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Early building

• The Han through Yuan dynasties
• The Ming dynasty to the present
• Signal towers
• Military administration
• Tradition and conservation

Why was the Great Wall of China built?

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Great Wall of China

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• UNESCO World Heritage Convention - The Great Wall
• Ancient Origins - The Great Wall of China Construction Project that Spanned Generations, Centuries and Dynasties
• National Geographic - The Great Wall of China
• World Monuments Fund - Built to defend China Centuries ago, the great Wall of China now finds itself in need of protection
• World History Encyclopedia - Great Wall of China
• Association for Asian Studies - Building the Great Wall
• Great Wall of China - Children's Encyclopedia (Ages 8-11)
• Great Wall of China - Student Encyclopedia (Ages 11 and up)
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Historically, the Great Wall of China was built to fortify China ’s northern border. The Great Wall has been the site of multiple battles and skirmishes between the Chinese and various peoples across history, including the Xiongnu during the Qin dynasty , the Khitans during the Song dynasty , and the Mongols during the Ming dynasty .

How long is the Great Wall of China?

The total length of all sections of the Great Wall of China ever built adds up to about 21,196 kilometers (13,171 miles), including overlapping sections that were rebuilt. The wall constructed during the Ming dynasty , the most well-preserved section, is about 8,850 kilometers (5,499 miles) long.

How old is the Great Wall of China?

Historians usually consider the defensive walls built during the Spring and Autumn period (770–476 BCE) and the Warring States period (475–221 BCE) to be the first sections of what would eventually become the structure known as the Great Wall of China, putting the wall at almost 3,000 years old.

You typically can’t see the Great Wall of China from space. A popular myth, the claim was disproved when astronauts stated that the Great Wall of China was not visible with the naked eye from the Moon . Due to its coloration and pollution , the structure is only sometimes visible from low orbit and the International Space Station .

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Great Wall of China , extensive bulwark erected in ancient China , one of the largest building-construction projects ever undertaken. The Great Wall actually consists of numerous walls—many of them parallel to each other—built over some two millennia across northern China and southern Mongolia . The most extensive and best-preserved version of the wall dates from the Ming dynasty (1368–1644) and runs for some 5,500 miles (8,850 km) east to west from Mount Hu near Dandong , southeastern Liaoning province, to Jiayu Pass west of Jiuquan , northwestern Gansu province. This wall often traces the crestlines of hills and mountains as it snakes across the Chinese countryside, and about one-fourth of its length consists solely of natural barriers such as rivers and mountain ridges. Nearly all of the rest (about 70 percent of the total length) is actual constructed wall, with the small remaining stretches constituting ditches or moats. Although lengthy sections of the wall are now in ruins or have disappeared completely, it is still one of the more remarkable structures on Earth . The Great Wall was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1987.

Did You Know? The Great Wall of China is considered one of the new Seven Wonders of the World. Can you name the other six?

Large parts of the fortification system date from the 7th through the 4th century bce . In the 3rd century bce Shihuangdi (Qin Shihuang), the first emperor of a united China (under the Qin dynasty), connected a number of existing defensive walls into a single system. Traditionally, the eastern terminus of the wall was considered to be Shanhai Pass ( Shanhaiguan ) in eastern Hebei province along the coast of the Bo Hai (Gulf of Chihli), and the wall’s length—without its branches and other secondary sections—was thought to extend for some 4,160 miles (6,700 km). However, government-sponsored investigations that began in the 1990s revealed sections of wall in Liaoning, and aerial and satellite surveillance eventually proved that this wall stretched continuously through much of the province. The greater total length of the Ming wall was announced in 2009.

History of construction

The Great Wall developed from the disparate border fortifications and castles of individual Chinese kingdoms. For several centuries these kingdoms probably were as concerned with protection from their near neighbours as they were with the threat of barbarian invasions or raids.

About the 7th century bce the state of Chu started to construct a permanent defensive system. Known as the “Square Wall,” this fortification was situated in the northern part of the kingdom’s capital province. From the 6th to the 4th century other states followed Chu’s example. In the southern part of the Qi state an extensive perimeter wall was gradually created using existing river dikes, newly constructed bulwarks , and areas of impassable mountain terrain. The Qi wall was made mainly of earth and stone and terminated at the shores of the Yellow Sea . In the Zhongshan state a wall system was built to thwart invasion from the states of Zhao and Qin in the southwest. There were two defensive lines in the Wei state: the Hexi (“West of the [ Yellow ] River”) and Henan (“South of the River”) walls. The Hexi Wall was a fortification against the Qin state and western nomads. Built during the reign of King Hui (370–335 bce ), it was expanded from the dikes on the Luo River on the western border. It started in the south near Xiangyuan Cave, east of Mount Hua, and ended at Guyang in what is now the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. Henan Wall, built to protect Daliang (the capital, now Kaifeng ), was repaired and extended in King Hui’s later years. The Zheng state also built a wall system, which was rebuilt by the Han state after it conquered Zheng. The state of Zhao completed a southern wall and a northern wall; the southern wall was built mainly as a defense against the Wei state.

After administrative reorganization was carried out by Shang Yang (died 338 bce ), the Qin state grew politically and militarily to become the strongest among the seven states, but it was frequently raided by the Donghu and Loufan, two nomadic peoples from the north. Therefore, the Qin erected a wall that started from Lintiao, went north along the Liupan Mountains , and ended at the Huang He (Yellow River).

In the Yan state two separate defensive lines were prepared—the Northern Wall and the Yishui Wall—in an effort to defend the kingdom from attacks by northern groups such as the Donghu, Linhu, and Loufan, as well as by the Qi state in the south. The Yishui Wall was expanded from the dike of the Yi River as a defense line against Qi and Zhao, its two main rival states. It began southwest of Yi City, the capital, and ended south of Wen’an. In 290 bce the Yan state built the Northern Wall along the Yan Mountains, starting from the northeast in the area of Zhangjiakou in Hebei , passing over the Liao River , and extending to the ancient city of Xiangping (modern Liaoyang ). This was the last segment of the Great Wall to be erected during the Zhanguo ( Warring States ) period.

In 221 bce Shihuangdi , the first Qin emperor, completed his annexation of Qi and thus unified China. He ordered removal of the fortifications set up between the previous states because they served only as obstacles to internal movements and administration. In addition, he sent Gen. Meng Tian to garrison the northern border against incursions of the nomadic Xiongnu and to link the existing wall segments in Qin, Yan, and Zhao into the so-called “10,000- Li Long Wall” (2 li equal approximately 0.6 mile [1 km]). This period of construction began about 214 bce and lasted a decade. Hundreds of thousands of soldiers and conscripted workers laboured on the project. With the fall of the Qin dynasty after Shihuangdi’s death, however, the wall was left largely ungarrisoned and fell into disrepair.

ENCYCLOPEDIC ENTRY

The great wall of china.

The Great Wall of China was built over centuries by China’s emperors to protect their territory. Today, it stretches for thousands of miles along China’s historic northern border.

Anthropology, Geography, Human Geography, Social Studies, Ancient Civilizations, World History

The Great Wall of China is one of the most notorious structures in the entire world. The Jinshanling section in Hebei Province, China, pictured here, is only a small part of the wall that stretches over 4,000 kilometers (2,500 miles).

Photograph by Hung Chung Chih

The one thing most people “know” about the Great Wall of China—that it is one of the only man-made structures visible from space—is not actually true. Since the wall looks a lot like the stone and soil that surround it, it is difficult to discern with the human eye even from low Earth orbit, and is difficult to make out in most orbital photos . However, this does not detract from the wonder of this astounding ancient structure.

For millennia, Chinese leaders instituted wall-building projects to protect the land from northern, nomadic invaders. One surviving section of such an ancient wall, in the Shandong province, is made of hard-packed soil called “ rammed earth ” and is estimated to be 2,500 years old. For centuries during the Warring States Period, before China was unified into one nation, such walls defended the borders.

Around 220 B.C.E., Qin Shi Huang, also called the First Emperor , united China. He masterminded the process of uniting the existing walls into one. At that time, rammed earth and wood made up most of the wall. Emperor after emperor strengthened and extended the wall, often with the aim of keeping out the northern invaders. In some places, the wall was constructed of brick. Elsewhere, quarried granite or even marble blocks were used. The wall was continuously brought up to date as building techniques advanced.

Zhu Yuanzhang, who became the Hongwu Emperor , took power in 1368 C.E. He founded the Ming Dynasty , famous for its achievements in the arts of ceramics and painting. The Ming emperors improved the wall with watchtowers and platforms. Most of the familiar images of the wall show Ming-era construction in the stone. Depending on how the wall is measured, it stretches somewhere between 4,000 and 5,500 kilometers (2,500 and 3,400 miles).

In the 17th century, the Manchu emperors extended Chinese rule into Inner Mongolia, making the wall less important as a defense. However, it has retained its importance as a symbol of Chinese identity and culture . Countless visitors view the wall every year. It may not be clearly visible from space, but it is considered “an absolute masterpiece” here on Earth.

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China is the largest country in Asia and the world’s most populous nation. It also has one of the world’s oldest and continuous civilizations. The Chinese have occupied their vast territory for thousands of years and China has numerous achievements in a variety of disciplines. The country has produced many great thinkers and philosophers, and numerous artists and inventors from China have introduced creations that have changed perhaps billions of lives. Some of these creations include the compass, gunpowder, paper, printing, porcelain, and silk. But perhaps the most well-known and recognized symbol of China is the Great Wall .

The Great Wall, or Chang Cheng in Chinese, is massive. It begins in the east at the Yellow Sea, travels near China’s capital, Beijing, and continues west through numerous provinces. For thousands of miles, it winds like a snake through China’s varied terrain. Smaller walls extend from the main wall. According to conservative estimates, the Great Wall’s length is approximately 2,400 miles, its thickness ranges from 15-30 feet wide, and it reaches in height to about 25 feet. For many centuries, the Great Wall has been considered one of the world’s wonders (Turnbull & Noon, 2007).

Although it is often mistakenly thought of as a single wall, the Great Wall is a series of walls that were constructed, reconstructed, and expanded over several centuries and, depending on the location, having different materials. The massive construction project was the idea of China’s first emperor, Shi Huangdi, who ended more than 250 years of regional fighting between several independent states, and united China. Once in control, Shi Huangdi wanted to maintain his power and position. The idea to create a massive wall along the northern border of the country was conceived by the emperor to bar assailants from kingdoms to the north of China. The construction of the Great Wall continued long after the reign of Shi Huangdi, particularly during the Han and the Ming dynasties. During these periods, features such as watch towers, gates, and garrisons were added or enhanced, and the Great Wall’s design was unified (Marsh, 2006).

The Great Wall is of great significance, as it reflects much of China’s extensive history. The Great Wall helped define the empire and mark a boundary between the Chinese and foreigners. The great emperor, Shi Huangdi, wanted to keep the Chinese people together and at the same time isolate foreigners, especially those to the north (Sterling, 2009). The Great Wall survives today, more than 2,000 years after its initial construction. It attracts thousands of visitors from all over the world each day, being one of the most toured and significant monuments in the world. This has helped boost China’s economy through tourism and foreign exchange (Collins, Staton & Milgrom, 2010).

The Great Wall is undeniably one of humankind’s most prominent and enduring architectural feats. It is a testament to a people’s ability to plan, organize, create, and work diligently together. The wall is a monument to Chinese civilization, one that came at great costs and through countless sacrifices.

References Collins, T., Staton, J., & Milgrom, A. (2010). Building the Great Wall of China: An Isabel Soto History Adventure . Mankato, MN: Capstone Press.

Marsh, C. (2006). The Mystery on the Great Wall of China . Peachtree City, GA: Gallopade International.

Sterling, B. L. (2009). Do Good Fences Make Good Neighbors? What History Teaches Us about Strategic Barriers and International Security . Washington, D.C.: Georgetown University Press.

Turnbull, S. R., & Noon, S. (2007). The Great Wall of China, 221 BC-AD 1644 . Oxford, UK: Osprey Pub.

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Essay on Great Wall of China

Students are often asked to write an essay on Great Wall of China in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

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100 Words Essay on Great Wall of China

Introduction.

The Great Wall of China is a magnificent ancient structure. Built over 2000 years ago, it stretches over 13,000 miles and is a symbol of China’s rich history.

Why was it built?

The Great Wall was built primarily for defense. Chinese emperors wanted to protect their lands from invasions, especially from the northern tribes.

Construction

Building the Great Wall was a massive task. Millions of workers used local materials like stone, wood, and earth to construct it.

Significance Today

Today, the Great Wall is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It attracts millions of tourists and is a symbol of Chinese ingenuity and resilience.

250 Words Essay on Great Wall of China

The great wall of china: an architectural marvel.

The Great Wall of China, an enduring symbol of human tenacity, represents a pinnacle of ancient defensive architecture. Its construction, spanning several dynasties, is a testament to the strategic foresight and engineering prowess of its builders.

Historical Significance

The Wall was primarily built to protect the Chinese empire from northern invasions. It served as a physical barrier, but also a psychological deterrent, showcasing the might of the empire. The Wall’s historical significance is further underscored by its role in trade regulation, as it facilitated the Silk Road commerce.

Architectural Ingenuity

The Wall’s architectural ingenuity is evident in its adaptation to the diverse topography of China. It traverses rugged mountains, vast deserts, and dense forests, demonstrating the builders’ advanced understanding of engineering and construction techniques. The beacon towers, an integral part of the Wall, served as communication hubs, illustrating a sophisticated early warning system.

Cultural Symbolism

Over time, the Great Wall has transcended its original purpose, becoming a symbol of national identity and unity. It embodies the spirit of perseverance and resilience, qualities that are deeply ingrained in Chinese culture.

Preservation and Challenges

Despite its robust construction, the Wall faces preservation challenges due to natural erosion and human activities. Its preservation is crucial not only for historical reasons but also for its value as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a major tourist attraction.

500 Words Essay on Great Wall of China

The Great Wall of China, a monumental feat of ancient defensive architecture, stands as a testament to human ingenuity and resilience. Its construction spans several dynasties, reflecting the evolution of architectural techniques and strategic thinking over the centuries.

Historical Overview

The origins of the Great Wall can be traced back to the 7th century BC. During this period, separate walls were constructed by different states to protect their territories from invasions. It was Qin Shi Huang, the first Emperor of China, who initiated the project of joining these walls into a unified defense system in the 3rd century BC. The Wall underwent several enhancements and extensions under different dynasties, notably the Han, the Northern Qi, and the Ming.

Architectural Marvel

Symbolic significance.

Beyond its practical military purpose, the Great Wall has a profound symbolic significance. It embodies the Chinese people’s spirit of perseverance and their ability to unite for a common cause. The Wall stands as a symbol of national identity and cultural heritage, reflecting the civilization’s rich history and its enduring strength.

Modern Relevance

Today, the Great Wall serves as a major tourist attraction, offering insights into China’s past and its architectural prowess. However, it is also facing challenges due to natural erosion and human activities. Conservation efforts are underway to preserve this iconic structure for future generations.

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Great Wall of China

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The Great Wall of China is a barrier fortification in northern China running west-to-east 13,171 miles (21,196 km) from the Jiayuguan Pass (in the west) to the Hushan Mountains in Liaoning Province in the east, ending at the Bohai Gulf. It crosses eleven provinces/municipalities (or ten, according to some authorities) and two autonomous regions (Inner Mongolia and Ningxia).

Construction of the wall began in the Qin Dynasty (221-206 BCE) under the First Emperor Shi Huangdi (r. 221-210 BCE) and continued over hundreds of years throughout many different dynasties. The Great Wall in the present day is almost completely the work of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1664 CE) who added the distinctive watchtowers and expanded the length and width of the wall. The now-famous national monument fell into decay following the Ming Dynasty, when the Qing Dynasty (1644-1912 CE) took power and expanded the border of China northwards, making the wall obsolete. Restoration and preservation efforts only seriously began in the 1980's CE, and the wall was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987 CE.

The Original Wall

During the time known as The Warring States Period (c. 481-221 BCE), the different regions of China fought for control of the country during the collapse of the Eastern Zhou Dynasty (771-256 BCE). One state emerged victorious from this struggle: the state of Qin which is pronounced 'chin' and gives China its name. The general who led Qin to victory was King Ying Zheng who took the name `Qin Shi Huangdi' (First Emperor) after conquering the other states.

Shi Huangdi ordered construction of the Great Wall to consolidate his empire and protect it against invasion. The seven warring states each had walls along their border for defense which Shi Huangdi destroyed after he took power. As a sign that all of China was now one, the emperor decreed a great wall would be built along the northern border to defend against the mounted warriors of the nomadic Xiongnu of Mongolia; there would be no more walls marking boundaries between separate states in China because there would no longer be any separate states.

His wall ran along a line further to the north than the present one, marking what was then the border between China and the Mongolian plains. The wall was constructed by unwilling conscripts and convicts who were sent north under guard from all over China for the purpose. Shi Huangdi was not a benevolent ruler and was more interested in his own grandeur than the good of his people. His wall was not regarded by the Chinese people under the Qin Dynasty as a symbol of national pride or unity but as a place where people were sent to labor for the emperor until they died.

The Ming Dynasty Wall

The present wall, whose image is so well known, is not Shi Huangdi's wall from c. 221 BCE. There is actually very little of the original wall left today. When the Qin Dynasty fell in 206 BCE, the country split into the civil war known as the Chu- Han Contention (206-202 BCE), fought between the generals Xiang-Yu of Chu (l. 232-202 BCE) and Liu-Bang of Han (l. c. 256-195 BCE), the two leaders who had emerged as the most powerful of those who had helped topple the Qin Dynasty.

When Liu-Bang defeated Xiang-Yu in 202 BCE at the Battle of Gaixia , he became the First Emperor of the Han Dynasty (202 BCE-220 CE) and continued construction of the wall as a means of defense. He was also the first emperor to use the wall as a means of regulating trade north along what would eventually become known as the Silk Routes (better known as The Silk Road ) which the later Han Dynasty emperor Wu Ti (r. 141-87 BCE) expanded and opened for trade between China and Europe in 130 BCE.

The following dynasties all made their own contributions and repairs to the wall until the Ming Dynasty initiated a massive building project to protect the country from invading nomads from Mongolia, the very same incentive that had played a part in Shi Huangdi's original vision. This similarity in purpose may explain the belief that the present wall dates from the Qin Dynasty. The Ming built the wall featuring over 25,000 massive watchtowers and ranging in height from 16-26 feet (5-8 m), 20 feet across the bottom (6 m) and 16 feet across the top (5 m).

The Liaoning Wall

In addition to creating the massive wall, the Ming Dynasty also enclosed their most important agricultural center, Liaoning Province, behind a walled fortification known as the Liaoning Wall (also known as the Liaodong Wall). This wall has been a source of controversy between China and North Korea since 2009 CE when the Chinese government claimed they had only recently discovered portions of the Great Wall close to the border with North Korea by the Hushan Mountains.

North Korea has asserted that the 'newly discovered Great Wall' actually belongs to them and is not part of China's Great Wall. The section of wall in dispute is no doubt part of the Liaoning Wall. This wall in no way can be compared with the Great Wall and was never built to be. It was a simple defensive barrier constructed to hamper invasions of Liaoning from the north and was constructed of earth, stone, and whatever else was available. Moats were dug on either side of the wall to further impede an invading force.

As it turned out, the Liaoning Wall and the Great Wall were equally useless in repelling invasion. Manchu invasions from the north began in c. 1600 CE and continued until 1644 CE when the Great Wall was opened to the invaders. China was again in turmoil at this time as a rebellion had been mounted against the Ming Dynasty. The Ming general Wu Sangui (l.1612-1678 CE), who had declared himself emperor, opened the Great Wall to the Manchus in a deal whereby they would help him defeat the rebels. Instead, the Manchus seized power, expelled the Ming Dynasty, and established the Qing Dynasty. The victory of the Manchus over the Ming meant that the border of China was now some distance north of the Great Wall, and since it was no longer of any use in defense, it was neglected and fell into ruin until the rise of the Republic of China in 1912 CE, when it was found useful in controlling immigration and emigration.

Modern Day Preservation & the Moon Fallacy

There were efforts over the years to maintain the structure, but no concerted effort existed until as recently as 1980 CE when the wall was made a priority of the Chinese government as a tourist attraction and source of revenue. It was not designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site until 1987 CE, but even with that designation the wall is slowly crumbling. Today, according to historians and preservationists who monitor the site, there are only about 600 miles (372 km) of the wall left in stable condition.

There are many modern misconceptions concerning the Great Wall of China. The best known and most often repeated is that it is the only human-made structure on earth that can be seen from space; this is not true. The origin of this claim is the English essayist Sir Henry Norman, who wrote in 1895 CE that the wall was "the only work of human hands on the globe visible from the moon." His observation was based on the fact that people on earth could see craters and canals on the moon, and so someone on the moon would be able to see something as long and massive as the Great Wall on earth. Many people seem to believe that the claim the wall can be seen from the moon is based on first-hand accounts of astronauts or the work of scientists and astronomers, but it is actually the creation of a man who wrote when space travel was not even possible. Modern day scholars and scientists, as well as those who have traveled to the moon, have debunked this claim repeatedly.

Other fallacies concerning the wall are that it was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, that it dates from the Qin Dynasty in 221 BCE, and that it was built as a symbol of national pride. The last two claims, as seen above, are clearly false, as is the first; the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World were all located in the Mediterranean region of Greece , Egypt , and Turkey . The Great Wall is, however, among those chosen as one of the modern Seven Wonders of the World by the New 7 Wonders Foundation in 2007 CE. The Great Wall is visited by over four million people a year, and even though it cannot be seen from the moon, is among the most recognizable human-made structures in the world.

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Bibliography

• Ancient China by Joshua J. Mark , accessed 15 May 2020.
• Ebrey, P. B. The Cambridge Illustrated History of China. Cambridge University Press, 2010.
• Great Wall of China Controversy , accessed 1 Dec 2016.
• New Seven Wonders of the World , accessed 1 Dec 2016.
• Tanner, H. M. China: A History From Neolithic Cultures through Great Qing Empire. Hackett Publishing Company, Inc., 2010.
• The Battle of Gaixia by Joshua J. Mark , accessed 15 May 2020.
• The Great Wall: UNESCO Heritage Site , accessed 1 Dec 2016.
• Waldron, Arthur. The Great Wall of China. Cambridge University Press, 1992.

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Mark, Emily. " Great Wall of China ." World History Encyclopedia . Last modified August 22, 2015. https://www.worldhistory.org/Great_Wall_of_China/.

Mark, Emily. " Great Wall of China ." World History Encyclopedia . World History Encyclopedia, 22 Aug 2015. Web. 29 Aug 2024.

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The History of the Great Wall of China Term Paper

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Introduction

Ramparts, barracks and crenellations.

The Great Wall spreads out from Liaoning Province through Hebei Province, Tianjin Municipality, Beijing Municipality, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, Shanxi Province, Shaanxi Province, and Nigxia Autonomous region to Shanxi Province. Michaud, R (2001). The Great Wall of China stands as the longest fortified manmade structure ever constructed in the history of humanity. Michaud, R (2001). The wall that stretches beyond 4,600 miles was erected objectively for defence reasons, it was perceived as the only stratagem that could put the northern invaders at bay. Although its now cashing in greatly in the tourism domain. The was built in succession by the ruling hegemony of the time. Hundreds of thousands of laborers were involved in the construction of this wall. Michaud, R (2001).

Qin Dynasty

The genesis of the construction of the great wall began in 214 BC under the auspices of the Qin dynasty. His regime commissioned for the erection of the fortified wall immediately after he had achieved unifying China. Michaud, R (2001). During the first four years, more than 800,000-labor force were involved in the development process. Despite the fact that the wall achieved in resisting raiders it did not solve the internal wrangles. The internal implosion worsened precipitating a regime change in 206 BC. Michaud, R (2001).

Han Dynasty

The Han Dynasty progressively took over leadership and also enhanced the construction of the same wall after having noted the impeccable imperatives. The wall was spread far and beyond Zhaoxinag, Gansu Province. Lovell, J. (2006). The Han Dynasty engaged in a fearful warfare with raiders for a period of 60 years, owing to the conditions of the wall that was breached by the raiders. By 130 BC, an emperor known as Wudi of the Han Dynasty resumed on a program of extending, rebuilding and fortifying the original wall concept. Lovell, J. (2006). Immediately after this changes were evident the emperor ordered for the expansion of the second great wall, outposts in Zhangye, Wuwei, Jiuquan, Dunhuang and Yumenguan in the Guansu province and Lopnor and other Xinjiang Province. The great wall was extended down the Hexi Corridor through which Silk Road traders would travel on the way to and from west. Michaud, R (2001).

No sooner than later the Han Dynasty fell apart into the three kingdoms of the Wei, Shu and Wu, the northern Wei kingdom decided to enhance maintaining the Great Wall to facilitate a defense cordon against Rouran and Oidan nomads from the northern plains. Lovell, J. (2006). Despite constant maintenance, the Rouran nomads kept breaching the wall. By 618AD the Wei kingdom fused by the Sui kingdom hence overthrowing the Tang Dynasty. Michaud, R (2001). By 1115, the founded Jin Dynasty commandeered and propelled for the construction of the Third Great Wall that incorporated ditches that ran parallel to the wall, this was precisely in the Heilongjing Province and Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. Lovell, J. (2006).

Yuan Dynasty

Despite the impressive fortifications built, the Mongols overthrew the Jin in 1276 and established the Yuan Dynasty. During the Yuan dynasties rule, the Wall fell into deep disrepair and in 1368, the Chinese Ming Dynasty walked right in and took control. Lovell, J. (2006). Years later the Ming empire re-establised the manning of the Great Wall, they made this much strategic by building garrisons and fortresses a long the wall. Lovell, J. (2006). By 1372 they put up a fort at Jiayuguan. The second Ming emperor, Yongle, turned his concentration on the outward world where he turned delegated explorers into navigating the external world. Lovell, J. (2006). The Tumu warfare against the Mongols, however rejuvenated the fortification of the wall between 1569 through to 1583, the most well known parts of the Great Wall were built, the Fourth Great Wall. This fortified wall was used to repel the Mongols myriad times. Lovell, J. (2006).

During the Qing Dynasty, that took leadership in 1644 under the leadership of emperor Manchu. This era marked the beginning of the deteriorating wall, where stones were lifted and used in some other places. Markus, F (2006). This hegemony was geared to the complete destruction of the wall. However it was until towards the end of 20 th century, in 1984 that the then President Deng Xiaoping embarked on a relentless move to protect and refurbish the project of the great wall. Lovell, J. (2006). The UNESCO declared some parts of the Great Wall in the capital city of Beijing a global Cultural heritage site. The Great Wall of China can be visited at many places along its length of several thousand kilometers. Its condition ranges from excellent to ruined and access from straightforward to quite difficult. Markus, F (2006).

If their claim holds true, the Great Wall is over 400 years older than previously thought. Before the announcement, the first official work on the wall generally was attributed to Emperor Shi Huangdi of the Qin Dynasty (221-206 B.C.). Markus, F (2006). It is evident that this longest Great Wall is visible from space, constructed entirely by hand, with most sections in bricks and stones, the great wall winds through mountainous regions and borders through the desert regions. Michaud, R (2001). The Chu kingdom that lived in 1100-223 B.C is believed to have been the founders of the great wall. During the reign of the Chu era, the Chinese were subdivided into small groups that waged wars against each other. The territorial uncertainties might have contributed towards the creation of this Great wall. Markus, F (2006).

The government has relentlessly touted proactive measures that will ensure the protection of the historical site. It has been viewed a major tourist attraction, besides beacon towers have sprung up along the Kongque River, pass through Wulei, the site of the Prefecture government of the western region during the Han Dynasty. Markus, F (2006).

Ming Dynasty

During and Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), the Great Wall was enlarged to 6,400 kilometres (4,000 miles) and renovated over a 200 year period with watch towers and cannons added. The Great Wall was key to protecting agriculture and resisting cavalry of the Uns and other warrior tribes from the north. Waldron.A. (2002). The Ming dynasty bricks were produced in Kilns set up along the wall. The Ming Dynasty revived the concept of the Great Wall in regard to Ming army’s defeat by the Oirats in the Battle of Tumu in 1449. After the Ming empire sensed their inadequacy to dominate the Mongols in warfare, they opted to adopt a fortified wall down the northern boarder. The walls however had to follow the southern edge to deviate form the fierce Mongols.

Waldron.A. (2002). The Ming embarked on a very strong construction by embedding stones and bricks. With enormous and persistent raids paused by the Mongols the Ming empire enhanced resources to maintain the refurbishing of the wall. Unlike the earlier Qin fortifications, the Ming construction was stronger and more elaborate due to the use of bricks and stone instead of rammed earth. As Mongol raids continued periodically over the years, the Ming devoted considerable resources to repair and reinforce the walls. Sections near the Ming capital of Beijing were especially strong. Accordingly, stones cut in rectangular shapes were employed for the basement, inner and outer brims, and gateways of the wall. Battlements line the uppermost portion of the vast majority of the wall, with defensive gaps a little over 30 cm (one foot) tall, and about 23 cm (9 inches) wide. Waldron.A. (2002).

The great wall incorporated rampart after ever 120 meters, this were mainly constructed to offer defense against enemies who could otherwise climb up the wall. Each rampart had a sentry structure in which the soldiers could protect the entire wall without being vulnerable to he enemies attacks. Numerous crenellations were also designed in the entire wall to allow soldiers in overlooking and shooting the enemies. Waldron.A. (2002). Since the Precambrian had no audacity to penetrating the walls; the only alternative for the enemy’s entry was to attack the city gates. This is the reason why intricate gate frameworks were constructed within the wall. In Xian, the city wall includes fours gates and they respectively named as Changle (meaning eternal joy) in the east, Anding (harmony peace) in west, Yongning (eternal peace) in the south and Anyuan (forever harmony) in the north. Thomas B. (1992).

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• Markus, F (2006). Great Wall visible in space photo. BBC News, Asia-Pacific section.
• Lovell, J. (2006). The Great Wall: China against the World. 1000 BC – 2000 AD. London: Atlantic Books; Sydney, Australia.
• Michaud, R (2001). The Great Wall of China. Abbeville Press.
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Short Essay on the Great Wall of China

The Great Wall of China is the top ten new wonders of the world 2012. Located in China it stretches from Shanhaiguan in the east, to Lop Lake in the west. The entire wall is about 21,000 km long. The main part of the wall is 2,500 miles long and stretches through all sorts of mountains. The wall is thirty feet high and twenty-five feet thick at its base.

The Huns and barbarians had no farming land and they used to entre china and killed and invade the people for food and wealth. The wall was constructed to protect China and its people from Huns and barbarians and also restrict the entry of invaders coming from the Silk Road.

“There in the mist, enormous, majestic, silent and terrible, stood the Great Wall of China. Solitarily, with the indifference of nature herself, it crept up the mountain side and slipped down to the depth of the valley.” – W. Somerset Maugham

The construction of the wall started during the Qin dynasty at 221 BC. The emperor Qin Shih Huang aimed at protecting china from invaders who regularly attacked Chinese farming villages. The Great wall surrounded the central part of China, which was the most important part of China.

It took more than hundred years in completing The Great Wall. The wall started deteriorating with the passage of time because of natural disasters, strong winds dusts and storms. It was constructed again in the 15th century by Emperor Meng Tien.

Many people died during the construction of the wall, people who constructed the wall were treated inhumanly and were not even allowed to take rest during the construction of the wall. It is said that their bodies were sealed inside the Great Wall of China.

There are many stories related to the people who constructed the wall. This is the reason Many people feels that the Great Wall of China did more harm to china than gain because the construction of this wall not only results in deaths of the people, building and it also restricted people to entre China through Silk Road. Silk Road was an important road for traveling and for trading purposes.

The Great Wall of China is an amazing work of mankind of all time.This Wall showcases Chinese expertise, their strength and hard work. It is the only man made structure visible from the outer space to the astronauts.

More than twenty dynasty of china was involved in the construction of the wall.This wall has attracted many tourists from all over the world, every year thousands of people from all age of life young and old, comes to China to see The Great Wall of China.

It is great Chinese symbol. For some it is the symbol of protection as it protected China from the nearby invaders and for some it is a symbol of ancient Chinese history.

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Summary: The Great Wall Of China

The Great Wall of China is one of the most iconic and impressive architectural feats in human history. Stretching over 13,000 miles, this ancient structure was built over several centuries to protect the Chinese Empire from invasions by various nomadic groups. The construction of the Great Wall began as early as the 7th century BC and continued through the Ming Dynasty, with various dynasties adding their own sections and fortifications.

The Great Wall of China is not a single continuous wall, but rather a series of walls, trenches, and natural barriers built to protect different regions of China. The wall was constructed using a variety of materials, including stone, brick, wood, and packed earth. Watchtowers were strategically placed along the wall to provide lookouts for approaching enemies and to signal warnings to other parts of the wall.

Despite its name, the Great Wall of China was not completely effective in preventing invasions. The wall was breached multiple times throughout history, and invaders were able to bypass it through various means. However, the Great Wall did serve as a psychological barrier, deterring many potential invaders and helping to protect the Chinese Empire for centuries.

Today, the Great Wall of China is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a popular tourist destination. Visitors from around the world come to marvel at the sheer size and scale of this ancient structure, as well as to learn about its history and significance. The Great Wall of China stands as a testament to the ingenuity and determination of the Chinese people, who were able to construct such a monumental feat of engineering without the modern technology we have today.

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Research Paper On The Great Wall China

The Great Wall of China stands as one of the most remarkable architectural feats in human history, a testament to the ingenuity, perseverance, and strategic foresight of the ancient Chinese civilization. Spanning over 13,000 miles across rugged terrain, it is a monumental symbol of defense and protection that has captured the imagination of people around the world for centuries. Constructed over several centuries, primarily during the rule of the Qin, Han, and Ming dynasties, the Great Wall served multiple purposes throughout its existence. Initially built as a means of fortification against invasions from nomadic tribes to the north, such as the Mongols and Xiongnu, it later evolved into a symbol of Chinese strength and unity. The Wall also facilitated trade and communication along the Silk Road, further solidifying its significance as a cultural and economic landmark. One of the most fascinating aspects of the Great Wall is its sheer scale and diversity. Comprising various sections built during different periods, each with its own unique architectural style and strategic considerations, it reflects the evolving military strategies and technological advancements of its time. From the rammed earth walls of the earliest dynasties to the iconic brick and stone structures of the Ming dynasty, the Great Wall showcases the engineering prowess and resourcefulness of ancient Chinese craftsmen and laborers. Despite its formidable presence, the Great Wall was not impervious to challenges and eventual decline. Over the centuries, it faced numerous invasions, rebellions, and natural disasters, leading to sections falling into disrepair or being dismantled for other construction projects. Additionally, advances in military tactics and weaponry rendered traditional fortifications less effective, further diminishing the Wall's strategic importance. Today, the Great Wall of China stands as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a symbol of China's rich cultural heritage. It attracts millions of visitors annually, drawn not only by its historical significance but also by the breathtaking views and rugged beauty of the surrounding landscape. As a testament to human ambition and endurance, the Great Wall continues to inspire awe and admiration, reminding us of the enduring legacy of ancient civilizations and the power of collective endeavor....

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The Great Wall Of China

The Great Wall of China stands as a testament to human ingenuity, endurance, and the relentless pursuit of protection and security. Stretching over 13,000 miles, this colossal architectural marvel winds through China's northern landscape, embodying centuries of history, culture, and strategic importance. Built over several dynasties, it represents a symbol of China's determination to defend its borders from external threats and safeguard its civilization. Constructed over a period of more than two millennia, the Great Wall of China is not just a physical barrier but a cultural icon that embodies the spirit of resilience and unity. Initially built as separate walls by various states during the Warring States period (475–221 BCE), it was during the Qin Dynasty (221–206 BCE) that these disparate fortifications were linked and fortified into a single unified structure by Emperor Qin Shi Huang. The wall served as a formidable defense against invading nomadic tribes from the north, such as the Mongols and the Xiongnu, safeguarding the stability and prosperity of the Chinese empire. Throughout its history, the Great Wall has undergone extensive renovations, expansions, and enhancements under different ruling dynasties, each leaving its mark on this monumental edifice. During the Ming Dynasty (1368–1644 CE), significant efforts were made to reinforce and fortify the wall, adding watchtowers, beacon towers, and defensive bastions to enhance its defensive capabilities. The Ming-era Great Wall that we see today is a testament to the engineering prowess and military foresight of that era, reflecting a harmonious blend of architectural grandeur and strategic defense. Beyond its military significance, the Great Wall of China also served as a conduit for cultural exchange, trade, and communication between different regions of China. Alongside its military functions, the wall facilitated the exchange of goods, ideas, and technologies, contributing to the flourishing of commerce and cultural diffusion across various regions. It became a symbol of China's unity and determination to protect its civilization, inspiring awe and admiration in generations to come. In conclusion, the Great Wall of China stands not only as a physical barrier but also as a symbol of China's rich history, cultural heritage, and enduring spirit. Spanning millennia, this architectural wonder embodies the perseverance and unity of the Chinese people in the face of adversity. As a testament to human ambition and engineering excellence, the Great Wall continues to inspire wonder and admiration, drawing visitors from around the world to marvel at its grandeur and significance....

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Chin Shih Huang Ti's Great Wall Chin Shih Huang Ti, also known as Qin Shi Huang, was the first emperor of a unified China, reigning from 221 BC to 210 BC. Among his many ambitious projects, one of the most enduring is the construction of the Great Wall of China. This colossal undertaking, spanning over centuries and dynasties, remains a testament to the ingenuity and determination of ancient Chinese civilization. The Great Wall of China, initiated by Chin Shih Huang Ti, was originally built as a defensive barrier against invading nomadic tribes from the north. Stretching over 13,000 miles, it was constructed using various materials, including stone, brick, tamped earth, and wood. Despite its name, the Great Wall is not a single continuous structure but rather a series of walls, fortifications, and natural barriers built and rebuilt over centuries by successive dynasties. The significance of the Great Wall of China extends beyond its military function. It served as a symbol of imperial power and prestige, asserting the authority of the ruling dynasty over its vast territory. Moreover, the wall facilitated trade, communication, and cultural exchange along the Silk Road, linking China to Central Asia and beyond. Its construction also spurred advancements in engineering, architecture, and military technology, showcasing the remarkable capabilities of ancient Chinese civilization. Despite its monumental scale and historical importance, the Great Wall of China was not impervious to challenges and criticisms. While it effectively deterred some invaders, it could not prevent all incursions, and its effectiveness waned over time. Furthermore, the construction of the wall required immense human and material resources, leading to forced labor, economic strain, and social unrest among the populace. Over the centuries, sections of the wall fell into disrepair or were dismantled, while others were rebuilt or reinforced to meet changing strategic needs. In conclusion, Chin Shih Huang Ti's Great Wall stands as a remarkable feat of ancient engineering and a symbol of China's rich cultural heritage. Its construction reflects the strategic vision and imperial ambition of the Qin Dynasty, while its legacy endures as a symbol of national unity and resilience. Despite its flaws and limitations, the Great Wall of China remains one of the most iconic and awe-inspiring landmarks in human history, attracting millions of visitors from around the world each year....

The Great Wall Of Ancient China Dbq Analysis

The Great Wall of China is one of the most iconic structures in the world, with a history that dates back over 2,000 years. Built to protect the Chinese empire from invasions by nomadic tribes, the Great Wall is a testament to the ingenuity and determination of the ancient Chinese people. In this document-based question (DBQ), we will explore the reasons for the construction of the Great Wall, the methods used to build it, and its impact on Chinese society. One of the main reasons for the construction of the Great Wall was to protect the Chinese empire from invasions by nomadic tribes such as the Mongols and the Xiongnu. These tribes were known for their fierce warriors and their ability to launch surprise attacks on Chinese settlements. By building the Great Wall, the Chinese were able to create a barrier that would make it more difficult for these tribes to invade their territory. This allowed the Chinese to focus on other aspects of their society, such as agriculture and trade, without constantly living in fear of attack. The construction of the Great Wall was a massive undertaking that required the labor of millions of workers over several centuries. The wall was built using a variety of materials, including stone, brick, and wood. It was also equipped with watchtowers, barracks, and other defensive structures to help protect against enemy incursions. The sheer size and scale of the Great Wall are a testament to the engineering prowess of the ancient Chinese people, who were able to create a structure that stretched for thousands of miles across rugged terrain. In conclusion, the Great Wall of Ancient China was a monumental achievement that helped to protect the Chinese empire from external threats and secure its borders. The construction of the wall was a massive undertaking that required the labor of millions of workers over several centuries. Despite its eventual decline and partial destruction, the Great Wall remains a symbol of the ingenuity and determination of the ancient Chinese people. Its impact on Chinese society cannot be overstated, as it helped to shape the course of Chinese history for centuries to come....

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What Are The Benefits Of Building The Great Wall Of China

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The Great Wall of China, Essay Example

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Japanese Art Ukiyo-E

The ukiyo-e was acknowledged as an artistic style that depicted paintings of the floating world. The ukiyo-e was a style of Japanese art that applied thick wooden blocks in order to demonstrate entertainment, historical occurrences and landscapes. The artwork was in favor in Edo during the eighteenth and nineteenth century. Utagawa Hiroshige had been a Japanese artist who specialized in ukiyo-e art. He lived from 1797 – 1858. Hiroshige had been one of the last artists that was able to perpetuate the tradition of Japanese block art. In the Edo era there had been a significant interest in traveling to other lands (Hiroshige 7; Forrer 21).

The concepts of foreign lands enabled Hiroshige to become inspired with his art. The details of Tokyo are still applied in the Japanese block art due to the premise that not much of the landscapes have been modified since the Hiroshige block wood drawings. Artists who included Ivan Bilibin of Russia and Vincent van Gogh were inspired by Hiroshige’s depictions on the block forms. One of the most well-known works that had been created by Hiroshige is the One Hundred different Views of Edo. The depictions of the entertainment rooms were interesting due to the extensive attention to detail that is emphasized in his art. Hiroshige detailed the social distinctions between Japanese women in his block wood art. The geisha were attired in a certain manner and the regular ladies and housewives would be attired in other attire. All of Hiroshige’s art depict peace without aggression (Hiroshige 9; Forrer 25).

Hiroshige demonstrated his ability to paint impressionist paintings with his paintings that depicted thirty six different angles of Mount Fuji. The colors that had been applied by Hiroshige were more vivid than the colors that were applied in art in Europe (Hiroshige 11; Forrer 31). Hiroshige was a master of demonstrating the distinctions of social class in Japan. This is evident in his art work. Hiroshige went to substantial detail in order to ensure that the Geisha engaged in all types of pleasuring activities as a form of making a living and maintaining their social status in Japanese society. Hiroshige went to such detail that he would demonstrated the blush in the facial expression of the Geisha when they were resting or entertaining in one of the entertainment rooms (Hiroshige 7; Forrer 21).

Hiroshige differentiated the women who were geisha from the women who were not geisha by the attire. The women who were mothers and housewives are depicted as having their bow on the back of their dress. The women who are purported to be geisha would have the bow fastened to the front of their dress. In addition, he would show the women who were geisha with more subtle distinctions. These distinctions would include having the robe open slightly. This would infer that the women were engaged in a pleasuring activity. The robe would not be demonstrated wide open, the robe would be opened slightly and flushed with colors of red in order to create an image in the observers’ imagination. Hiroshige demonstrated that the people who were in the privileged classes always dressed with an extensive amount of clothing. The women who were peasants and farmers would attire themselves in less clothing that would have less emphasis on the brightness of the colors.  Hiroshige helped to perpetuate the legacy of Japanese block art (Hiroshige 12; Forrer 26).

Great Wall of China

The architectural wonder that will be explored is the Great Wall of China. The Great Wall of China is acknowledged as the Long wall of the ten thousand li. It is one of the defensive fortifications that was constructed in order to defend the middle kingdom of China from the barbarians.

The Great Wall of China was initiated during the Chunqiu period that ranged from 722 – 441 B.C.E. A substantial amount of the Great wall was constructed during the period of the Warring States (453- 221 B.C.E.)(Du Temple 16; O’ Neill 55).

These eras required the building of the Great Wall due to the attribute of being period of extensive struggle between seven Chinese dynasties for the Control of the middle kingdom China. The building of some of the walls can be attributed to the conflicts that were had with the feudal lords. The section of the Great Wall that was constructed in 408 B.C. E. in order to provide defense to the Wei from the Qin. Many of the vestiges which were preserved in central China were built many years before the Great wall. The Yan and the Zhao constructed the Great Wall against the barbarians in the years 300 B.C. E. eighty years later, Qin Shi Huang, the patriarch of the Empire that would endure for ten thousand generations, committed to the endeavor of restoring and creating the connection of the divided sections of the Great Wall which had been constructed in 300 B. C. E (Du Temple 17; O’ Neill 17).

Qin Shi Huang also connected the other parts of the wall that extended from the Lanzhou to the valley of Huanghe. The Great Wall of China was the primary fortification that had been built during that era.  In the reign of the Han dynasty, the Great Wall of China was extended from 3700 miles from the Bohai Sea to Dunhuang. The assault by the Turks, Mongols and Tunguz caused the Great Wall of China to be a necessity in addition to a thing of architectural splendor (Du Temple 18; O’ Neill 44).

Subsequent to the collapse of the Han dynasty, the Great Wall of China entered into a medieval phase. The endeavors of maintenance and construction were stopped and were only performed occasionally. The great wall had a garrison of one hundred and eighty thousand Chinese troops that were stationed on the command depots along the Gansu. Additional work was performed on the Great Wall during the fifth to seventh century A.D. In that era, China had developed such a military force that there had been no longer a need to construct defensive fortifications Du (Temple 16; O’ Neill 55).

This perception continued for almost one thousand years. When the Ming emperors ascended to power and required expelling the Mongols in the era that spanned between (1368 -1644 A.D) the long lost tradition that had been initiated by Qin Shi Huang was reinitiated. In the era of the Ming dynasty, more than three thousand five hundred miles of reinforced walls were built. The stones that were used were extremely fitted. The Great Wall become guarded by twenty five thousand deports and 15, 000 military outposts. The roads that were atop the Great Wall of China caused the movement of troops to be extremely efficient or during the times of peace, the Great wall facilitated the transmission of communication. The Great Wall of China is the only architectural wonder of the world that can be clearly identified from space (Turnbull 5).

Works Cited

Du Temple, Lesley. The Great Wall of China . Minneapolis, MN: Lerner Publishing Company, 2002. Print.

Hiroshige, And? & Chris Uhlenbeck. Hiroshige: Shaping the image of Japan . Leiden, Netherlands: Hotei Publishing, 2008. Print.

Forrer, Mathi. Hiroshige: prints and drawings . Leiden, Netherlands: Prestel, 2011. Print

O’ Neill, Joseph R. The Great Wall of China . Edina, MN: ABDO Publishing Company, 2009. Print.

Turnbull, Stephen. The Great Wall of China 221 BC – AD 1644 . New York, NY: Osprey Publishing Ltd., 2007. Print.

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China’s Great Wall has over 4,000 miles of historic sections to explore.

Discover China's History Along the Great Wall

One of the world's greatest feats of engineering reveals the ingenuity of the ancients.

" The Great Wall impresses everyone who sees it for the first time, from children to adults, from the general tourists to scholars,” says Henry Ng, the manager of the World Monuments Fund’s China projects. “The vastness of the structure helps children grasp the great achievements in human history—from the Great Wall to the great pyramids—and can help inspire them to learn more about human achievements over the millennia.”

Constructed over a period of 2,000 years, the stone sentry actually consists of many great walls, some dating back to the fifth century B.C. The first emperor of China , Qin Shi Huang, ordered these earlier long wall sections linked and extended with watchtowers to protect the new empire from marauding northern tribes. Succeeding emperors and dynasties continued the construction, spreading westward into the Gobi desert to guard the Silk Road . All together, the walls may have stretched more than 30,000 miles.

“Because the walls were defensive structures, you can learn about building and engineering skills throughout ancient China as well as its military history and strategies,” Ng says.

“The wall raised my daughter’s awareness of China’s long history,” says Beijing resident Pan Ningxin, who took her daughter Mengmeng, eight, to the wall at Badaling. “We talked about the function of the Great Wall when it was built, so she got some idea of the wars between nations and how dynasties change.”

Early sections of the wall were built from layers of rammed earth and local materials—red palm fronds in the Gobi desert, wild poplar trunks in the Tarim Basin, reeds in Gansu. Many of these sections have eroded over the centuries; the Great Legacy of an Ancient Time Wall as we know it largely dates from the Ming dynasty from the 14th to the 17th centuries. The Ming wall stretches nearly 4,500 miles from Shanhaiguan Pass on the Bohai Sea to Jiayuguan Pass in the Gobi.

People of the Ming dynasty layered stone and brick over packed earth, building walls 20 feet wide at the base and nearly 30 feet high that twist along the steep mountain ridges north of Beijing . Surrounded by misty green hills with watchtowers that disappear into low-hanging clouds, the wall is a place for reflection—the sense of history and the craftsmanship required to build it permeate the ancient stones.

“We wonder about the builders, the soldiers who were stationed at some of these lonely outposts, the nearby villagers who may or may not have appreciated the garrisons near them,” says Jennifer Ambrose, who lives with her family north of Beijing and visits the Great Wall several times a month. “We explore around the wall, surprised to find remains of older walls that predate the Ming by centuries.”

Forced laborers used pulleys to haul stone slabs nearly seven feet long and weighing a ton up the steep mountainsides. Some 10,000 watchtowers and beacon towers are located every 200 to 300 yards for quick communication. While drums were the main form of communication before 200 b.c., soldiers later used fire and smoke signals to broadcast the size of an enemy force. Each tower along the wall had a ready supply of burnable materials should the need arise. During the Ming dynasty the sounds of cannon warned of approaching danger.

Children will delight in wandering the ramparts, lined with battlements and parapets and wide enough for five horses to ride abreast. “We encourage our seven-year-old son, Myles, to explore the construction as much as he can,” Ambrose says.

“To look for signs of pieces that are missing, like bars on the windows, or to try to figure out from which direction invaders were expected to come based on the slots through which archers shot. Often a visit will leave us with more questions that we try to research afterward, like, Why was the Ming wall built in this direction when an earlier wall, still visible, was built so many meters in another direction?”

With more than 4,000 miles to explore, there are hundreds of places where you can visit the wall. Sites near Beijing offer the easiest access. Skip the crowds at Badaling, and head for Jinshanling, two hours northeast of the capital, which offers stunning views and invigorating hikes. Children will love seeing the lights that illuminate a 1.8-mile section at night. An alternative: At Huanghuacheng, about an hour and a half north of Beijing, the wall skirts Jintang Lake and the crescent-shaped Huanghuacheng Reservoir. In summer, the mountain slopes are covered with huanghua (yellow wildflowers) that gave the town its name. “We most frequently go to the Huanghuacheng area because there are several access points, all rather close together, but different enough to be interesting,” Ambrose says. If you can, visit the Great Wall when it’s blanketed with snow. “The snow enhances the crenellations, making the wall look more castlelike than normal,” Ambrose says. “My son’s imagination really gets going—when we go to Juyongguan in the snow, he pretends he’s in a battle, stuffing snow into the cannon and throwing snowballs over the edge at imaginary foes.”

For a quieter, less developed area ideal for young children, visit Mutianyu, a village just over an hour north of Beijing that dates from the 16th century. “This area is forested with crown pines and also full of fruit trees on the hills and in orchards—chestnut, apple, pear, and apricot,” says Jim Spear, who has lived in Mutianyu for 17 years and runs The Schoolhouse lodgings. “My kids roamed all over the local mountains, climbed trees, picked wildflowers, and gathered wild edibles with guidance from our neighbors. This is exactly what the local kids do when they’re not busy with their studies and on vacations.”

Enclosed cable cars can transport you straight from the valley to the top of the wall. “But many of our visitors like to get off the beaten track and take walks with their kids to nearby unrestored sections of the Great Wall—what we call the ‘wild wall,’ ” Spear says. “The wild sections there are overgrown and crumbling and the ruins give one a sense of how ancient and great this civilization is.”

Know Before You Go

Insider Tip : The Great Wall was designed for protection, but don’t forget the forts that were another part of China’s defenses. The 16th-century Yaoziyu Fort, for example, is the best preserved of Huanghuacheng’s six forts. Changyucheng Village was founded 500 years ago to guard one of the wall’s most important passes.

Books for Kids :

The Seven Chinese Brothers by Margaret Mahy; illustrated by Mou-Sien Tseng (1992): This beautifully illustrated book tells the old Chinese folktale of seven brothers with extraordinary abilities, who band together and use their powers to challenge the emperor’s mistreatment of his workers on the Great Wall.

Books for Parents :

The Great Wall: From Beginning to End by William Lindesay and Michael Yamashita (2007): The story of Lindesay’s hike along the entire Ming wall, from the Yellow Sea to the desert foothills of the Qilian Mountains, is accompanied by Michael Yamashita’s photos.

• Nat Geo Expeditions

Voices of the Pipa by Jiang Ting (2003): The elegant Chinese pipa , somewhat similar to a banjo, dates back 2,000 years in China’s history. Ting has played the pipa since childhood and won first prize in China’s national pipa competition in 1996. Here, on this album, she plays ancient and modern Chinese compositions, plus her own melodies.

Helpful Links :

Great Wall Website : This collection of essays lays out the history of the many long walls that comprise the Great Wall, analyzes the popular folktale of Meng Jiangnu, and answers commonly asked questions about the wall (such as, Is it visible from the moon? No.). Be sure to check out the Travel Guide section, which details the various sites and best times to visit the wall.

Beijing Kids : This is an essential resource for families visiting Beijing. Produced by local expat families, the website provides a directory of hotels, restaurants, and educational centers in the city; tips on family-friendly events and activities in the area; and readers’ personal experiences traveling to various Great Wall sites.

“The Great Wall of China,” In Our Time : BBC radio host Melvyn Bragg discusses the Great Wall of China with Chinese historians in this episode of In Our Time . The scholars vividly describe the differences among the many sections of the Great Wall and talk in depth about its origins.

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