Why Is The Great Wall Of China Famous?（47 detailed answers）

Posted On October 28, 2020 / Written by yelang

Most travel enthusiasts have the Great Wall of China on the list of places they’d like to visit, and for a good reason. You could be planning to travel to the Great Wall of China too, but before you do, how about a number of details about the history and the reason for the popularity of the Great Wall of China?

What Is The History About The Great Wall of China?

The Great Wall of China is one of the most famous tourist attractions sites in China. It is an ancient series of walls, as well as fortification that covers a total length of up to 13,000 miles. The Great Wall of China is located in the northern region of China, and it is, without doubt, the most recognizable symbol of China’s culture and history. This Great Wall represents a long and vivid Chinese history.

This Great Wall of China had it is designed first conceived by Emperor Qin Shi Huang back in the 3rd BC. The wall’s design was conceived as a way to prevent the incursions of the barbarian nomads. The Great Wall is known worldwide, with its best-preserved sections being the part of the Great Wall that was built from the 14th to the 17th Century AD, specifically during the Ming Dynasty. While the Great Wall never prevented the invaders effectively, it’s become a powerful symbol of the enduring strength of the Chinese civilizations.

The Qin Dynasty Construction

While the being of the construction of the Great Wall is traced back to the 5th Century, it’s notable that most of the earlier fortification forming part of the wall date back to a few hundreds of years earlier, specifically when China was still divided into many kingdoms. It is believed that this happened during the Warring States period.

Then in 220 B.C., emperor Qin Shi Huang, who was the first emperor of unified China under the Qin Dynasty, ordered the removal of the earlier wall fortifications set up between the individual states. Emperor Qin Shi Huang also ordered the joining of a number of the walls that existed on the northern border, and they are joining into a single wall system that would eventually result in extending of the wall to at least 10,000 li (note that a li is about 1/3 of a mile), for China’s protection from any attacks from the North.

what do the chinese call the great wall?The construction of the Wan Li Chang Cheng, also called the 10,000 Li-Long Wall is historically one of the most ambitious constructions/ building projects that were ever undertaken but not just by the Chinese civilization, but generally in any civilization to ever come to be in existence. To ensure the success of this huge undertaking, the famous Chinese General called Meng Tian kick-started a massive army of convicts, soldiers, as well as commoners to work on this project.

The wall’s construction was done by use of earth and stone, and it stretched for miles, from the China Sea Port at Shanhaiguan to the west in Gansu province, over 3,000 miles apart. During the construction, there were some strategic areas where the wall sections were overlapped for maximum security north of Beijing. This overlapping was done on the Badaling stretch, and it was later on restored, specifically during the Ming Dynasty.

Following the investment made into the construction of the wall, this wall grew from a mere 15ft to 50ft for the base. The Great Wall then rose an additional 15-30ft high before it was topped by ramparts to reach heights of 12ft or higher in some places. Guard towers were then distributed throughout the wall at specific intervals.

Another important part of history to note is that following the order to have the wall constructed by Emperor Qin Shi Huang around 221 BC, up to 400,000 people lost their lives, and were buried in the Great Wall.

Great Wall’s Construction Over the Centuries

Following the death of Emperor Qin Shin Huang and the subsequent falling of the Qin Dynasty, most of the Great wall was in a state of disrepair, with the frontier tribes seizing control of Northern China when the Han Dynasty fell. However, the Northern Wei Dynasty was a more powerful Dynasty, and it repaired then extended this existing wall for security purposes as a defense measure against attacks from other tribes.

This was followed by the Bei Qi kingdom that existed between 550 and 577, building and repairing 900+ miles of wall. The Bei Qi dynasty was short-lived, though, and the dynasty was followed by the Sui Dynasty (581-618), followed by the Tang Dynasty. But with the rise of the Tang Dynasty and China defeating the Chinese Tujue tribe at the north, the Great Wall lost its purpose as a fortification wall.

The other dynasties that played a role in the construction and fortification of the Great Chinese Wall include the Song Dynasty and the Yuan Dynasty by the Genghis Khan. And although the and the Great Wall was vital to the Mongols as a military fortification, several soldiers were assigned the construction of the wall as a way of protecting caravans and merchants who traveled on the lucrative Silk Road route.

The Ming Dynasty was also involved in the construction of the Great Wall – this dynasty played the most significant role in the construction of the wall between 1368 and 1644, and the and the Great Wall of China that exists today is pretty much the work of the Ming Dynasty.

Why was the Great Wall of China built?

The wall was built as a manifestation of the Chinese strength, and it’s also a psychological representation of the existing barrier that was maintained by the Chinses state to ensure that the foreign influences are kept off. The wall was also constructed as a way of exerting control over Chinese citizens.

The other reasons for the construction of the Great Wall include:

• Delivery of battle signals
• Conveyance of daily supplies
• A way of sending reinforcements
• A boost to the economy and for national integration between the nomadic nations and the Han people.
• The wall also protected the silk road.

Where Does The Great Wall Of China Start And End?

Largely built during the Ming Dynasty, the Great Wall starts from an area near Jiayu Pass, and it ends at the Shanai Pass at Korea Bay.

The Great Wall of Qin： The starting point of the Great Wall of Qin is Linxia County (now Min County), Gansu Province, and the endpoint is the Yalu River (now in the eastern and southern parts of Liaoning Province and the southeastern part of Jilin Province), passing through the mountains on the Gaima Plateau for more than 370 kilometers, and it is called the “Great Wall of Korea” in Korea. In the 15th century, the government of the Li Dynasty also built a long wall that meandered for hundreds of miles. The Great Wall of Qin is a defense structure that was repaired by the Qin Dynasty after unifying China to prevent invasion by the northern Xiongnu. The Great Wall of Qin is a continuous defense structure that spans thousands of miles in the north, connecting the original Yan Wall, Zhao Wall, and Qin Wall, and dispatching heavy troops to guard the border. The Qin repaired the Great Wall, and the project lasted for more than ten years, employing no less than 1.5 million laborers and consuming countless amounts of grain and material resources, which cost a lot of national power. The most significant hardship of the Qin was the construction of the Great Wall. The total length of the Great Wall of Qin is 12,000 kilometers.

The Great Wall of Han： The Great Wall of Han, also known as the Outer Wall, has subsidiary facilities known as the outlying cities. It is a wall built by Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty during the Taichu period. After several years of archaeological research, it was discovered that the Han Dynasty built an “Outer Wall” that was more than 15,000 kilometers long, stretching from Dunhuang in Gansu Province to Pyongyang in North Korea, which is longer than the Ming Great Wall.

The Great Wall of Ming: The Great Wall of Ming, also known as the Border Wall, is a military defense project built by the Ming Dynasty in the northern mountainous areas, and it is similar in material to the Great Wall of Qin but different from the Great Wall of Han and Sui. The main Great Wall we talk about now is the Great Wall of Ming, which was built in the 14th century, stretching from Jiayuguan in the west to Hushan in Liaodong in the east (referred to as Shanhaiguan in the Qing Dynasty until now). According to the first survey data released by the State Administration of Cultural Heritage, the total length of the Ming Great Wall is 8,851.8 kilometers.

Why Is The Great Wall Of China Important?

• The Great Wall of China played and continues to play a significant role in China’s cultural processes and economic development. The road also played a crucial role in safeguarding different trading routes in Chian, for example, the Silk Road, while also securing information transmission, as well as the transportation of different good in Northern China.
• It is also a symbol of the unification of the nation of China and a symbol of history and the strength of China.
• The Great Wall is also a subject of Chinese literary art
• It is a popular tourist attraction, boasting over 4 million tourists annually and some of the best adventurers and experiences.

And, there you have it – everything you need to know about the Great Wall of China.

interesting things about the great wall of china

The Great Wall of China is one of the most iconic landmarks in the world, and there are many interesting things to know about it.

• The wall is not a continuous structure, but rather a series of walls, towers, and fortifications built over different dynasties.
• The Great Wall was built over 2,000 years ago, during the Warring States Period (475-221 BC), and continued to be built and repaired throughout various dynasties.
• The wall is not visible from space with the naked eye, despite popular belief. However, it can be seen with the aid of binoculars or a camera.
• The Great Wall is the longest wall in the world, stretching over 13,000 miles across China.
• It is estimated that over a million workers died during the construction of the Great Wall.
• The Great Wall was not always effective in keeping invaders out, as many parts of the wall were breached by invading armies.
• The wall is home to many endangered species, including the snow leopard, Gobi bear, and Chinese giant salamander.
• Some sections of the Great Wall have been restored, while others remain in disrepair and are slowly disappearing.

what is the great wall of China made of?

The Great Wall of China is made primarily of brick, tamped earth, stone, and other materials, depending on the section of the wall and the time period in which it was built. The materials used to construct the wall varied depending on the location and the era in which it was built.

The earliest sections of the Great Wall were constructed using tamped earth and gravel, while later sections were built with brick and stone. Some sections were also reinforced with wooden frames and covered with tiles. The materials used were often sourced locally, so the composition of the wall varies depending on the area.

The amount of soil and stone needed for the construction of the wall was massive, so people typically used materials available locally. In areas with steep terrain, people gathered stones from the mountains and laid them to form the wall. In flat areas with loess soil, they used the local soil and tamped it down to form the wall. In desert areas, they used layers of reeds or red willow branches, and covered them with sand.

For example, the Han Dynasty sections of the Great Wall that are still preserved today in the Lop Nur region of Xinjiang and Yumenguan Pass in Gansu were built in this way. The construction method involved laying a layer of reeds or red willow branches, topping it with a layer of gravel, and then another layer of reeds or branches. This process was repeated until the layers reached a height of about five to six meters. The thickness of the reeds or branches was about five centimeters, and the thickness of the gravel was about twenty centimeters. To build a wall that is five meters high, it would take about twenty layers of reeds, branches, and gravel.

In some sections of the Great Wall, such as the Liaodong Great Wall in northeastern China, there were walls made of oak and wooden boards. This shows how ancient Chinese people adapted to local conditions and used available materials for construction.

is the great wall of China made of rice?

In summary, the Great Wall of China was built with different materials at different times. Before the Song Dynasty, yellow mud was used, while after the Song Dynasty, lime sand mortar gradually became more common. During the Ming Dynasty, sticky rice soup was widely used in the construction of the wall, mixed with lime sand mortar to increase the adhesive force. The Ming Great Wall was primarily built with a material called rammed earth, which was made by fusing red clay, coarse sand, and lime blocks. Later, during repairs to the wall, a material called glutinous rice soup was used, which had extremely strong adhesive properties. Other materials used in ancient China for construction included shells and oysters, which were used to create a material called “shengai” or “shengui,” as well as a mixture of sticky rice and lime called “nuomi shilijing.” These materials were used to overcome the challenges posed by the wet and humid environments of ancient China, and many of them are still used in construction today.

Lime Mortar: Lime is a well-known building material and the technology for burning lime has been around since ancient times in China. However, the stickiness of lime is not very good, even when mixed with sand and stones. Especially in wet and humid environments, the already fragile structures become even more vulnerable.

To overcome this problem, people have come up with many solutions. The ancient people used their ingenuity and added a lot of yellow clay to the lime and sand mortar to increase its stickiness, finally solving the problem. To this day, many places still use this type of adhesive without cement.

“Shenhai” (Mirage Lime): In addition, people also use a material called “Shenhai”, which is mainly made from shells or oysters that are burned, so it is mainly produced and used in coastal areas of China. Although the composition of this material is similar to lime, its properties are much better than lime, so it was more popular than lime in ancient times. There is a record of “Shenhai” in the Chinese scientific and technological work “Tiangong Kaiwu”, which can be said to be China’s earliest “cement”.

Glutinous Rice Lime Mortar: Glutinous rice lime mortar first appeared during the Southern and Northern Dynasties in China. This type of mortar is mainly a mixture of glutinous rice, slaked lime, and some limestone, forming a highly concentrated paste. Since the starch content in glutinous rice is very high, this paste has extremely high stickiness and can hold diamonds tightly together, similar to modern concrete. Compared with lime mortar, glutinous rice lime mortar replaces yellow clay with glutinous rice as the main material.

Although glutinous rice is a very good building material, in ancient times, it was still a relatively precious food, and even ordinary people might not have enough to eat, so using glutinous rice as a building material was even more unrealistic. Only the imperial family could afford to use glutinous rice as a building material. Nowadays, people not only have cement but also various synthetic adhesives, so people have abandoned glutinous rice as a building material and simply use it as a food.

Rammed Earth: As we mentioned earlier, the Great Wall of China used rammed earth as the adhesive, which is a composite of three materials, including coarse sand, red clay, and limestone blocks. The technology for rammed earth construction dates back to the Yin and Shang periods, and by this time, the technology for rammed earth was already very mature. Because this type of material is easy to obtain and effective, many civilian buildings in the Han Dynasty used rammed earth, and it was extensively used in city walls and tombs.

when were the first sections of the great wall built?

The construction of the Great Wall of China began in the 7th century BC during the Spring and Autumn Period, with the first sections built by various states to defend against invasions by neighboring states. However, the majority of the existing Great Wall was built during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) to protect against Mongol invasions.

As early as the Spring and Autumn Period in the 7th century BC, the State of Chu built the “Chu Fang Cheng” to defend against invasions from neighboring countries, marking the beginning of the construction of the Great Wall in Chinese history. During the Warring States Period, the states of Qi, Wei, Zhao, Qin, Yan, and Zhongshan successively built the “Princes’ mutual defense Great Wall”. Among them, Qin, Zhao, and Yan were adjacent to the powerful northern nomadic tribe, the Xiongnu. While building the Princes’ mutual defense Great Wall, they also built the “Anti-Xiongnu Great Wall” in the north. Subsequently, almost all dynastic rulers strengthened and expanded the Great Wall.At this time, the Great Wall had different characteristics in the east, south, west, and north directions, ranging from several hundred kilometers to 1,000-2,000 kilometers.

where is the great wall of China?

The Great Wall of China is a series of fortifications made of brick, tamped earth, stone, and other materials, generally built along the east-to-west line across the northern borders of China to protect against invasions by various nomadic groups from the Eurasian Steppe. The wall stretches over 13,000 miles (21,000 kilometers) and passes through 15 provinces, autonomous regions, and municipalities in China, including Hebei, Beijing, Tianjin, Shanxi, Shaanxi, Gansu, Inner Mongolia, Heilongjiang, Jilin, Liaoning, Shandong, Henan, Qinghai, Ningxia, and Xinjiang.

The Great Wall of China was not built all at once but rather over the course of several centuries, with the earliest portions dating back to the 7th century BC. During the Spring and Autumn Period (770-476 BC), the state of Chu constructed the “Chu Fang Cheng,” or the “Chu Border Wall,” to defend against invasions by neighboring states. In the Warring States Period (475-221 BC), several states including Qi, Wei, Zhao, Qin, Yan, and Zhongshan built their own walls to protect their territories. The Qin dynasty (221-206 BC) was the first to unify China and connect these separate walls to form a continuous line of defense. This wall was further extended and fortified by subsequent dynasties, including the Han, Sui, Jin, Northern Wei, and Ming.

Today, many sections of the Great Wall have fallen into disrepair, with some areas even disappearing completely due to natural erosion or human activity. However, several well-preserved sections have been restored and opened to visitors, including Badaling, Mutianyu, Jiankou, Jinshanling, and Simatai. These sections offer stunning views of the surrounding landscapes and provide a glimpse into the historical significance of this ancient wonder of the world.

In addition to its defensive purpose, the Great Wall of China also served as a transportation corridor and a means of communication. It facilitated trade between different regions of China and served as a conduit for the exchange of goods, ideas, and culture. It also served as a symbol of Chinese power and resilience, inspiring poets, writers, and artists throughout the ages.

what’s inside the great wall of China?

The Great Wall of China is not just a simple wall. It is a complex system of fortifications that spans over 13,000 miles across China’s northern borders. Along its length, there are many defensive structures that were strategically placed to help protect China from foreign invasions. These structures include walls, watchtowers, gatehouses, blockhouses, encampments, garrisons, and beacon towers.

The walls are, of course, the most recognizable and prominent feature of the Great Wall. They are made of stone, brick, tamped earth, and other materials and were built to form a continuous barrier along the borders. The walls are incredibly thick, ranging from 12 to 15 feet wide in some places, and were designed to withstand attacks from invading armies.

Along the walls, there are also numerous watchtowers. These towers were placed at regular intervals along the wall and were used to spot approaching enemies. They provided an elevated view of the surrounding areas and allowed guards to see far into the distance. The watchtowers were also used to send signals to other towers along the wall, which helped coordinate defenses and warn of potential threats.

Gatehouses were another important defensive structure of the Great Wall. They were used to control access to the wall and served as checkpoints for travelers and military personnel. Blockhouses were small fortified structures built into the walls themselves. They were strategically placed to allow defenders to fire arrows or throw stones at attacking enemies.

Encampments and garrisons were built along the wall to house soldiers and other personnel. These structures were often located at strategic points, such as at the intersections of different wall segments or near important mountain passes. They were used to store supplies, weapons, and provisions and served as a base of operations for the military.

Finally, there were beacon towers, which were used to send messages quickly across long distances. They were built on high ground and were used to send smoke signals during the day and fires at night. These signals could be seen from other towers along the wall and helped transmit messages quickly and efficiently.

In conclusion, the Great Wall of China is an incredible feat of engineering and a testament to the ingenuity of the Chinese people. Its many defensive structures, including walls, watchtowers, gatehouses, blockhouses, encampments, garrisons, and beacon towers, played a crucial role in protecting China from foreign invasions for centuries. Today, these structures continue to be a source of pride for the Chinese people and a popular destination for tourists from around the world.

Great Wall Beacon Tower

The Great Wall Beacon Tower, also known as a fire tower or smoke tower, was an important component of the communication system along the Great Wall of China. The towers were built at regular intervals along the wall, typically on high points such as hills or mountains, to provide a line of sight for communication between adjacent towers.

The Beacon Towers were used to transmit information across long distances quickly and effectively, such as the movement of enemy troops or impending attacks. This was done by lighting fires or sending smoke signals during the day, or lighting torches at night. When a signal was received at a tower, it was quickly relayed to the next tower in the chain until it reached its destination.

In addition to their role in communication, the Beacon Towers were also used to provide shelter and storage for soldiers stationed along the wall. Many of the towers were built with multiple levels, with the lower levels used for storage and living quarters, and the upper levels used for observation and signaling.

Today, many of the Beacon Towers along the Great Wall are in ruins, but some have been restored and are open to visitors. They provide a glimpse into the strategic importance and historical significance of the Great Wall of China.

how many lookout towers are on the great wall?

It’s difficult to give an exact number of lookout towers on the Great Wall, as the number varies depending on the section of the wall and the period of construction. However, it’s estimated that there are over 25,000 watchtowers and beacon towers along the entire length of the Great Wall. Some sections of the wall have more watchtowers than others, such as the Badaling section which has 43 watchtowers in a relatively short stretch of 3.4 kilometers.

how many passes are on the great wall of China?

The Great Wall has over a thousand passes, with eight famous ones: Shanhaiguan in Qinhuangdao, Hebei Province; Juyongguan in Changping, Beijing; Zijingguan in Yixian, Hebei Province; Yanmenguan in Daixian, Shanxi Province; Niangziguan in Pingding, Shanxi Province; Piantouguan in Pianguan County, Xinzhou City, Shanxi Province; Jiayuguan in Jiayuguan City, Gansu Province; and Yumenguan in Dunhuang City, Gansu Province.

The main passes of the Great Wall include: Juyong Pass, Jiayuguan Pass, Shanhaiguan Pass, Yumen Pass, Jingxing Pass, Niangzi Pass, Yanmen Pass, Piantou Pass, Pingxingguan Pass, Gubeikou, Xifengkou, Yulin Pass, Huangyaguan Pass, Waqiaoguan Pass, Hushan Great Wall, Yahu Pass, Niujuangou Pass, Fenshuiguan Pass, Ningyuan Pass, Yangguan Pass, Pingdingbao Pass, Qingyangguan Pass, Xin’anguan Pass, Zhenyuan Pass, Jinzhou City, Mashuikou Pass, Daomaguan Pass, Jiumenkou Pass, Laolongtou, Dongjiakou Pass, Liujiakou Pass, Malanguan Pass, Xinkou Pass, Chajianling Pass, Jinshanling, Dushikou Pass, Zhangjiakou Pass, Mashikou Pass, Yangfangkou Pass, Shuigou Pass, Zijinguan Pass, Xuanhuacheng, Santunying, Sandaoguan, Damaoshan Pass, Yiyuankou, Jielingkou, Chongyukou, Xuliukou, Lengkou Pass, Baiyangyuguan Pass, Qingshanguan Pass, Tiemen Pass, Panjiakou Pass, Longjinguan Pass, Hongshankou Pass, Shangguan, Changyukou Pass, Langwogou Pass, Xinhekou Pass, Baishikou Pass, Futuyuguan Pass, Wulonggou Pass, Feihukou, Guafu Tower, Simatai, Mutianyu Pass, Yanhecheng, Jiangjunguan Pass, Baimaguan Pass, Lupiguan Pass, Hefangkou Pass, Lianhuachi Pass, Huanghuacheng Pass, Zhuangdaokou Pass, Jiukonglou, Sihaiyekou, Juyansai Ruins, Jilusa, Gaoque Pass, Datong City, Shahu Pass, Weilubu Pass, Jinsuoguan Pass, Huangzeguan Pass, Huangyuguan Pass, Beiloukou Pass, Ningwu Pass, Liminbu Pass, Deshengkou Pass, Zhenhongbu Pass, Pingyuanbu, Xinpingbu Pass, Baopingbu Pass, Huamenbu, Walyaokoubu, Zhenninbu Pass, Zhenkoubu, Shoukoubu Pass, Zhenbianbu, Zhenchuanbu, Hongcibubu Pass, Zhenqiangbu Pass, Juyuanbu Pass, Jumenbu Pass, Zumengbu Pass, Pulu Pass, Bao’anbu Pass, Ninglubu Pass, Pohubu Pass, Canhubu Pass, Mabao Pass, Yunshibubu Pass, Shaojiabubu Pass, Dahebubu Pass, Baihububu Pass, Ying’enbu Pass, Zuhububu Pass, Jiangjunhuibu Pass, Yajiaoshan, Laoyingbu Pass, Hongmenkou Pass, Laoniuwankou Pass, Yangfangkou Pass, Baicaoguan Pass, Guangwucheng, Beiloukou Pass, Langyakou Pass, Longquanguan Pass, Guguan, Hedu Lingkou Pass, Malin Pass, Zhiguolingkou Pass, Junji Pass,Wuqi Great Wall, etc.

where great wall of China meets the sea?

The Great Wall of China meets the sea at Shanhaiguan, a small town located in northeastern China’s Hebei Province. Shanhaiguan is considered one of the most important and strategically significant passes of the Great Wall, as it is the eastern starting point of the wall and marks the boundary between the Ming Dynasty and the Manchu-led Qing Dynasty. The section of the Great Wall that extends into the sea from Shanhaiguan is called the “Old Dragon’s Head,” which refers to the wall’s dragon-like shape as it meets the Bohai Sea. The Old Dragon’s Head served as an important lookout point, allowing for early warning of approaching enemies by sea. Today, Shanhaiguan and the Old Dragon’s Head are popular tourist destinations and offer visitors the opportunity to walk along the Great Wall as it meets the sea, providing stunning views of the coastline and the wall itself.

how many great walls of China are there?

The Great Wall: The Great Wall spans across 15 provinces and municipalities, including Hebei, Beijing, Tianjin, Shanxi, Shaanxi, Gansu, Inner Mongolia, Heilongjiang, Jilin, Liaoning, Shandong, Henan, Qinghai, Ningxia, and Xinjiang.

Qi Wall: The Qi Wall, also known as the Thousand-Mile Qi Wall, originated in Pingyin County, Jinan City, on the east bank of the ancient Ji River. It stretches for thousands of miles, winding through 1,518 peaks, and reaches the Yellow Sea at Dongyujia River in Huangdao District, Qingdao City. It was built by the state of Qi during the Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods as a defensive facility against invading countries, including Chu, Lu, Wu, and Yue.

Linhai Wall in Taizhou: The Linhai Ancient Wall generally refers to the city wall of Taizhou. Also known as the Jiangnan Wall and Jiangnan Badaling, it is over 6,000 meters long and over 5,000 meters are still intact. It starts from Lansheng Gate, winds along the Beigu Mountain ridge to Yanxia Pavilion, runs directly to the east bank of the Lingjiang River, and extends to the western foot of Jianshan Mountain. It was first built during the Jin dynasty as the city wall of Taizhou. During the Ming dynasty, the Ming general Qi Jiguang fought against the Japanese pirates in Linhai for eight years and won nine battles. He creatively added a second layer of hollow enemy platforms to the ancient city wall, which still exists today.

Mutianyu Great Wall: Mutianyu Great Wall is located in the Huairou District of Beijing and is one of the new 16 scenic spots of Beijing. It connects with the Juyongguan Great Wall to the west and the Gubeikou to the east. The open 2,250-meter section of the Great Wall is characterized by battlements on both sides and three enemy towers on the main gatehouse, including the famous Arrow Nock, Ox Horn Edge, and Eagle Flies Upside Down. These are located at the western end of Mutianyu Great Wall, representing the essence of the Great Wall. The Mutianyu Great Wall is surrounded by mountain ranges with a vegetation coverage rate of over 90%. The Mutianyu Great Wall has a first-class cable car for climbing, as well as projects such as Zhonghua Meng Stone City and Shibide Slides, forming an organic combination of Great Wall culture, stone culture, and sports and fitness entertainment. Many foreign heads of state, including former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher and former U.S. President Bill Clinton, have visited Mutianyu. It was rated as the “best tourist attraction in Beijing” in 1992 and as a 4A-level scenic area in 2002.

Matai Great Wall: Simatai Great Wall, with its unique features of “danger, density, wonder, skill, and completeness,” is located in the town of Gubeikou in the northeast of Miyun County, Beijing, 120 kilometers from Beijing. It runs from Wangjing Tower in the east to Houchuan Gate in the west, with a total length of 5.4 kilometers and 35 enemy towers. The entire section of the Great Wall has exquisite design, unique construction, fresh structure, and diverse shapes, representing the essence of the Great Wall. Professor Luo Zhewen, a well-known expert on the Great Wall, praised it as the best section of the Great Wall in China, which is already the most outstanding wall in the world. Simatai Great Wall was listed as a world heritage site in 1987 and is a national key cultural relic protection unit. It is the only ancient architectural site in China that preserves the original appearance of the Ming Dynasty.

Gubeikou Great Wall: Gubeikou Great Wall is the most complete system of the Great Wall in Chinese history. It consists of the Northern Qi Great Wall and the Ming Great Wall, with four sections including Wohushan, Panlongshan, Jingshanling, and Simatai. Gubeikou is a Great Wall fortress between Shanhaiguan and Juyongguan, a crucial passageway from Liaodong Plain and Inner Mongolia to the Central Plains. It has always been a battleground for military strategists, especially during the five dynasties of Liao, Jin, Yuan, Ming, and Qing. The significance of the Great Wall in this area is particularly prominent.

Jiankou Great Wall: Jiankou Great Wall is located in the northwest of Badaohe Township, Huairou District, Beijing, about 30 kilometers away from Huairou County. The mountainous terrain is very changeable, and the Great Wall on the steep cliffs is even more majestic and dangerous. Jiankou Great Wall got its name from the shape of the entire section, which winds in a W shape, resembling a bow with an arrow nocked. It is one of the most famous and treacherous sections of the Great Wall in the Ming Dynasty and is one of the most frequently photographed sections of the Great Wall in recent years, making it a popular destination for Great Wall photography.

what does great wall of China symbolize?

The Great Wall of China symbolizes the remarkable engineering and architectural achievements of ancient China, as well as the country’s historical and cultural significance. The wall was initially built to protect China from invasions and attacks by various nomadic groups, and it served as a physical barrier to protect the country’s borders. Over time, the Great Wall became a symbol of China’s strength, unity, and resilience, and it has come to represent China’s cultural and national identity. Today, the Great Wall of China is recognized as one of the world’s most impressive and iconic structures, and it continues to inspire awe and admiration from people around the globe.

The Symbolic Meaning and Historical Role of the Great Wall of China

• In terms of its own value, the Great Wall was originally a strategic defense facility with the motto “be prepared to control the enemy, or be controlled by the enemy without preparation.” Due to differences in perspective and value orientation, it is natural that the Great Wall has different symbolic meanings in the minds of different people and different eras. The Great Wall became a symbol and emblem of the Chinese nation in modern times, when the Chinese nation was in its most dangerous period and the entire country sang “Let our flesh and blood be the building blocks of our new Great Wall,” and fought with one heart and one mind against the enemy. The founders of the Republic of China designated the “March of the Volunteers” as the national anthem to be passed down from generation to generation, and UNESCO listed the Great Wall as a world heritage site, and the news coverage by astronauts observing the earth from space of artificial constructions that can be identified, has produced another meaning for the Chinese nation.

• To make fundamentally opposite interpretations of the symbolic significance of the Great Wall becoming a national consensus undoubtedly requires great caution. The viewpoint that simplistically likens the Great Wall to an “expanded courtyard in space” and calls it a “monument of great tragedy” is absurd both in ancient and modern times. China no longer needs a Meng Jiangnv, and those who are harsh and garrulous are just the worms that eat away at the tree of Chinese civilization.

• The Great Wall is not necessarily connected with closed-mindedness and conservatism. In fact, the Great Wall can be both a barrier that separates China from the outside world and a bridgehead for outward expansion. It is not the “thing itself” but the “man-made” that matters. Zhao Wuling, the first emperor to build the Great Wall, did not retreat into conservatism; he “changed his costume to that of the barbarians and practiced archery and horseback riding,” and stepped onto the grand stage of openness and reform. The Qing government, which touted “unity makes strength” and denounced the Great Wall as a useless ruin, instead found itself mired in isolation. Wise politicians of ancient times did not bind themselves with the Great Wall; they used this military defense line and economic and cultural convergence line to regulate the relationship between the Central Plains regime and the northern ethnic minorities, integrated agricultural and nomadic economies, and opened up new paths for protecting and developing productivity. They also effectively promoted national integration and border development through the cultural belt of feudal civilization. The famous Silk Road extended westward from the Great Wall, and Roman legal codes, Persian business practices, and Sino-African and Sino-European mathematics and literature all traveled along this road without loss. Fair-haired and blue-eyed merchants and philosophers often returned home from this road with a sense of joy from their harvest. This international thoroughfare of travelers lasted for hundreds of years, and how much sweat did Zhang Qian and others shed on it, how much civilization and wisdom did they export to the descendants of Yan and Huang! How can the Great Wall be said to be a “circumference that limits the space of civilization”?

• For more than two thousand years, the positive effects of the Great Wall on Chinese politics, economy, military, culture, and other aspects have constituted the objective basis for the psychological identification of the Chinese nation, and this foundation and connotation have merged perfectly with the magnificent landscape of the Great Wall, which inspires great ambition and pride, ultimately accumulating and melting into the symbol of the Chinese nation’s spirit.

how great wall of China was built?

The Great Wall of China was built over a long period of time, with construction beginning in the 7th century BC and continuing into the Ming Dynasty in the 17th century AD. The wall was constructed by different dynasties and rulers using various materials and techniques.

The earliest walls were built of tamped earth and gravel. Later walls were constructed with bricks, stone, and other materials, including wood and reeds. The sections of the wall built during the Ming Dynasty were made of brick and stone, with watchtowers and other fortifications.

The construction of the Great Wall was a massive undertaking that involved thousands of workers and soldiers. It was built in sections, with each section being constructed by local labor and overseen by a military commander. The work was hard and dangerous, with workers and soldiers facing extreme weather conditions and the threat of attack from hostile forces.

The Great Wall was built primarily as a defensive structure, designed to protect China from invasion by nomadic tribes from the north. Its construction was also a symbol of the power and wealth of the Chinese empire, and served as a show of strength to its enemies.

Today, many sections of the Great Wall still exist, and they are a popular tourist attraction in China. The wall is recognized as one of the world’s greatest engineering feats, and is a testament to the ingenuity and perseverance of the Chinese people.

who was the great wall of China built to protect?

The Great Wall of China was primarily built to protect the Chinese states and empires against invasions by various nomadic groups and military forces from the north, such as the Mongols and the Manchus. The construction of the wall began in the 7th century BC and continued for over 2,000 years, with various dynasties and rulers contributing to its construction and expansion. The wall served as a physical barrier, but also as a psychological deterrent to potential invaders, and allowed the Chinese to control trade and migration in the regions it covered.

how tall and how wide is the great wall of China?

The Great Wall of China varies in height and width depending on the location and the section of the wall. On average, the wall is between 6 to 8 meters (20 to 26 feet) tall and 5 to 7 meters (16 to 23 feet) wide. However, there are sections of the wall that are as high as 14 meters (46 feet) and as wide as 16 meters (52 feet).

how wide is the great wall of China at its base?

The width of the Great Wall of China at its base varies depending on the section and location. In general, the base width of the wall ranges from 5 to 8 meters (16 to 26 feet). However, in some places, it can be as wide as 12 meters (40 feet) or more. The base width was wider in areas where the wall was expected to withstand greater military pressure, such as near strategic passes or important cities.

what is at the top of the great wall of China?

“Qin Great Wall’s highest point: Wushao Ridge Great Wall

The Wushao Ridge Great Wall is located in Dachaigou Township, Tianzhu County, Wuwei City, Gansu Province. It overlooks the east of Longdong and drives the west of Hexi. It is known as the “Gateway to Hexi Corridor.” It is a key point on the ancient Silk Road and is of great geographical importance. In winter, the Wushao Ridge Great Wall stands tall in the cold wind, with a desolate atmosphere permeating between heaven and earth. The Wushao Ridge Great Wall was first built in the third year of Han Yuanshou, built on Wushao Ridge at an altitude of more than 3,000 meters, and it is the highest section of the Great Wall in China. There are three visible sections of the Han Great Wall in Tianzhu, all of which are built with rammed earth boards. After thousands of years of wind and rain erosion, they have mostly turned into earth ridges. The ruins of the Great Wall in the roaring wind indicate the vicissitudes of life.

Ming Great Wall’s highest point: Badaling Great Wall

The Badaling Great Wall is known as one of the “Nine Passes of the World” and is the highlight of the Ming Great Wall. The highest point of the Badaling Great Wall is 1,015 meters above sea level and is the outpost of Juyong Pass. 80% of the area in Badaling is the residual mountains of Yanshan, with the terrain being higher in the northwest and lower in the east-west direction. The mountains and ridges are vertical and horizontal, the valleys are deep and far away, and the altitude is mostly between 600-1,240 meters, with an average altitude of 780 meters, and the top is 1,015 meters above sea level, while the lowest is 105 meters.”

how is the great wall of China so long?

The Great Wall of China is so long because it was built over a period of several centuries by different Chinese dynasties, each adding their own sections to the existing wall. The construction of the wall involved the labor of millions of people, including soldiers, peasants, and prisoners, who worked on the wall over a period of more than 2,000 years. The wall was also built using a variety of materials, including brick, tamped earth, and stone, depending on the terrain and the technology available at the time. The resulting structure is a series of walls and fortifications, totaling over 13,000 miles in length, that wind through the hills and valleys of northern China.

How much of the Great Wall is still standing?

It is estimated that approximately 8,850 kilometers (5,500 miles) of the Great Wall of China still exist today. However, much of it is in ruins or has been damaged by natural erosion and human activities such as tourism, urbanization, and theft of bricks for construction. The best-preserved sections of the Great Wall are often found near Beijing, including the Badaling and Mutianyu sections, which are popular tourist destinations.

What are 3 benefits of the Great Wall of China?

Here are three potential benefits of the Great Wall of China:

Defense: The Great Wall was built primarily as a means of defense against invasion from neighboring tribes and countries. The wall made it more difficult for enemies to cross the border into China, providing a measure of protection for the Chinese people.

Transportation and Trade: The Great Wall also served as a transportation and trade route, allowing for easier movement of people and goods between different regions of China. It connected cities and towns along its length, which facilitated commerce and exchange of ideas.

Tourism: Today, the Great Wall is a major tourist attraction, drawing millions of visitors each year from all over the world. It has become an important part of China’s cultural heritage and a symbol of the country’s history and strength. The tourism industry generated by the Great Wall provides employment opportunities and helps to boost the local economy.

what were the main purposes of the great wall of China?

The Great Wall of China had several main purposes:

Defense: The wall was built to protect China from invasions by nomadic tribes from the north, such as the Mongols and Manchus.

Border control: The wall served as a border control point, allowing Chinese authorities to monitor and control the movement of people and goods between China and the territories to the north.

Transportation and communication: The wall also served as a means of transportation and communication, allowing Chinese troops and messengers to travel quickly along the length of the wall.

Symbol of power and prestige: The Great Wall of China served as a symbol of the power and prestige of the Chinese Empire, demonstrating the strength and unity of the Chinese people.

how did the great wall of China help the silk road?

The Great Wall of China played a crucial role in protecting the Silk Road and facilitating trade and cultural exchange between different regions. The wall served as a “service area” on the Silk Road, and the two worked together to pave the way for peace on the Eurasian continent.

Within the Qin Great Wall, a “straight road” was built to transport military supplies and troops. During the Han Dynasty, the Huns were a major threat, and Emperor Wu ordered four large-scale construction projects to fortify the wall. The wall extended over 20,000 kilometers from Loulan in Xinjiang to Hushan in Liaodong, with beacon towers every five kilometers, watchtowers every ten kilometers, fortresses every thirty kilometers, and a castle every hundred kilometers. At the western end of the wall, the checkpoint where the Western Regions’ horses and camels carrying jade stones were checked became known as the Yumen Pass, while the southern checkpoint was called the Yang Pass.

The most direct route between the Central Plains and the Western Regions was the straight road inside the Great Wall. Silk was the most valuable commodity on this road, which is why it came to be known as the Silk Road. The Silk Road began at Luoyang and passed through the Hexi Corridor, the Western Regions, Central Asia, and West Asia, ultimately connecting to the Mediterranean countries.

The Silk Road was opened by Zhang Qian’s diplomatic mission to the Western Regions, which was called the “journey through the void.” In 139 BC, Zhang Qian led over 100 people from Chang’an and traveled along the straight road inside the Qin and Han Great Walls.

In 119 BC, Zhang Qian went to the Western Regions for a second time, and in 115 BC, he returned to Chang’an with several dozen Yuezhi envoys, hundreds of thousands of horses, and many Western Region products.

In 73 AD, Emperor Ming of Han dispatched Ban Chao to the Western Regions. His entourage reached Rome, marking the first dialogue between Eastern and Western civilizations. In 102 AD, Ban Chao returned to Luoyang after a 30-year journey, promoting economic and cultural exchanges between China and various countries in Central and West Asia.

Camels carried grapes, walnuts, sesame seeds, pomegranates, fava beans, precious fur, spices, the huqin (a bowed instrument), Buddhist scriptures, and statues from the Western Regions to the Central Plains. Horses transported silk, porcelain, crop seeds, gold and silver jewelry, books, and paper from the Central Plains to the Western Regions. The economy along the Silk Road was thriving.

As a result of logistics and cultural exchanges, many non-Chinese ethnic groups settled along the Silk Road, and some people from Chang’an became known as “Hu Piao” or drifters among the Hu people. The Dunhuang murals depict the subtle influence of different cultures on each other. For instance, there is a Tang Dynasty mural titled “The Holy Image of Buddha with Lao Tzu and Confucius,” which shows a Hu monk using tooth powder to clean his teeth, while people in the Tang Dynasty commonly used herbs like Tianma, Gaoben, Xixin, Agallocha, and Coldwater to clean their teeth.

The development of commerce and the Silk Road also led to the emergence of many important towns and cities, such as Liangzhou and Guazhou. Buddhist monks from the Western Regions and traders who believed in Buddhism traveled along the Silk Road, introducing Buddhism to China and spreading Chinese culture to other countries.

Xuanzang was a peaceful envoy on the Silk Road and one of the most famous figures along the Belt and Road. He traveled west along the Silk Road’s northern and central routes and returned to Chang’an along the southern route 19 years later. By the order of Emperor Taizong of Tang, Xuanzang orally transmitted and his disciples recorded the detailed situations of 120 countries he experienced on the Silk Road and the customs of 28 other countries he had heard about, which were compiled into “The Great Tang Dynasty Record of the Western Regions.” Emperor Taizong wrote the “Preface to the Holy Teachings of the Tripiṭaka of the Great Tang Dynasty,” and Crown Prince Li Zhi wrote the “Narrative of the Holy Monk of the Great Tang.”

was the great wall of China effective?

The Great Wall of China was effective in some ways but not in others. The wall was initially built to protect the Chinese empire from invasions by nomadic groups from the north. It served as a physical barrier to prevent enemy armies from entering China, and it also had watchtowers and garrisons along its length where soldiers could keep watch for incoming threats.

However, the Great Wall was not always effective in preventing invasions. Some invading armies were able to breach or circumvent the wall, and some even used it as a means of entry by bribing or coercing guards. In addition, the cost of maintaining and expanding the wall over centuries was immense, and it placed a heavy burden on the Chinese people.

Overall, the Great Wall of China had some effectiveness in deterring and delaying invaders, but it was not a foolproof defense system. Its true significance lies not in its military effectiveness, but in its cultural and historical importance as a symbol of China’s strength and resilience.

was the great wall of China ever breached?

• In 200 BC, the Xiongnu invaded the Central Plains by crossing the Great Wall and besieged Liu Bang, the founding emperor of the Han Dynasty, at Baideng Mountain, known as the “Siege of Baideng.”
• In 626 AD, the Turks crossed the Great Wall and were stopped by Emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty, and the two sides signed the Treaty of Baima.
• In 947 AD, the Khitans crossed the Great Wall and entered the Central Plains, causing the downfall of the Later Jin Dynasty.
• In 1004 AD, the Khitans crossed the Great Wall and signed the Treaty of Shanyuan with the Northern Song Dynasty at the Battle of Shanyuan.
• In 1125 AD, the Jurchens crossed the Great Wall and captured the Northern Song Dynasty’s capital city of Bianjing (present-day Kaifeng), taking Emperor Huizong and Emperor Qinzong captive in what is known as the “Jingkang Incident.”
• In 1211 AD, the Mongols crossed the Great Wall and defeated the Jin Dynasty at the Battle of Yehuling.
• In 1449 AD, the Oirats crossed the Great Wall and captured the Ming Emperor Yingzong at Tumu Fortress, known as the “Tumu Crisis.”
• In 1550 AD, the Mongols crossed the Great Wall and ravaged the capital region, known as the “Great Clearance of 1550.”
• In 1629 AD, the Jurchens crossed the Great Wall and attacked the capital region, known as the “Jisi Incident.”
• In 1644 AD, the Manchus crossed the Great Wall at Shanhaiguan and overthrew the Ming Dynasty, establishing the Qing Dynasty.

who attacked the great wall of China?

Throughout history, many different groups and kingdoms have attacked the Great Wall of China. Some of the most well-known attacks include:

Xiongnu in 200 BC

Turks in 626 AD

Khitans in 947 AD

Jurchens in 1125 AD

Mongols in 1211 AD

Jurchens again in 1629 AD

Manchus in 1644 AD

There were also many other attacks and invasions by various groups over the centuries.

how many died building the great wall of China?

It is difficult to determine the exact number of people who died building the Great Wall of China, as the construction of the wall spanned over 2,000 years and involved multiple dynasties. However, it is estimated that hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of workers died during its construction. The conditions were harsh, with workers enduring extreme weather conditions, starvation, and dangerous working conditions. Some estimates suggest that up to one-third of the workers who labored on the wall may have died.

It is estimated that 130,000 people died during the construction of the Great Wall by Emperor Qin Shi Huang. At the peak of construction, there were around 500,000 workers, and even if 200,000 new workers were added each year, the construction took only five years from 214 BC to 210 BC. Assuming a conservative death rate of one in ten, the total number of deaths would be around 130,000. At that time, the population of the Qin Dynasty was around 20 million, which means the death toll was less than one percent of the total population.

how many dynasties built the great wall of China?

The Great Wall of China was built over several dynasties, with each dynasty adding to or repairing the wall. The major dynasties that built or significantly contributed to the construction of the wall include the Qin, Han, Northern Wei, Jin, Northern Qi, Sui, Tang, Northern Song, Jin, Ming, and Qing dynasties.

In history, the Great Wall of China was built during the Spring and Autumn period, the Qin dynasty, the Han dynasty, the Northern Dynasties, the Sui dynasty, the Jin dynasty, and the Ming dynasty.

During the Spring and Autumn period, the following states built sections of the Great Wall: Qin, Zhao, Qi, Yan, Wei, and Zhongshan. During the Qin dynasty, the Great Wall was connected to form a continuous barrier, extending from LinTao to Liaodong, earning the nickname “Ten Thousand Li Great Wall”. During the Han dynasty, the Great Wall was further extended, becoming the longest in history. During the Northern Dynasties and Sui dynasty, the Great Wall was repaired and expanded. During the Jin dynasty, it was called the Jin Border Wall. Most of the Great Wall that can be seen today was built during the Ming dynasty.

which emperor built the great wall of China?

The construction of the Great Wall in China began in the Spring and Autumn period and the Warring States period. The three states of Qin, Zhao, and Yan built the wall in the northern region to prevent the invasion of nomadic tribes such as the Xiongnu and Donghu. During the reign of King Huiwen of Qin, he ordered Zhangyi to build a border fortress to defend against the invasion of the Linhu and Loufan tribes. In the reign of King Zhao of Qin, the northern Great Wall was built, stretching from Linhe Prefecture in the west to Shanggu County in the east, along the borders of Longxi Prefecture, Beidi Prefecture, and Shanggu County, and reaching the Yellow River in the east.

In the 17th year of Duke Su of Zhao and the 26th year of King Wuling of Zhao (300 BC), the Zhao North Wall was built in Inner Mongolia, Yuncheng, Yanmen, and Dai. In the 33rd year of King Zheng of Qin (214 BC), Qin Shi Huang sent the general Meng Tian with 300,000 soldiers to attack the Xiongnu, occupy the Hexi Corridor, and build the Great Wall.

During the Han dynasty, the Great Wall was continuously built to resist the invasion of the Xiongnu. From Emperor Wen of Han to Emperor Xuan of Han, a Great Wall was built that extended nearly 10,000 kilometers from Dawan Ershi Cheng in the west to the north bank of the Yalu River in the east. This Great Wall of the Han dynasty was the longest in history. The Northern Wei, Eastern Wei, Northern Qi, and Northern Zhou of the Northern Dynasties continued to build and expand the Great Wall, with the largest scale being during the Northern Qi period.

During the Sui dynasty, to guard against the Turks, Emperor Wen of Sui repeatedly mobilized laborers to build the Great Wall during the winter. During the reign of Emperor Yang of Sui, labor was mobilized on a large scale twice during the summer. The Jin dynasty built the Great Wall on a large scale to defend against the Mongols, which was called the Jin Frontier Trench or Jin Border Fortress. During the Ming dynasty, from the reign of Emperor Hongwu to Wanli, after 20 large-scale construction projects, a Great Wall was built that extended 6,350 kilometers from Jiayuguan in Gansu to Hushan in Liaodong. This is the majority of the Great Wall that can be seen today. During the Qing dynasty, Emperor Kangxi ordered that no Great Wall should be built again, and thereafter there were no large-scale construction projects by emperors.

when was the great wall of China built and finished?

The Great Wall of China was built over a period of more than 2,000 years, with construction starting in the 7th century BC and continuing until the 17th century AD. However, the most well-known and best-preserved sections of the Great Wall were built during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). So, it is difficult to pinpoint an exact date for when the Great Wall was “finished”. Different sections were built and rebuilt over the centuries, with some parts being constructed in different time periods than others.

how long did it take to build the great wall of China?

The construction of the Great Wall of China began in the 7th century BC and continued for several centuries. Different sections of the wall were built during different periods of Chinese history. The most well-known and best-preserved sections of the wall were built during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), which lasted for about 280 years. However, the exact time it took to build the wall is not clear, as construction work continued over a long period of time with different emperors and dynasties adding to and repairing the wall over the centuries.

why is the great wall of China not a wonder of the world?

The list of the Seven Wonders of the World was compiled in the 3rd century BC and the Great Wall of China was not included because the person who proposed the topic of the “Seven Wonders of the World” was a European who had not visited China and was unaware of the existence of the Great Wall. In fact, the “Seven Wonders of the World” only included ancient monuments in Western Asia, North Africa, and the Mediterranean coast, and the “world” referred only to the entire world as perceived by ancient Westerners.

The Great Wall of China was actually named one of the New Seven Wonders of the World by the New7Wonders Foundation in 2007. However, it is not part of the original Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, which were all created before the construction of the Great Wall.

is the great wall of China the longest wall in the world?

Yes, the Great Wall of China is the longest wall in the world, with a total length of approximately 13,170 miles (21,196 kilometers) when all of its sections are taken into account.

the great wall in feng shui

In Feng Shui, the Great Wall of China is believed to have a significant impact on the flow of Qi, or energy, in the surrounding areas. According to Feng Shui principles, the Great Wall functions as a protective barrier that blocks negative energy and protects the surrounding lands from harm.

The Great Wall is also believed to have a dragon vein, which is a term used in Feng Shui to describe the flow of energy along the natural landscape. The dragon vein is said to be a powerful source of positive energy that provides protection and good fortune to those living in the surrounding areas.

Overall, the Great Wall of China is considered to be a symbol of strength, resilience, and protection in Feng Shui, and is often used as a powerful image in Feng Shui cures and remedies.

what is the story behind the great wall of China?

The Great Wall of China has a long and complex history with many different stories and legends associated with it. Here are a few key stories:

 Meng Jiangnu： Legend has it that the Great Wall was built by a man named Meng Jiangnu whose husband was conscripted to work on the wall. When he died during the construction, Meng Jiangnu wept so bitterly that a section of the wall collapsed and revealed her husband’s bones. This story is often told as a cautionary tale about the human cost of the wall’s construction.

Playing with Fire to Mock the Lords： “Playing with Fire to Mock the Lords” refers to a historical event that occurred in the late Western Zhou Dynasty. In order to win a smile from Lady Bao, King You of Zhou lit a signal fire tower and played a joke on the lords. During the Western Zhou period, in order to defend against the invasion of the Qiang barbarians, the earliest Great Wall was built. Whenever the Qiang attacked, soldiers would light wolf smoke on the signal fire tower, and lords from various regions would lead soldiers to the capital to assist. King You of Zhou obtained a beautiful woman named Lady Bao, but she was in a bad mood and rarely smiled. King You of Zhou thought of many ways to make her smile, until one day, a minister suggested lighting the signal fire tower and letting the lords come to rescue, but when the lords arrived, they did not see the Qiang barbarians and only saw King Zhou and the beautiful woman, which disappointed them. However, Lady Bao burst out laughing, which made King You of Zhou very happy, so he lit the signal fire tower several times again. This caused the lords to no longer believe in the signal fire, and gradually stopped coming. Later, the Qiang barbarians broke through Haojing and killed King You of Zhou. King You’s son, King Ping of Zhou, moved to the east, beginning the Eastern Zhou period.”

Self-destructing Great Wall: During the Northern and Southern Dynasties, there was a great general in the Song dynasty named Tan Daoji, from Jinxian (now Jining, Shandong), who was a very strategic military commander and had risen to the rank of Grand Marshal (equivalent to prime minister). He had accompanied Song Wu Emperor Liu Yu in his conquest of Qin and followed Song Wen Emperor Liu Yilong in his conquest of Wei, achieving many remarkable feats and gaining great renown. Not only were the people of his own country respectful of him, even enemy countries greatly revered him.

As Tan Daoji’s prestige continued to grow, and with his sons also holding military power, Song Wen Emperor began to harbor suspicions towards him, especially due to the instigation of some of the court’s ministers. When Song Wen Emperor fell seriously ill, Prince of Pengcheng Liu Yikang seized the opportunity to issue an imperial edict summoning Tan Daoji to the capital. After arriving in the capital city of Jiankang (now Nanjing, Jiangsu), Tan Daoji stayed in his own city, Tangcheng. After a period of time, he saw that the emperor had recovered from his illness and was ready to return home. However, just as he was boarding his ship, he was summoned back to the palace and arrested on charges of plotting rebellion. His sons and military subordinates were subsequently executed as well.

When Tan Daoji saw the imperial officials carrying the emperor’s order to arrest him, he became extremely angry, and his eyes blazed like torches. After a moment, he ordered his men to bring out a wine vessel and drank a full bucket (an ancient measure equal to five bushels of rice) of wine. When he finished, he untied the cloth band from his head and threw it on the ground, shouting, “Hey, this is you destroying your own Great Wall!” Here, Tan Daoji denounced Song Wen Emperor’s self-destruction of the Great Wall, clearly referring to his own destruction of his army, which he likened to a barrier protecting against foreign invasion – the Great Wall. Tan Daoji was the first to compare an army to the Great Wall.

Later, when the people of Northern Wei heard that Tan Daoji and several other skilled and brave generals had all been killed, they attacked Song without fear and advanced to the capital city of Jiankang. At this point, Song Wen Emperor regretted having killed Tan Daoji and the other famous generals, realizing that the army was indeed as important as the Great Wall. He ascended the city walls and sighed, “If only Tan Daoji were here, how could things have come to this?”

Not being at the Great Wall, one cannot be a true hero： This reflects a spirit and a positive fighting spirit of the Chinese nation.

A Furious Love: In the late Ming dynasty, there was a general named Wu Sangui who had a lover named Chen Yuanyuan, a peerless beauty. Wu Sangui was stationed at Shanhaiguan, while his entire family resided in Beijing. With Wu’s defense, the Qing Dynasty was unable to breach Shanhaiguan and enter the Great Wall. Later, Li Zicheng invaded Beijing, and the Chongzhen Emperor hanged himself. Li hoped that Wu Sangui would surrender to him. Wu Sangui had originally decided to surrender to Li Zicheng, but he learned that a general named Liu Zongmin under Li had taken Chen Yuanyuan for himself. Outraged, Wu Sangui decided to surrender to the Qing Dynasty and lead his army to fight Li Zicheng to the death. He wore mourning clothes and a mourning cap, firstly for the deceased Chongzhen Emperor, and secondly for his father and family, as Li Zicheng had executed all of Wu’s family members upon learning of his surrender to the Qing. The “furious love” refers to Chen Yuanyuan. With Wu Sangui’s surrender to the Qing, they successfully breached the Great Wall and conquered all of China.

 

The Great Wall of China vs. the Great Wall of Hadrian, UK

The Great Wall of China and the Great Wall of Hadrian in the UK are two ancient defensive structures built by two different empires. While both walls were built to protect their respective empires, there are several differences between them.

The Great Wall of China is a series of fortifications built along the northern borders of China, stretching over 13,000 miles. The wall was built over several centuries, with the earliest portions dating back to the 7th century BCE. The purpose of the wall was to protect China from invading armies and to regulate trade and immigration. The wall is made of a variety of materials, including brick, tamped earth, stone, and wood.

The Great Wall of Hadrian, on the other hand, was built by the Roman Empire in northern England, stretching over 70 miles. The wall was built in AD 122, during the reign of Emperor Hadrian, to protect the Roman province of Britannia from the northern tribes. The wall is made of stone and was originally up to 20 feet tall.

In terms of size and scale, the Great Wall of China is much larger than the Great Wall of Hadrian. The Chinese wall stretches over 13,000 miles, while the Hadrian wall is only 70 miles long. The Chinese wall is also much older, with portions dating back over 2,000 years.

In terms of construction, the Great Wall of Hadrian is made entirely of stone, while the Great Wall of China is made of a variety of materials. The Chinese wall is also much more complex in design, with watchtowers, fortresses, and barracks built along its length.

In conclusion, while both walls were built for similar purposes, the Great Wall of China and the Great Wall of Hadrian differ greatly in their size, construction, and complexity.

The Great Wall of China vs. the Great Wall of Germany

The Great Wall of China and the Great Wall of Germany, also known as the Roman Limes or Germanic-Roman Limes, are both impressive ancient defensive structures built to protect their respective empires from external threats.

The Great Wall of China is a series of fortifications built along the northern borders of China, spanning over 13,000 miles and dating back as early as the 7th century BCE. It was constructed using a variety of materials, including brick, tamped earth, and stone, and was designed to keep out invading armies from the north.

The Great Wall of Germany, also known as the Roman Limes or Germanic-Roman Limes, is a 350-mile-long defensive wall system that spans across the states of Baden-Württemberg, Hesse, and Rhineland-Palatinate in Germany. It was built by the Romans between 100 and 260 CE as a defense against invading barbarian tribes, and was comprised of walls, ditches, and forts.

While both walls were built for defensive purposes, they differ in terms of size, construction, and historical context. The Great Wall of China is significantly longer and more extensive than the Great Wall of Germany, and was built over a much longer period of time using a wider variety of materials. Additionally, the Great Wall of China played a crucial role in protecting China from invasions from the north throughout its history, while the Great Wall of Germany was constructed during the Roman Empire’s attempts to expand its territory and control over Germanic tribes.

Overall, while the Great Wall of China and the Great Wall of Germany share some similarities, they are distinct structures with different historical contexts and purposes.

The Great Wall of China vs. the Great Wall of Korea

Both China and Korea have long walls built for defense, but there are some significant differences between them.

The Great Wall of China is a massive network of walls, towers, and fortifications that stretches over 13,000 miles (21,000 km) across northern China, built over several centuries to protect against invasions by various nomadic groups. It is the longest wall in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Korea has two walls that are often referred to as the “Korean Great Wall.” The first one is the “Northern Limit Line,” also known as the “Baekdudaegan,” which was built in the 11th century during the Goryeo Dynasty to protect against attacks from the Khitan people. It is approximately 372 miles (600 km) long and runs along the mountain range that forms the spine of the Korean Peninsula, from the eastern coast to the Yalu River on the border with China. The second wall is the “Hwaseong Fortress,” built in the 18th century during the Joseon Dynasty to protect the capital city of Suwon. It is a fortified wall that stretches for about 3.5 miles (5.7 km) and has several gates, watchtowers, and military facilities.

In summary, while the Great Wall of China is a massive, centuries-old fortification that spans thousands of miles, the two “Korean Great Walls” are smaller in scale and were built at different times in Korean history for different purposes.

The Great Wall of China vs the Great Wall of India

While China’s Great Wall and India’s Great Wall both served as protective fortifications, they are quite different in terms of their construction and purpose.

China’s Great Wall is a series of walls and fortifications built over several centuries to protect against invasions from the north, primarily from Mongolian tribes. It is over 13,000 miles long and was constructed using various materials, including brick, tamped earth, and stone. It also includes watchtowers, barracks, and other defensive structures.

On the other hand, India’s Great Wall, also known as the “Kumbhalgarh Fort Wall,” is a fortification wall built in the 15th century to protect the Mewar region of Rajasthan from invaders. It is around 22 miles long and made primarily of stone. Unlike China’s Great Wall, it was built during a relatively short period and primarily to defend a specific region, rather than the entire country.

Overall, while both walls served as defensive fortifications, the Great Wall of China is on a much larger scale and built over a longer period, while India’s Great Wall is smaller in size and built during a specific period in history.

The Great Wall of China vs. the Pyramids of Egypt

The Great Wall of China and the Pyramids of Egypt are two of the most famous and impressive man-made structures in the world, but they are very different in terms of their history, purpose, and construction.

The Great Wall of China is a series of fortifications built along the northern borders of China to protect against invasions and raids by various nomadic groups. It was built over a period of more than 2,000 years, with the earliest sections dating back to the 7th century BC, and the most famous sections built during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). The wall stretches for over 13,000 miles and is made of brick, tamped earth, stone, and other materials.

On the other hand, the Pyramids of Egypt were built as tombs for pharaohs and their consorts during the Old and Middle Kingdom periods of Ancient Egypt, roughly between 2600 BC and 1800 BC. The most famous pyramids are the Great Pyramids of Giza, which were built as tombs for the pharaohs Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure. The Great Pyramid of Khufu is the largest and was the tallest man-made structure in the world for over 3,800 years. The pyramids were constructed using limestone blocks and are famous for their precise geometry and engineering.

Both the Great Wall of China and the Pyramids of Egypt are impressive feats of engineering and construction, but their purposes and histories are very different. The Great Wall of China was built for defensive purposes and evolved over time, while the Pyramids of Egypt were built as tombs for pharaohs and reflect the beliefs and practices of Ancient Egyptian culture.

The Great Wall of China vs Grand Canal

The Great Wall of China and the Grand Canal are two of China’s greatest engineering achievements and important cultural landmarks.

The Great Wall of China, as mentioned earlier, is a series of fortifications built across northern China over centuries to protect China from invasion by nomadic groups. It stretches over 13,000 miles and is considered one of the Seven Wonders of the World. It is made up of walls, watchtowers, and fortresses, and it is a testament to the ingenuity and hard work of the Chinese people.

On the other hand, the Grand Canal is the world’s oldest and longest canal. It stretches over 1,100 miles and links the Yellow River in the north to the Yangtze River in the south. The Grand Canal was built over 1,400 years ago during the Sui Dynasty (581-618) to facilitate transportation and trade, and it played a significant role in the economic development and cultural exchange of ancient China.

While both the Great Wall and the Grand Canal are impressive feats of engineering, they serve different purposes and have different historical significance. The Great Wall was built as a defensive structure, while the Grand Canal was built as a transportation system. Additionally, the Great Wall was constructed over centuries by different Chinese dynasties, while the Grand Canal was built during a relatively short period under the Sui Dynasty.

The Great Wall of China vs. the Parthenon Temple

The Great Wall of China and the Parthenon Temple are two iconic landmarks that represent the rich history and culture of their respective countries.

The Great Wall of China is a series of fortifications that stretches over 13,000 miles across northern China. It was built over several centuries by various Chinese dynasties to protect against invasions from the north. The wall is an engineering marvel and a testament to the power and organization of ancient Chinese civilization.

On the other hand, the Parthenon Temple is an ancient Greek temple located on the Acropolis of Athens. It was built in the 5th century BC and dedicated to the goddess Athena. The temple is renowned for its impressive architecture and intricate sculptures, and is considered a symbol of ancient Greek civilization and the birthplace of Western civilization.

While both the Great Wall of China and the Parthenon Temple are impressive feats of human ingenuity and architectural prowess, they serve very different purposes and have different cultural and historical significance. The Great Wall of China was primarily built for defensive purposes, while the Parthenon Temple was built for religious purposes.

Overall, both landmarks are important cultural heritage sites and attract millions of visitors each year, but they represent different aspects of human history and civilization.

The Great Wall of China vs. the Colosseum of Rome

The Great Wall of China and the Colosseum of Rome are two very different structures with different purposes and histories.

The Great Wall of China is a series of fortifications made of stone, brick, tamped earth, wood, and other materials, generally built along the east-to-west line across the historical northern borders of China. It was built over a period of centuries, with the first parts of the wall dating back to the 7th century BC. The Great Wall served as a military defense system to protect China from invasions by various nomadic groups from the north. It is one of the largest and most recognizable architectural achievements in the world.

The Colosseum of Rome, on the other hand, is an amphitheater located in the center of Rome, Italy. It was built in the first century AD and is one of the most iconic buildings of ancient Rome. The Colosseum was used for various public spectacles and events, such as gladiator contests, animal hunts, and public executions. It is a symbol of the power and grandeur of the Roman Empire.

While both the Great Wall of China and the Colosseum of Rome are remarkable feats of architecture and engineering, they are very different in their purpose and history. The Great Wall of China served as a defensive structure to protect a nation, while the Colosseum of Rome was a venue for entertainment and public spectacles.

The Great Wall of China vs.Taj Mahal

The Great Wall of China and the Taj Mahal are both significant historical and cultural landmarks, but they are quite different in nature.

The Great Wall of China is a massive defensive structure that stretches over 13,000 miles (21,000 km) and was built over a period of several centuries to protect China from invading armies. It is the largest wall in the world, and its construction required the labor of millions of workers. The wall includes numerous watchtowers, fortifications, and other defensive structures, and it has played a vital role in Chinese history.

In contrast, the Taj Mahal is a mausoleum located in Agra, India, and was built by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal. The Taj Mahal is renowned for its beauty and is considered a masterpiece of Mughal architecture. It features intricate designs, calligraphy, and decorative elements, including precious and semi-precious stones. The Taj Mahal is also surrounded by well-manicured gardens and water features, adding to its beauty and appeal.

Both the Great Wall of China and the Taj Mahal are significant symbols of their respective countries and attract millions of tourists each year. However, they are vastly different in terms of their construction, purpose, and cultural significance.

---

References

1.what is the history about the great wall of china?
Retrieved from https://www.history.com/topics/ancient-china/great-wall-of-china

2.Why was the Great Wall of China built?
Retrieved from https://www.travelchinaguide.com/china_great_wall/facts/why-built.htm

3.where does the great wall of china start and end

4.why is the great wall of china important?
Retrieved from https://www.chinahighlights.com/greatwall/great-wall-importance.htm