The Great Wall of China, a Tourist Attraction and a Symbol

Hi! I’m Artiom and I’m impressed how many man-made wonders there are in the world! I’d like to share with you some interesting information about the Great Wall of China, one of the most fascinating man-made wonders.

The Great Wall of China is one of the most famous landmarks in the world. It is the longest wall ever built, stretching over 21,000 kilometers (13,000 miles). This amazing structure was created to protect China from invaders and to guard important trade routes like the Silk Road.

Construction of the wall began as early as the 7th century BC and continued for more than 2,000 years. Different Chinese dynasties built various sections of the wall at different times. The most famous parts of the wall were built during the Ming Dynasty (1368–1644).

The Great Wall is not a single wall. It is a series of walls, fortifications, watchtowers, and passes. Builders used local materials, depending on the region. In mountainous areas, they used stone, while in deserts, they used sand and reeds.

Many people believe the Great Wall can be seen from space. However, this is not true. The wall is difficult to see without a telescope because it blends with the natural landscape.

In 1987, the Great Wall of China was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Today, it is a symbol of China’s strength, history, and culture. Millions of tourists visit the wall every year, with the most popular section being Badaling, near Beijing.

The Great Wall is more than just a historical site. It represents the creativity and hard work of the people who built it. Visiting the wall is an unforgettable experience and a chance to connect with China’s rich past.

Interesting Facts About the Great Wall of China

  • The Great Wall of China is the longest wall ever built. It stretches over 21,000 kilometers (13,000 miles).
  • The Great Wall covers 15 regions in northern China.
  • The Great Wall is a symbol of Chinese strength and unity. It represents the country’s long history and culture.
  • Only about 30% of the original wall is still standing today. Erosion, weather, and human activity have damaged many parts.
  • Sticky rice was used as mortar in the Great Wall.
  • Historians estimate that millions of workers, including soldiers, peasants, and prisoners, helped build the wall. Many workers lost their lives during construction.
  • Arsenic was used to prevent insects from eating parts of the wall.
  • Part of the Great Wall protected the route of the ancient Silk Road.
  • One of the many legends surrounding the wall tells of a helpful dragon who drew out the tracks for the wall, which the workers then followed.
  • The wall has thousands of watchtowers, used to store supplies and for soldiers to watch for invaders. Smoke signals were sent from tower to tower to warn about approaching enemies.
  • The Great Wall of China attracts 50 million visitors per year.
  • The most popular section of the wall is known as Badaling and is near Beijing.
  • Each May, the Great Wall Marathon is run on the Great Wall.
  • The Great Wall is wide enough in some places to drive a car over it.