The Great Wall of China is one of the Seven Wonders of the World and without any doubt, China’s greatest attraction, and its most iconic symbol. The Great Wall is a series of walls made of stone, brick, tamped earth, wood, and other materials, generally built along the east-to-west line across the historical northern borders of China to protect the Chinese states and empires against people from the north and the west. The Great Wall is more than 13,000 miles long, stretching from Shanhaiguan in the east to Lop Nur in the west.
History of the Great Wall of China
The Great Wall’s history stretches back more than 2,000 years. The first walls were built in the 7th century BC, by the Qi State to defend against the attacks from the northern nomads. Over the next thousand years, the walls were rebuilt and extended by numerous states and dynasties to protect against invading nomadic tribes such as the Xiongnu, the Huns, and the Mongols. The Ming Dynasty (1368-1644 AD) rebuilt much of the wall over the northern borders to keep the Manchus out.
Design and Construction of the Wall
The Great Wall of China was built by hand over a long period, using basic tools such as hammers, shovels, and wooden or bamboo baskets to carry the material. The wall’s construction involved compacting the materials into solid layers, known as tamping. It was a colossal engineering feat that required skillful designing, careful placement of each brick, and planning to avoid gaps and weaknesses.
Great Wall of China Today
Today, the Great Wall of China is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and attracts millions of visitors from all over the world. Visitors can access the Great Wall at many different points and experience a variety of different sections with varying levels of difficulty to trek. Some of the most famous sections of the wall include Badaling, Simatai, Jinshanling, and Mutianyu. The Great Wall of China is one of the most photographed and most visible symbols of China’s rich history and culture.
Conclusion
The Great Wall of China remains an iconic symbol of human achievement, determination, and innovation. It is a monument that represents the human struggle against nature and other humans. Out of its enormous size, the wall embodies the values of determination, sacrifice, and human will, making the wall much more than just a tourist attraction but a reflection of human history and a true wonder of the world.
- The Great Wall is more than 13,000 miles long.
- The first walls were built in the 7th century BC, by the Qi State.
- The Ming Dynasty (1368-1644 AD) rebuilt much of the wall over the northern borders to keep the Manchus out.
- The wall’s construction involved compacting the materials into solid layers, known as tamping.
- The Great Wall of China is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and attracts millions of visitors from all over the world.
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