Everything You Need to Know About the Great Wall of China in English

The Great Wall of China is one of the world’s most famous landmarks, and a symbol of China’s long and storied history. It stretches from the Shanhaiguan Pass in the east to the Jiayuguan Pass in the west, and was built to protect the Chinese Empire from invaders. It is estimated that the wall is 13,170 miles (21,196 km) long, making it one of the longest structures ever built.

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History of the Great Wall of China

The Great Wall of China was first constructed in the 7th century BC by the Qin Dynasty, and was expanded and maintained by subsequent Chinese dynasties. Over the centuries, the wall has been extended and repaired, with the majority of the existing wall being built during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644).

Purpose of the Great Wall

The Great Wall of China was built as a defense against invaders, particularly from the north. It was also used to control immigration and trade between China and the outside world. The wall was divided into different sections, each with its own garrison of soldiers, who were tasked with monitoring the wall and defending it from attack.

Structure of the Great Wall

The Great Wall of China is composed of various sections, including walls, towers, forts, and watchtowers. The walls are made of stone, brick, and rammed earth, and were built with an average height of 25 feet (7.6 meters). The towers and forts were built to provide lookout points and to defend the wall. The watchtowers were used to signal messages between different sections of the wall.

Conservation of the Great Wall

The Great Wall of China is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is protected by the Chinese government. In recent years, the government has taken steps to preserve and protect the wall, including building new sections, restoring existing sections, and increasing access to the wall for tourists.

Visiting the Great Wall of China

The Great Wall of China is a popular tourist attraction, and is visited by millions of people every year. There are many different sections of the wall that can be visited, each with its own unique features and history. Popular sections of the wall include the Badaling section near Beijing, the Mutianyu section near Beijing, and the Jinshanling section near Beijing.