The Great Wall in China

Facts and Data

Webpages:
Official Unesco Page
View photos from OUR PLACE the World Heritage collection
Lanzhou University (chinese only)
Meet the Great Wall (Meet the Great Wall Studio)
Great Wall of China (TravelChinaGuide.com)

Basis Data:
Unesco World heritage since: 1987
Size of heritage: 2,152 ha
- Buffer zone: 4,801 ha

Coordinates:
Longitude: 116,083°
Latitude: 40,417°

Summary

In c. 220 B.C., under Qin Shi Huang, sections of earlier fortifications were joined together to form a united defence system against invasions from the north. Construction continued up to the Ming dynasty (1368–1644), when the Great Wall became the world's largest military structure. Its historic and strategic importance is matched only by its architectural significance.

Location on Map

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The Great Wall of China

The Great Wall of China is one of the most iconic and remarkable architectural wonders in the world. Spanning over 13,000 miles, it winds its way through 15 provinces, municipalities, and autonomous regions in China, including Liaoning, Jilin, Hebei, Beijing, Tianjin, Shanxi, Inner Mongolia, Shaanxi, Ningxia, Gansu, Xinjiang, Shandong, Henan, Hubei, Hunan, Sichuan, and Qinghai. This UNESCO World Heritage site is a testament to the ingenuity and determination of the ancient Chinese civilization.

History

The construction of the Great Wall began over 2,000 years ago during the Qin Dynasty (221-206 BC) and continued throughout various dynasties until the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644 AD). The primary purpose of the wall was to protect China from invasions by nomadic tribes from the north, such as the Mongols and Xiongnu.

Initially, the wall was built using rammed earth and wood, but as the threat of invasion persisted, it was reinforced with bricks and stone during the Ming Dynasty. The construction of the wall involved the labor of millions of workers, including soldiers, peasants, and prisoners. It is estimated that hundreds of thousands of people lost their lives during its construction.

Over the centuries, the Great Wall served not only as a defensive structure but also as a symbol of national unity and identity. It played a crucial role in the exchange of goods, culture, and ideas between China and neighboring regions.

Current State

Today, the Great Wall of China stands as a testament to the ancient engineering skills of the Chinese people. While some sections of the wall have deteriorated over time, many parts have been restored and are open to visitors.

The most famous and well-preserved section of the Great Wall is located near Beijing. Known as Badaling, it attracts millions of tourists each year. This section offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape and showcases the grandeur of the wall's construction.

Other notable sections include Mutianyu, Jinshanling, and Simatai, which offer a more authentic and less crowded experience. These sections provide visitors with the opportunity to hike along the wall and appreciate its architectural marvels up close.

Preservation efforts are ongoing to protect and restore the Great Wall. The Chinese government, along with international organizations, invests significant resources in maintaining and conserving this cultural heritage site. However, challenges such as natural erosion, human activities, and urban development continue to pose threats to the wall's integrity.

The Great Wall of China remains a symbol of China's rich history and cultural heritage. Its grandeur and historical significance continue to captivate visitors from around the world. As a UNESCO World Heritage site, it serves as a reminder of the remarkable achievements of ancient civilizations and the importance of preserving our shared human heritage.