Great Wall of China
Address
Great Wall of China, Huairou District, China
GPS
40.4502979, 116.690707
The Great Wall of China is actually the general name of a series of fortification systems of walls, sentry towers, trenches, military barracks, and gates constructed across China’s ancient northern borders to defend and maintain Chinese states and territories against various nomadic groups.
The earliest known period of construction was during the 7th century BC, and stretches of the wall were joined together by the first emperor of China, Qin Shi Huang, who reigned from 220 to 206 BC. All that remains of the Great Wall of China is a small section.
Quick facts
- Name: Great Wall of China
- Location: Across China
- Type of attraction: Architectural
- Built: From 7th century BC
- Ticket price: Free
Ancient Chinese states constructed multiple walls from as early as the 7th century BC. Individual, small stretches were later joined by Qin Shi Huang, China’s first emperor. Several subsequent dynasties later built and maintained numerous stretches of border walls.
The Ming dynasty designed the most prominent portions of the wall. In addition to protection, the Great Wall’s other functions included border controls, enabling tariffs to be levied on goods shipped along the Silk Road, restricting or facilitating trade, and controlling immigration and emigration.
Today, many stretches of the wall are available for hiking and sightseeing across China.
Interesting facts about Great Wall of China
Here are some interesting facts about this incredible landmark:
- With the length of 21,196 km (13,171 mi), the Great Wall of China is by far the largest construction on Earth.
- Although this large, it cannot be seen from the space, this was just a rumor.
- In 1987, the Great Wall of China was designated as the UNESCO World Heritage site.
