The Great Wall of China

Mohammad Ismail
Mohammad Ismail - Reporter
10 Min Read

When was the great wall of china built

The Great Wall of China was built in several stages over a period of more than 2,000 years, from the 7th century BC to the 16th century AD. The earliest sections of the wall were built by various Chinese states during the Spring and Autumn Period (770-476 BC) and the Warring States Period (475-221 BC). In 220 BC, the first emperor of China, Qin Shi Huang, ordered the construction of a unified wall system to protect his empire from northern invaders. The Qin wall was not very well-built and much of it has since disappeared. The best-known sections of the Great Wall were built during the Ming dynasty (1368-1644).

Purpose of the great wall of china

The Great Wall of China was built for a variety of purposes, but its primary purpose was to defend China from northern invaders. The wall was built in sections over a period of over 2,000 years, and it is estimated that millions of people died during its construction.

The wall was not a single, continuous structure. It was a series of walls and fortifications that were built and rebuilt over many centuries. The wall was also not always located in the same place. It was often moved to follow the shifting borders of China.

The Great Wall was not always effective in preventing invasions. However, it did serve as a deterrent to some invaders, and it also helped to protect China’s borders from smuggling and illegal immigration.

In addition to its military purpose, the Great Wall also served as a transportation corridor and a means of communication. The wall was built along major trade routes, and it also provided a way for soldiers and officials to travel quickly and easily between different parts of China.

The Great Wall is a symbol of Chinese unity and power. It is a testament to the ingenuity and engineering skills of the Chinese people, and it is a reminder of the long and tumultuous history of China.

  • Here are some of the specific purposes of the Great Wall of China:Military defense: The Great Wall was built primarily to defend China from northern invaders. It was a physical barrier that made it difficult for invaders to cross into China.
  • Trade control: The Great Wall also served as a way to control trade. Goods that were transported along the Silk Road had to pass through the Great Wall, which gave the Chinese government a way to collect taxes and regulate trade.
  • Communication: The Great Wall also served as a way to communicate between different parts of China. Watchtowers were built along the wall, and these towers were used to send messages by smoke or fire.
  • Symbol of unity: The Great Wall is a symbol of Chinese unity and power. It is a reminder of the long and tumultuous history of China, and it is a testament to the ingenuity and engineering skills of the Chinese people.

Here are the full travel details of the Great Wall of China:

 Location: The Great Wall of China is located in north China, along an arc that roughly delineates the edge of the Mongolian steppe. It stretches from Liaodong in the east to Lop Lake in the west, from the present-day Sino–Russian border in the north to Tao River (Taohe) in the south.
great wall of china photos
great wall of china photos

Great Wall of China location

Length: The total length of the Great Wall is about 21,196 kilometers (13,171 miles), including overlapping sections that were rebuilt. The most well-preserved section, the Ming Great Wall, is about 8,850 kilometers (5,499 miles) long.
Best time to visit: The best time to visit the Great Wall of China is during the spring (April to June) or fall (September to October). The weather is mild and there are fewer tourists during these times.

The nearest major airport to the Great Wall is Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK). From the airport, you can take a train, bus, or taxi to one of the many Great Wall sections near Beijing.

Which section to visit: 

There are many different sections of the Great Wall to choose from. Some of the most popular sections include:Badaling: This is the most accessible section of the Great Wall and is located about an hour’s drive from Beijing. It is also the most crowded section, so if you are looking for a more peaceful experience, you may want to choose a different section.

Mutianyu: 

This section is located about 70 kilometers (43 miles) from Beijing and is known for its well-preserved towers and scenic views. It is a bit more challenging to get to than Badaling, but it is worth the effort.

Jinshanling:

This section is located about 90 kilometers (56 miles) from Beijing and is known for its wild and rugged terrain. It is a challenging hike, but the views are amazing.

Jinshanling Great Wall of China

Simatai: This section is located about 120 kilometers (75 miles) from Beijing and is known for its steep cliffs and dramatic views. It is a challenging hike, but it is one of the most rewarding sections of the Great Wall.

What to bring:

  • When you visit the Great Wall, be sure to bring the following items:
  • Comfortable shoes: You will be doing a lot of walking, so make sure you wear shoes that are comfortable and supportive.
  • Sunscreen: The sun can be very strong in China, so be sure to wear sunscreen to protect your skin.
  • Hat: A hat will help to keep the sun off of your face and neck.
  • Water: It is important to stay hydrated, so be sure to bring plenty of water with you.
  • Snacks: You may also want to bring some snacks with you, especially if you are planning on doing a long hike.
  • Camera: You will want to capture all of your memories of the Great Wall, so be sure to bring your camera.

Great Wall of China map

Great Wall of China map

History of the great wall of china

The history of the Great Wall of China spans over 2,000 years, from the 7th century BC to the 16th century AD. The earliest sections of the wall were built by various Chinese states during the Spring and Autumn Period (770-476 BC) and the Warring States Period (475-221 BC). In 220 BC, the first emperor of China, Qin Shi Huang, ordered the construction of a unified wall system to protect his empire from northern invaders. The Qin wall was not very well-built and much of it has since disappeared. The best-known sections of the Great Wall were built during the Ming dynasty (1368-1644).

The Great Wall was not a single, continuous structure. It was a series of walls and fortifications that were built and rebuilt over many centuries. The wall was also not always located in the same place. It was often moved to follow the shifting borders of China.

The Great Wall was built for a variety of reasons. It was used to defend China from northern invaders, to control trade, and to facilitate communication. The wall also served as a symbol of Chinese unity and power.

The Great Wall is one of the most iconic structures in the world. It is a testament to the ingenuity and engineering skills of the Chinese people. The wall is also a reminder of the long and tumultuous history of China.

Here are some of the key events in the history of the Great Wall of China:

  • 7th century BC: The earliest sections of the Great Wall are built by various Chinese states.
  • 220 BC: Qin Shi Huang orders the construction of a unified wall system.
  • 1644: The Ming dynasty falls and the Great Wall is neglected.
  • 19th century: The Great Wall is restored by the Qing dynasty.
  • 20th century: The Great Wall is damaged during the Chinese Civil War.
  • 1987: The Great Wall is designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
  • Present day: The Great Wall is a popular tourist destination.

The Great Wall of China is a truly amazing feat of engineering and a testament to the ingenuity and perseverance of the Chinese people. It is a symbol of Chinese unity and power, and it continues to be a popular tourist destination today.

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