In April, Beijing is like a vibrant painting, exuding the freshness and vitality of spring. Under the warm sunlight, the Great Wall glimmers with a golden hue.

　　On April 9, 1977, Margaret Hilda Thatcher, then leader of the British Conservative Party, made her first visit to China and climbed the Badaling Great Wall in Yanqing District, Beijing.

　　When asked whether she planned to cover a longer distance than former British Prime Minister Edward Heath had, she said she wouldn’t, “You know, we’ve already walked a long way, and there are many other matters to attend to.”

　　Nevertheless, the appeal of the Great Wall far exceeded her expectations. Ascending its steps, she marveled at the breathtaking panorama of undulating mountains and the winding Great Wall. The profound sense of history emanating from the ancient bricks left her utterly captivated. Recalling the moment she stood atop the Great Wall, she could not hide her pride but spoke with a sense of awe: “We climbed all the way to the highest point – the weather that day was just perfect.” She reflected, “The Great Wall is the most breathtaking ancient wonder I’ve ever seen.”

　　Thatcher showed a keen interest in China during her visit. She’d seize every opportunity between meetings for her exploration. She toured the Forbidden City, visited Dingling Mausoleum, strolled through markets, bought some tea, and visited Suzhou afterwards. In the eyes of Thatcher, each era of Chinese history possesses its own unique charm and allure, “I believe the next half-century will be the most beautiful and captivating period in China’s history,” she said.

　　Thatcher’s visit to the Great Wall was a unique encounter with China, and an intimate experience with the ancient Chinese culture.

　　The Great Wall, a magnificent structure that has withstood the test of time, bears witness to countless historic moments in the defense of peace.

　　Globally, no structure has influenced and shaped a nation across time and space like the Great Wall. No other human creation has so harmoniously embodied Chinese civilization, leaving behind a narrative of exchange and integration among diverse peoples and cultures.