The Great Wall of China and Eastern Legends: Leo's Journey to China

Leo was full of anticipation: ahead of him lay the Great Wall of China! As soon as he set foot on Chinese soil, he was awestruck by the beautiful landscapes — towering mountains, green valleys, and the long, winding wall stretching beyond the horizon. Leo felt that something special awaited him here.

He was greeted by a boy named Li, who was about the same age as him. Li smiled warmly and greeted him: “Nǐ hǎo!” — which means “Hello” in Chinese. Leo responded happily and immediately asked how to pronounce the greeting correctly. Repeating after Li, he learned to say “Nǐ hǎo” and proudly declared he now knew a Chinese word!

They set off towards the wall together, and Li began telling Leo the story of this magnificent structure. “This wall was built over several centuries, starting more than two thousand years ago,” explained Li. “It protected China from enemies and stretches for thousands of kilometers!” Leo was amazed, imagining how much effort and time was needed to build such a long wall.

As they walked along the wall, Li told Leo one of the ancient legends. “It’s said that every part of the wall is filled with the spirit of the Chinese people,” he began, gazing into the distance. “One legend tells of a young woman named Meng Jiangnü, who waited a long time for her fiancé, only to learn he had died building the wall. Heartbroken, she came here, wept, and part of the wall collapsed. Her story has since become a symbol of love and loyalty.”

Leo listened intently, imagining the many people who worked on this structure and the important stories behind each stone. “That’s amazing, Li!” he said, gazing into the wall as if hoping to see traces of the legend. “I feel like history really lives here.”

Lost in thought, Leo went over to one of the ancient stones and touched it. It felt as though he could sense the centuries passing through that stone, and he felt a bit of ancient history in his hand. Li laughed and explained that, for the Chinese, the wall was not only a form of protection but also a symbol of strength and unity.

They continued their walk, and Li decided to teach Leo a few Chinese words. Leo learned that “shui” means “water” and “shan” means “mountain.” He happily repeated the words after Li, laughing whenever he mixed up the sounds. Li patiently corrected him, and soon Leo learned to say a few phrases correctly.

When they reached one of the high sections of the wall, a breathtaking view of mountains and valleys opened up before them. “Have you ever seen anything like this?” Li asked. Leo froze, looking at the horizon, and replied, “No, never. It’s just incredible!”

Li suggested taking a picture to remember the moment, and they took a photo together with the wall and mountains in the background. “Now you won’t forget China,” Li said, smiling. Leo felt that their friendship had become part of this journey and that China would always hold a special place in his heart.

As evening approached and the sun began to set behind the mountains, Leo thanked Li for the wonderful day. He knew many more countries and discoveries awaited him, but China and the Great Wall would remain a special memory.