The Magnificent Great Wall of China
The iconic Great Wall of China is one of the greatest man-made construction marvels in the world. Built to fortify the borders against invading armies, the immense length of the wall extends to over 21,000 kilometres. Its scope and history have made it a truly remarkable structure, one so grand and unique we refer to it as one of the seven wonders of the world. There are many amazing Great Wall of China facts you should know about the wall. From its remarkable length, to its unbelievable construction techniques, to the incredible restrictions put into place to prevent its destruction, the incredible Great Wall of China stands as a towering testament to human achievement.
Humongous Length: Around 21,196 km
The first remarkable fact about the Great Wall of China that you should know is its remarkable length. As of 2021, the total length of the wall is approximately 21,196 kilometres. This length is composed of multiple sections, each of which was built concurrently, meaning different warlords and emperors of various Chinese dynasties all added or improved varying parts of the wall over centuries.
Impressive Construction
Another one of the wonderful Great Wall of China facts to know is the impressive construction of the wall. Different dynasties and centuries employed different construction styles and techniques, from rammed earth and bricks, to more permanent materials such as granite and marlstone. On tops of the walls, watchtowers and garrison stations were erected, allowing for excellent surveillance over the land for miles around.
Limiting Invasions
Throughout its long history, the Great Wall of China continually proved its effectiveness in protecting the Chinese kingdom against invasions. The various dynasties that administered the wall all improved it, adding additional watchtowers and points of intervention, further increasing its effectiveness as a defence structure.
Protecting Against Nature
Equally as impressive is the fact that the wall can also protect against natural disasters. The Great Wall of China stands hundreds of feet high, providing a substantial barrier between the coast and the Chinese mainland. This barrier helps prevent against devastating high tides that may enter and flood the mainland.
Unique Cultural Significance
Although the Great Wall of China was built for defensive purposes, the wall holds immense cultural significance for the Chinese people.Its enormous scope and impact has led many to refer to it as the longest cemetery in the world, where millions of labourers died during its construction. The Great Wall has been depicted in literature, monuments, art and film, and stands today as an irreplaceable symbol of Chinese culture.
Preserving for the Future
The Great Wall of China is protected by a number of laws and regulations, and citizens of the nation can be punished for damaging the protected structure. Conglomerates are specifically prohibited from building over, near, or across the Wall. These restrictions ensure the longevity of the wall, preserving it for future generations to admire and appreciate.
Visiting the Great Wall
If you find yourself in the vicinity of one of the Great Wall of China’s various sections, it is absolutely worth taking the time to visit. Because of the wall’s vast length, there are various areas that have been specially sectioned off and refurbished for visitors, such as the “Badaling Great Wall” and the less-touristy “Jinshanling Great Wall”. Here you can explore the incredible structure and admire its beautiful scenery.
The Great Wall of China serves as one of the most worldwide recognizable landmarks, representing an immense feat of human engineering, strategy and culture. The scope of its history, the protecting it provided for its kingdom, and its immense cultural impact on the Chinese people all make it a truly remarkable part of human history, and a must-visit for those who are in the area. The incredible Great Wall of China facts listed here all attest to its grand scale and relevance, making it a wonder worth the journey.
