The Great Wall of China is one of the most significant tourist attractions in China and on the Asian continent. This long and mysterious wall, constructed over successive centuries, is renowned as a symbol of Chinese culture and art. This remarkable wall is included on the UNESCO list of cultural heritage sites. Additionally, there are numerous fascinating and easily accessible historical facts about this ancient marvel. Join us in this article to discover why the Great Wall of China is listed among the seven wonders of the world.
Great Wall of China, the longest wall in history!
The Great Wall of China, the longest wall in history, is likely something you’ve seen in pictures or heard about. But perhaps you’re curious about its exact length? This mysterious wall stretches approximately 21,196 kilometers! Not only does it traverse various northern provinces of China, but it also spans through 9 autonomous regions in the north of the country, including Hebei, Beijing, Inner Mongolia, Ningxia, Gansu, and Shaanxi. Remarkably, the wall begins near the Bohai Sea, close to the Korean border, and extends all the way to the Gobi Desert in Yangquan. Construction of this monumental structure spanned over 2000 years, with the exact date of its inception still a mystery.
Roughly speaking, the construction of the wall is believed to have commenced in the 7th century BC and persisted until the 16th century. Various Chinese imperial dynasties have contributed to its construction. In the following sections, we’ll delve briefly into the history of the Great Wall of China.
The historical course of the construction of the Great Wall of China
What tourists see today as the Great Wall of China represents its completed form, the culmination of centuries of construction. To grasp its significance fully, we must delve into the history of its construction. The building of this iconic wall began 2000 years ago. However, due to the materials’ lack of durability during that time, many sections have been lost over the years. The first emperor of the Qin Dynasty commanded thousands of soldiers, along with villagers and farmers, to initiate the construction of the wall. Subsequently, the Han Dynasty refined the process, increasing its length and incorporating towers and defensive structures.
In later periods, when relations with northern neighbors were more amicable, less attention was paid to the Great Wall. During the Song Dynasty, due to the wall’s deterioration and the poor quality of materials, the Mongols managed to breach it, leading to Chinese defeat. Over the Mongol’s century-long rule of China, little maintenance was undertaken on the wall.
However, during the Ming Dynasty, efforts to restore the wall were renewed. Sturdier materials were employed in its construction. It wasn’t until the late 16th century that the construction of the Great Wall of China was finally completed.
What was the use of the Chinese wall?
You might be wondering why a nation would dedicate so many years to building a wall around its borders. What was the purpose of the Great Wall of China? While historically, it’s understood that the Chinese constructed the Great Wall for defensive reasons along their northern borders, evidence suggests it was rarely utilized for defense in practice. Instead, the Great Wall served more as a symbol of the might of the Chinese Empire, exerting a psychological impact on potential adversaries. Additionally, during periods of amicable relations with their northern neighbors, the wall doubled as a trade hub. During the Ming Dynasty, the Great Wall evolved beyond a mere defensive barrier; it became one of the nation’s most vital infrastructural assets. In fact, it was utilized to manage the flow of water, highlighting its multifaceted role in Chinese society and governance.
Sino-Japanese war
Indeed, the defensive role of the Great Wall of China became particularly prominent during the 1930s and the Sino-Japanese War. During this period, the Chinese utilized the Great Wall as a physical barrier against enemy incursions, making it a crucial defensive asset. Many remnants of this era, including bullet marks, serve as poignant relics of its defensive use. Interestingly, around three centuries after the Ming dynasty’s collapse, Chinese intellectuals began to view the wall differently. Rather than a symbol of power, it was seen as a reminder of past mistakes, particularly regarding the human cost of its construction. Many lives were lost during its construction, leading to a reassessment of its historical significance. Furthermore, during Mao’s reign, the Red Guards destroyed sections of the wall deemed as remnants of Chinese feudalism, reflecting a shift in attitudes towards the wall and its symbolism.
Materials and architecture of the Chinese wall
The Great Wall of China traverses diverse landscapes with varying environmental conditions, influencing its materials and architectural styles. Chinese builders sought to utilize local resources in its construction. In mountainous regions, the wall is predominantly constructed from stone, while rammed earth was favored in flat plains. In desert areas, an innovative approach was adopted, incorporating a mixture of sand and desert plants into the wall’s structure. During the Ming Dynasty, advancements in construction materials led to the use of stronger substances such as lime mortar, stone, and brick. Surprisingly, sticky rice was also employed in the wall’s construction, contributing to its durability. Additionally, the inclusion of brass in the wall’s structure enhanced its resilience over time.
The Great Wall of China is in the list of new seven wonders of the world
The height of the wall varies, reaching up to 6 meters in some sections and 14 meters in others. Decorative plaques and reliefs adorn certain parts of the wall, adding to its visual appeal and historical significance.
The wonders of the Great Wall of China
The Great Wall of China holds many wonders, including some darker aspects. Did you know that it’s often referred to as the largest cemetery in the world? It’s estimated that around 400,000 individuals lost their lives during its construction. Many perished due to starvation and overwork, while others were forced into labor as punishment for their crimes by the Chinese Empire. Numerous workers’ remains have been discovered at the base of the wall, suggesting they were buried there. According to Chinese tradition, if a person isn’t laid to rest in their place of origin, their soul may wander. Burying these workers at the foot of the wall was considered disrespectful to their spirits.
Some speculate that the bones of these deceased laborers were ground into powder and used in the wall’s mortar—a grim and haunting possibility. These stories shed light on the human cost behind the monumental structure that continues to fascinate and awe visitors from around the world!
The story of Meng Jian
The Great Wall of China is adorned with numerous inscriptions and stone carvings, each bearing tales and legends, some of which may be rooted in reality. Among these stories, one of the most renowned is the legend of Meng Jiang. According to the legend, Meng Jiang’s husband was called to work on the Great Wall shortly after their wedding. Concerned for his well-being during the winter, Meng Jiang set out to bring him warm clothing. Upon reaching the wall, she learned the heartbreaking news of her husband’s demise due to hunger and the harsh conditions of his labor. Distraught, Meng Jiang struck the wall in grief, causing it to split open, revealing the bones of the deceased workers. With her tears, the wall parted, allowing her to retrieve her husband’s remains. She then carried his bones back to their village for a proper burial.
This poignant tale of love, loss, and perseverance has become one of the most enduring legends associated with the Great Wall of China, reflecting the deep emotional connection between the people and the monumental structure that has shaped their history.
Can the Great Wall of China be seen from space?
The belief that the Great Wall of China is visible from space is a popular myth, but it has been debunked by astronauts and experts alike. NASA has confirmed that the Great Wall is not visible to the naked eye from space, even from the lowest Earth orbit. This myth has persisted since as early as 1938 among the Chinese population, but it was dispelled when astronauts from the Apollo spacecraft missions reported that they were unable to see the wall. One reason for this misconception may be the fact that the wall was constructed using materials indigenous to its surroundings, blending in with the natural landscape. Additionally, the Great Wall’s width is relatively narrow when compared to the vastness of space, making it nearly impossible to detect from such a distance.
In conclusion, while the Great Wall of China is an impressive feat of engineering and a significant historical landmark, it cannot be seen from space with the naked eye, as confirmed by astronauts and scientific evidence.
Undiscovered parts of the Great Wall of China
It’s easy to assume that all parts of the Great Wall of China have been uncovered, but that’s not necessarily the case. There could be sections that remain undiscovered, hidden from archaeologists’ view. In 2009, new segments of the wall dating back to the Ming period were identified using infrared radiation technology. Moreover, significant portions of the Great Wall are obscured by natural features like rivers, pits, and hills.
In a surprising discovery in 2015, researchers stumbled upon the ruins of the Great Wall along the border between the Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region and Gansu Province. This find was unexpected, as it extended the wall’s known reach. These newly discovered sections are attributed to the Qin period. Environmental factors such as erosion and flooding have contributed to the disappearance of parts of the wall, concealing them from archaeological scrutiny. These examples underscore the ongoing efforts and advancements in archaeological research, hinting at the possibility of more discoveries in the future, further enriching our understanding of this iconic structure.
Visit the Great Wall of China
Perhaps, after reading this article, you have been encouraged to visit Great Wall of China. Every year, a large number of tourists visit this amazing wall. The Great Wall of China has different parts to visit that you can visit according to your mood. Sections such as:
- Badaling: which is the most popular, busiest and most commercial part of the Great Wall of China.
- Juyongguan: which is the closest part of the wall to Beijing.
- Mutianio: Or the Bull Horn Wall, which is the longest part of the wall.
- Simatai: which is the steepest part of the wall.
- Jinshanling: It has not been completely renovated.
- Gianco: Which is the most dangerous part of the wall.
- Huang Huacheng: a part of the Great Wall of China through which Huaming Lake passes and has a very beautiful view.
Shanhai Pass, Yanmen Pass and Gobiko are other parts of the Great Wall of China that can be visited.
Recreational facilities of the Great Wall of China
Walking, especially night walks, is a popular activity along the Great Wall of China. Simatai is the only section illuminated at night, providing a unique experience for nighttime exploration. Additionally, the Great Wall of China Marathon, held annually in May, attracts runners from around the world, making it one of the top ten marathon routes globally. For camping enthusiasts, the Great Wall offers an unforgettable experience, with the autumn season being particularly ideal. Some say that camping on the Great Wall during autumn allows for stunning views of the Milky Way in the night sky.
Certain sections of the Great Wall also feature cable cars and roller coaster cars, providing convenient transportation for tourists. For those seeking adventure, paragliding is available in select areas, offering a thrilling way to experience the majesty of the wall.
Overall, spring and autumn are considered the best seasons to visit the Great Wall of China, offering pleasant weather and breathtaking scenery for visitors to enjoy.
Conclusion
The Great Wall of China stands as one of the longest historical structures globally, symbolizing China’s rich history and cultural heritage. Recognized as both a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the new seven wonders of the world, this awe-inspiring wall was constructed over successive centuries under the orders of various Chinese emperors. Tragically, many workers lost their lives during its construction, earning it the grim distinction of being known as the largest cemetery in the world.
Built for defense and commercial purposes, the Great Wall of China showcases various construction techniques, including the innovative use of materials like rice mortar. Despite its somber past, the wall continues to draw countless tourists each year, attracted by its recreational opportunities and breathtaking scenery. From hiking to marveling at its architectural splendor, visiting the Great Wall promises an unforgettable experience for those who appreciate history and adventure alike.
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