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The Great Wall of China is an ancient series of fortifications built to protect the borders of China from invasions, constructed over several centuries and considered one of the greatest architectural achievements in history. ## Overview The Great Wall of China is a series of fortifications built to protect the borders of China from invasions, constructed over several centuries. Stretching over 13,000 miles (21,000 km), it is one of the longest structures ever built, winding its way across mountains, valleys, and deserts. The wall is not only a testament to the engineering prowess of the ancient Chinese but also a symbol of their rich history and culture. The wall's construction began as early as the 7th century BC, with successive dynasties contributing to its growth and development. The Great Wall is often referred to as the "Long Wall" or "Changcheng" in Chinese. It was built to serve as a barrier against invading armies, particularly the Mongols and the Manchu, who threatened China's borders. The wall's design and construction varied over time, with different dynasties adding their own unique features and architectural styles. The wall's most famous sections, such as the Badaling and Mutianyu sections, were built during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). ## History/Background The Great Wall's construction began during the Chu State period (1046-221 BC), when small fortifications were built to protect against nomadic tribes. However, it was during the Qin Dynasty (221-206 BC) that the wall's construction began in earnest, with the famous Emperor Qin Shi Huang ordering the construction of a long wall to protect his empire from invading armies. The wall was built using local materials, such as stone, brick, and rammed earth, with watchtowers and beacon towers added to facilitate communication and defense. The Han Dynasty (206 BC-220 AD) saw significant expansion of the wall, with the construction of new sections and the repair of existing ones. The Sui Dynasty (581-618 AD) and the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) also contributed to the wall's growth, with the latter building some of the most famous sections, including the Badaling and Mutianyu sections. The wall's construction continued until the 16th century, when the Ming Dynasty completed the final sections. ## Key Information * **Length**: The Great Wall of China stretches over 13,000 miles (21,000 km). * **Height**: The wall's average height is 20-30 feet (6-9 meters), with some sections reaching as high as 40 feet (12 meters). * **Materials**: The wall was built using local materials, such as stone, brick, and rammed earth. * **Watchtowers**: There are over 2,000 watchtowers along the wall, with some sections having as many as 10 towers per mile. * **Beacon towers**: The wall has over 2,000 beacon towers, which were used to send signals to alert guards of potential invasions. * **Construction**: The wall was built by over 1 million workers, who toiled for centuries to complete the structure. * **Cost**: The cost of building the Great Wall of China is estimated to be over 100 billion yuan (approximately $15 billion USD). ## Significance The Great Wall of China is not only an engineering marvel but also a cultural and historical icon. It has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987 and is considered one of the greatest architectural achievements in history. The wall has also become a symbol of Chinese culture and identity, with its image appearing on coins, stamps, and other national symbols. INFOBOX: - **Name**: The Great Wall of China - **Type**: Ancient series of fortifications - **Date**: 7th century BC-16th century AD - **Location**: Northern China - **Known For**: One of the greatest architectural achievements in history, longest structure ever built TAGS: **Great Wall of China**, **Ancient China**, **History**, **Architecture**, **Engineering**, **UNESCO World Heritage Site**, **Cultural Icon**, **Symbol of China**, **Fortifications**, **Watchtowers**, **Beacon towers**