Construction of the
Great Wall lasted for more than 2,000 years, from the state
of Chu in the seventh century B.C. to the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644)
and it ran through more than 20 feudal kingdoms and states ruled
by dukes or princes. During the Qin, Han and Ming dynasties
there was considerable construction with more than 5,000 kilometers
built. If all the sections built in various historical periods
were put together the Great Wall would be more than
50,000 kilometers long.If building
a wall, which is one meter thick and five meters high with the
earth and stones of the Great Wall, the wall can circle the
earth. The Great Wall was listed as a world cultural heritage
site in 1987.
Much of the Great Wall is like a high city wall stretching thousands
of kilometers following and crossing the highest mountain peaks.
Along its length there are some 100 passes and tens of thousands
of watch and beacon towers. These structures and the undulating
topography that the wall traverses add to its wonder. The section
in Beijing's Badaling is strong and intact and is a good place
to enjoy, there are also interesting sections in Jinshanling,
Mutianyu, Simatai and Gubeikou. Other well known and popular
spots along the wall are the Huangya Pass in Tianjin, Shanhai
Pass in Heibei Province and Jiayu Pass in Gansu Province. The
Great Wall is a bridge that links the Chinese people with people
from other countries and regions.
