Great Wall of China

華夷圖附注

GreatWallofQinDynasty

GreatWallOfHanDynasty

GreatWallChina4

Part of the Great Wall of China (April 1853, X, p.41) - Copy

Great Wall of China

The Great Wall of China is a series of fortifications made of stone, brick, tamped earth, wood, and other materials, generally built along an east-to-west line across the historical northern borders of China to protect the Chinese states and empires against the raids and invasions of the various nomadic groups of the Eurasian Steppe. With a history of more than 2,300 years, some of the sections of the Great Wall are now in ruins or have disappeared. However, it is still one of the most appealing attractions all around the world owing to its architectural grandeur and historical significance.

History

The history of the Great Wall of China can be traced back to the Spring and Autumn period (approximately 770–476 BC) and the Warring States period (475–221 BC), when various states built multiple walls to defend their territories. The most famous sections of the wall were built by the Qin Dynasty (221–206 BC) under the leadership of Emperor Qin Shi Huang, in a bid to prevent intrusion by the Xiongnu nomads from the north. Later dynasties, especially the Ming Dynasty (1368–1644), made significant repairs and extensions to the Great Wall.

Structure

The Great Wall stretches from Dandong in the east to Lop Lake in the west, along an arc that roughly delineates the southern edge of Inner Mongolia. A comprehensive archaeological survey, using advanced technologies, has concluded that the Ming walls measure 8,850 km (5,500 mi). This is made up of 6,259 km (3,889 mi) sections of actual wall, 359 km (223 mi) of trenches and 2,232 km (1,387 mi) of natural defensive barriers such as hills and rivers.

Significance

The Great Wall was not just a wall but a comprehensive military defense system including watchtowers, troop barracks, garrison stations, signaling capabilities through the means of smoke or fire, and the fact that the path of the Great Wall also served as a transportation corridor. The Great Wall has become a symbol of both China's enduring strength and its tendency to isolate itself from the outside world.

Cultural Impact

The Great Wall of China is a potent symbol of the country's enduring strength and spirit. It has been celebrated in literature, art, and folklore. The wall is a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987 and is often considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Medieval World. It is also a powerful symbol of China's historical reluctance to engage with the outside world and a testament to the country's engineering capabilities.

Preservation and Tourism

In recent decades, the Great Wall has become a significant tourist attraction. Efforts have been made to preserve the sections of the Wall that are most iconic and representative of Chinese architectural and historical prowess. However, preservation has been challenging due to the wall's length and the various materials that were used in its construction.

See Also

• History of China
• Chinese architecture
• Tourism in China