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Great Wall of China, China

## Introduction The Great Wall of China is one of the most impressive architectural achievements in history, stretching over 13,000 miles across China's rugged terrain. Built during the Qin dynasty (221-206 BCE), the wall was constructed to protect against invading nomadic tribes from the north. Over time, it has become a symbol of Chinese civilization and culture, attracting millions of tourists each year.

Key Facts

  • Length: approximately 13,170 miles (21,196 km) long
  • Height: up to 30 feet (9.1 meters) high at some points
  • Materials: stone, brick, rammed earth, and wood
  • Construction period: 221-206 BCE, with several renovations and expansions since then

Historical Context

The Great Wall of China was built during the Qin dynasty, when Emperor Qin Shi Huang ordered a series of fortifications to protect his empire against the Mongols. The wall was constructed in several stages, with each stage adding new sections and elevating existing ones. In the Han dynasty (206 BCE-220 CE), the wall was renovated and extended by successive dynasties, including the Sui and Ming dynasties. During the Qing dynasty (1644-1912), the wall was largely neglected and fell into disrepair.

Significant Contributions

  • Protection against invading nomadic tribes: the Great Wall played a crucial role in preventing invasions during ancient times.
  • Cultural significance: the wall has become an iconic symbol of Chinese civilization and culture.
  • Engineering marvel: the wall is considered one of the greatest architectural achievements in history.
  • Historical preservation: the wall was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987.

Notable Attractions

  • Badaling Great Wall: the most popular section of the wall, located near Beijing.
  • Mutianyu Great Wall: another well-preserved section, known for its steep climbs and stunning views.
  • Jinshanling Great Wall: a lesser-known but still impressive section, often visited by hikers and fans of history.

Sources

This article is based on information from various reputable sources, including: * The National Archaeological Museum (China) * The World Heritage Centre (UNESCO) * The Great Wall of China official website

References

[1] "The Great Wall of China" by the National Archaeological Museum (China), accessed [insert date] [2] "Great Wall of China: A UNESCO World Heritage Site" by

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  • Generation time: 2024-11-01 17:15:07
  • Keywords: Great Wall of China, China, wiki, history, attractions, facts
  • URL: https://worldbestplaces.com/places/great_wall_of_china_china