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How big is the Great Wall of China?

The Great Wall of China is 2,900 kilometres

Introduction

Have you ever wondered how long the Great Wall of China actually is? Imagine a wall so long that it could wrap around the Earth’s equator, not once, but twice! That’s how grand and majestic the Great Wall of China is. A monument of great historical significance, the Great Wall is a testament to the sheer determination and architectural brilliance of ancient China.

Size of the Great Wall of China

The Great Wall of China, known as “ten thousand li long wall” in traditional Chinese, boasts a mind-boggling length of around 13,170.70 miles (or 21,196.18 kilometers). To put this into perspective:

  • It’s nearly half the length of the equator, which measures approximately 24,901 miles (40,075 kilometers). - It’s about the same distance as a round trip from New York to Sydney, Australia. - If you walked for 8 hours a day at an average pace, it would take you more than 2 years to traverse the entire length of the wall!

The Making of the Great Wall

The wall is not a single, continuous structure, but a series of fortifications and walls built over several centuries, starting as early as the 7th century BC. The first emperor of China, Qin Shi Huang, linked these walls in the period 220–206 BC, but little of his wall remains today. Several other dynasties, most notably the Ming dynasty (1368–1644), built and maintained different parts of the wall.

More Than Just a Wall

While the Great Wall of China’s primary purpose was defense against nomadic groups from the Eurasian Steppe, it served various other functions. These include:

  • Border control: The wall helped in imposing duties on goods transported along the Silk Road. - Regulation of trade: The wall served as a control point for trade activities. - Immigration and emigration control: The wall was used to monitor and control the movement of people in and out of the empire. - Communication: Watchtowers and signaling capabilities using smoke or fire were built along the wall, making it an effective communication system. In addition, the path of the Great Wall also served as a vital transportation corridor, enhancing its value beyond just a defensive structure.

Recognition and Significance

Today, the Great Wall of China is recognized as one of the most impressive architectural feats in history. It’s a testament to the ingenuity and determination of the Chinese people in ancient times. The wall attracts millions of tourists every year, who marvel at its grandeur and the stunning panoramic views it offers of the surrounding landscape. The Great Wall of China, with its immense size and historical significance, continues to stand as a symbol of China’s rich cultural heritage and its ancient prowess in architecture and defense.

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