New year, new goals—so why not start by taking a step toward better health? On this National Take the Stairs Day, let"s climb into the past. The Great Wall of China, one of the longest humanmade structures in the world, offers the perfect inspiration. Stretching more than 13,000 miles and dating back thousands of years, the ancient marvel in today"s picture is a series of fortifications spanning rugged mountains, valleys, and deserts. Featuring steep trenches and watchtowers, parts of it were designed to keep invaders at bay. Hiking the Great Wall offers a unique glimpse into this historical landmark. The experience varies from well-preserved sections like Mutianyu to wild, unrestored parts such as Jiankou. Some steps are so high, they"re more like steps on a ladder! Talk about a workout—taking these stairs could rival any modern fitness challenge.
National Take the Stairs Day
Today in History
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Tiny fliers head south
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World Teachers Day
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Spot on for International Cat Day
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A shell of many colors
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Going head-to-head with winter
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The Children’s Cultural Festival in Reykjavik begins today
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Square Tower House in Mesa Verde National Park
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Fall comes to the Last Frontier
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National Go Birding Day
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Celebrating whales—and a whale of a tale
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Rockefeller Center Christmas tree lighting
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Roques de Benet, Els Ports Natural Park, Catalonia, Spain
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Castle Frankenstein in Darmstadt, Germany
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The aftermath of a meteorite
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Reflecting on Black History Month
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White Desert National Park, Egypt
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Perseid meteor shower over Oregon
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Caribou on the move
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The Kelpies statues in Falkirk, Scotland
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Celebrating Take Your Dog to Work Day
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It s World Bee Day
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Oh, to sleep under the northern lights
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St. James Tidal Pool, Cape Town, South Africa
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Veterans Day
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Old man s whiskers growing wild
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Amber Fort, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India
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Can you see the family resemblance?
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Muniellos Nature Reserve
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Let s get lost
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Autumn in the cypress swamp