Great Wall of China Facts

Why was the Great Wall of China built?

The Great Wall of China was designed to serve the most basic purpose of the ancient Chinese rulers: keep the good guys in and the bad guys out!

How long is the Great Wall of China?

The Great Wall of China stretches across mountains, deserts and grasslands, reaching up to a length of more than 6,000 kilometers.

Great Wall of China history

That the Great Wall is one continuous wall built all at once, is a myth. In reality, the wall is a series of small wall segments built by various dynasties to protect China’s northern boundary.

When was the Great Wall of China built?

The first sections of the wall were built as early as 600 B.C.

Who built the Great Wall of China?

It is said that the construction of this wall was initiated by Qin Shi Huang of the Qin dynasty. Over a period of time, various Chinese emperors connected them together to keep Huns, Mongols and other invading tribes out.

The Great Wall of China was finally completed during the Ming dynasty’s rule in the 17th century.

This majestic wall is made of simple construction material like dirt, mud, stone and brick. It is about 25 feet tall and 30 feet wide, enough for two cars to drive on simultaneously!  The highest point of the Great Wall is in Beijing at Heita Mountain (5,033 feet).

At times, up to a million Chinese soldiers guarded the wall. The last battle fought at the Great Wall was the one between the Republic of China and the Empire of Japan in the year 1938. You can still see the bullets embedded in the Gubeikou section of this imperial wall!

Almost half of the wall has disappeared completely, and just about 30% remains in good condition.

Contrary to common belief, the Great Wall of China from space, cannot be seen with an unaided eye.

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