Great Wall of China
The Great Wall of China is a series of fortifications that were built across the historical northern borders of ancient Chinese states and Imperial China. The history of this giant historic site dated way back from as early as the 5th century BC, with selective stretches later joined by Qin Shi Huang (220–206 BC), the first emperor of China. Later on, many successive dynasties built and maintained multiple stretches of border walls. Nowadays, the 2 most famous parts of the Great Wall are Han Great Wall and Ming Great Wall, especially the Ming Great Wall that was believed to be built from 1368 to 1644.
Today, the defensive system of the Great Wall is generally recognized as one of the most impressive architectural feats in history. The frontier walls built by different dynasties stretch from Liaodong in the east to Lop Lake in the west, from the present-day Sino–Russian border in the north to Tao River in the south; along an arc that roughly delineates the edge of the Mongolian steppe; spanning 21,196.18 km (13,170.70 mi) in total. Furthermore, the defensive characteristics of the Great Wall were enhanced by the construction of watchtowers, troop barracks, garrison stations, signaling capabilities through the means of smoke or fire, etc. Therefore, the Great Wall of China worked perfectly as a defensive border control.
Moreover, another purpose of the Great Wall was to allow the imposition of duties on goods transported along the Silk Road, regulation, or encouragement of trade. And today, when China opened its borders to foreign merchants and visitors, the Great Wall became a main attraction for tourists from all over the world, giving this wonder a new purpose.
One of the most well-known things that people have been talking about the Great Wall forever, is that the Great Wall can be seen (with the naked eye) from space. This "myth" first appeared in a letter written in 1754 by the English antiquary William Stukeley. The claim was also mentioned by Henry Norman in 1895 where he states "besides its age, it enjoys the reputation of being the only work of human hands on the globe visible from the Moon." However, this is a false fact, since it is proven by astronauts that The Great Wall of China cannot be seen from the Moon. Even though the myth is thoroughly debunked, it is still ingrained in popular culture.
Official name: "The 10,000-li Long Wall" (万里长城)
Situated in: China
Built in: Around the 5th - 8th century BC
Built by: Mostly Qin Dynasty, Ming dynasty
Designated by UNESCO: 1987
