stunning as it is demanding.

Volunteers give up their time to help with the ongoing restoration of the Jinshanling section of the Great Wall. This volunteer carried 25kg bags of sand and gravel to various watchtowers, matching the pace of the trek.

Sharp inclines and loose rocks can make for a tricky descent.

Watchtowers are a chance for explorative pauses.

Only 2.5 hours from Beijing, Jinshanling offers a remoteness and seclusion for trekkers that is not commonly associated with the Great Wall.

Steep watchtower staircases lead to eroded rooftops.

Each step exploring the Wall reinforces its status as one of the greatest man-made structures in the world.

Once used to store weapons, house troops and send smoke signals, the eroded top tiers of watchtowers now provide 360-degree views of the Yanshan mountains.

Sunset transforms the valley and the Wall, casting a golden hue on the return journey to Jinshanling.