Emperor Qin Shihuang, the first emperor of a unified China, initiated the construction of what would become one of the most famous monuments in the world: the Great Wall of China.
The original conception of the wall began with his reign in 221 B.C., when he ordered walls to be constructed in order to protect China from hostile nomadic peoples from the North. These segments were called the “10,000-li-long-wall” and were initially made from earth and wood.
By 212 B.C., the Qin Dynasty had expanded rapidly, leading to the further expansion of the Great Wall. This stage saw the construction of more permanent walls, built with bricks and stone. Many of the walls that we see today date back to this period.
The wall was continuously extended over the following centuries by several dynasties as they sought to protect their borders. It was rebuilt, repaired and augmented several times by the Han, Jin, Yuan, Ming and Qing dynasties over the next 2000 years. During the Ming Dynasty, brick and stone walls were upgraded and extended, many of which still stand today.
The Great Wall is an impressive work of defensive architecture that managed to withstand the test of time and served its purpose of fortification. It was believed to be able to repel any invading force due to its scale and complexity.
The Great Wall of China stretches for more than 5,500 miles from Shanhaiguan to Lop Lake in the middle of the Gobi Desert. The wall varies in height, width, and structure depending on the parts, but generally it averages 10–20 feet high and 20–30 feet thick. It also includes moats, horse steps, watch towers and beacon towers.
The wall is often claimed to be visible from space, although this is only true with certain exceptions. Visitors to the wall will be able to enjoy spectacular views from atop the battlement, offering insight into the lives of those who lived, worked and defended the wall.
Today, the Great Wall of China is considered one of the most important archeological monuments and is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It serves not only as a reminder of the long history of China but also a source of national pride.