The Great Wall of China and How It Came to Be?

Discover the story behind the Great Wall of China and know the secrets of its construction: Why was it made? How long did it take? Was it worth it?

Photo by Diana @Pexel

The Great Wall of China is a complex network of walls and fortifications, each with its own story. Built over two millennia ago, this colossal architectural marvel continues to be hailed as one of the greatest man-made wonders on Earth. But what is the history behind this incredible structure? Why was it built? And how long does it stretch?

The story of the Great Wall begins in the seventh century BCE, when the Chinese were already skilled in the art of wall-building. Various states such as Qin, Wei, Zhao, Qi, Han, Yan, and Zhongshan constructed sturdy walls to safeguard their territories. These early walls were made of stone or stamped earth and were designed to withstand attacks from swords and spears.

However, it was Emperor Qin Shi Huang, the first emperor of China, who left an indelible mark on the history of the Great Wall. In his quest to unify the empire and protect it from northern invaders, Emperor Qin ordered the destruction of the existing walls and the construction of new ones. These walls would connect the remaining fortifications along China's northern frontier. The emperor believed in a ‘build and move on’ philosophy, emphasizing that the wall was not a fixed border but a dynamic defense system.

Constructing the Great Wall was an arduous task, requiring the transportation of vast quantities of materials across challenging landscapes. Local resources were used whenever possible, with stones from mountains used in hilly regions and rammed earth employed in the plains. The exact length and course of the Qin walls have been lost to time, but their impact on history and the human cost of their construction, with estimates of hundreds of thousands of workers perishing, remain significant.

Subsequent dynasties, including the Han, the Northern dynasties, and Sui, recognized the importance of the Great Wall and undertook extensive repairs, expansions, and reconstructions to defend against the relentless northern invaders. However, the Tang and Song dynasties paid little attention to the wall, and it fell into disrepair during their reigns.

The Ming dynasty, rising to power in the 14th century, breathed new life into the Great Wall. After facing defeats at the hands of the Mongol tribes, the Ming developed a strategy to keep the nomads at bay. They constructed stronger and more elaborate walls, using bricks and stones instead of rammed earth. Up to 25,000 watchtowers were erected along the wall, serving as lookout points and symbols of the Ming's determination to defend their empire.

The Ming dynasty poured significant resources into repairing and reinforcing the walls, especially in areas near their capital, Beijing. General Qi Jiguang took on the task of further fortifying the wall, adding bricks to sections of the rammed-earth structure, and constructing 1,200 watchtowers as an early warning system against Mongol raiders.

During this time, the Ming also built another defensive wall called the Liaodong Wall in the northeast, protecting the agricultural heartland of the Liaodong province. While less elaborate than the Great Wall, it served a similar purpose in guarding against potential invasions.

As time went on, the Great Wall became a symbol of resistance against the Manchu invaders. In 1644, the gates at Shanhai Pass, one of the strongest sections of the wall near Beijing, were opened by the commanding Ming general, Wu Sangui. He formed an alliance with the Manchus, hoping to use them to expel rebels from Beijing. However, the Manchus swiftly seized control of the capital, marking the end of the Ming dynasty and the beginning of the Qing dynasty. The Qing dynasty focused more on diplomacy and alliances with the Mongols, establishing control over the vast territories north of the Great Wall.

As the centuries passed, the significance of the Great Wall transformed. Foreign accounts and tales of this magnificent structure began circulating in Europe, capturing the imaginations of travelers and adventurers. Romanticized descriptions and exaggerated stories further fueled the fascination with this awe-inspiring defense system.

When China opened its borders to foreign merchants and visitors in the 19th century, the Great Wall became a popular destination. Visitors marveled at the engineering marvels and historical significance, walking along the ancient stones, and picturing the battles fought and lives lived within the wall's formidable embrace.

Today, the Great Wall stretches from Shanhaiguan in the east to Jiayuguan in the northwest and defends China's northernmost border. It crosses fifteen provinces and has a reported length of approximately 13,170 miles when all sections are considered. The mainline length, excluding branches and spurs, is about 2,150 miles, making it the longest wall in the world. The wall's height varies between 15 and 39 feet, and it can be up to 32 feet thick.

The Great Wall of China attracts over 10 million visitors annually, with the Badaling section being the most popular. The best times to visit are early May or October, although these periods can be crowded due to major holidays. Winter offers fewer tourists but colder weather. Visitors can plan a day trip from Beijing, where they can explore the wall for two to three hours. Transportation options include buses, trains, or hiring a car with a guide for a more convenient experience.

Although erosion and human interference have caused significant damage to the Great Wall over time, efforts have been made to protect and preserve it. Travelers should be aware of the laws prohibiting the removal of bricks or sections of the wall and avoid paying locals for access to unregulated parts.

When visiting the Great Wall of China, there are several important things that tourists should know to enhance their experience. First, it's crucial to understand that the Great Wall is a vast structure with multiple sections and fortifications. The most popular sections for visitors are Badaling, Mutianyu, Simatai, and Jinshanling, each offering different experiences and accessibility levels. It is advisable to research and choose the section that best suits your preferences and physical abilities.

Secondly, timing is important. The Great Wall attracts a large number of tourists, especially during peak seasons like early May and October. To avoid crowds, consider visiting during less popular times or opting for late afternoon visits when the crowds start to dissipate. Additionally, the weather should be taken into account. Autumn, with its comfortable temperatures and colorful foliage, is often considered an ideal time to visit.

Transportation to the Great Wall from Beijing can be a bit challenging, especially if you're traveling independently. Public transportation options involve taking buses and transfers while hiring a car and a guide can offer convenience and flexibility. Several tour groups and agencies provide organized trips to the Great Wall, offering various itineraries and activities tailored to different interests.

Finally, it is important to respect and protect the Great Wall. The structure has faced erosion and destruction over the years, and there are laws in place to protect it. Visitors should refrain from taking bricks or damaging the wall, as well as avoid accessing unregulated sections through unauthorized means. It is crucial to be mindful of the cultural and historical significance of the Great Wall and contribute to its preservation.

The Great Wall of China is a testament to human determination and protection. Over centuries, it served as a guardian, defending China from invasions and symbolizing strength and unity. Constructed by countless laborers and craftsmen, it played a vital role in preserving China's cultural heritage. Today, it continues to captivate visitors worldwide, showcasing the resilience and creativity of ancient civilizations. The Great Wall embodies the spirit of a nation and stands as a lasting symbol of China's past and present. And oh, as a parting note, contrary to popular belief, the Great Wall is not visible from space.