The great wall of china is one of the sights of Seven Wonders of the World. It is the longest wall of the world which completed between the 15th and 17th centuries.
Many dynasty of china built this wall in small-small portion and connected later in modern times. This is the most longest construction project of the history.
So, let’s find out more information about this amazing structure in this blog.
In this blog, You will find out –
- General introduction of the Great Wall of China
- The basic concept of the structure
- Structural specification
- Materialistic specification
- Services of Great wall china
- Awards & Records
- Visiting the Great wall of china
- Conclusion
- FAQ
General Introduction of the Great Wall of China
This wall is one of the largest constructed projects ever built in history. Several emperors built this combination of many fortification systems to protect the chines border from various nomadic groups.
Most of the portion of wall located in the northern part of China but few portion in southern china which is known as the southern great wall. So, the 15 regions of the northern part are Beijing, Mongolia, Heilongjiang, Jilin, Liaoning, Tianjin, Xinjiang, Qinghai, Ningxia, Gansu, Shaanxi, Henan, Shandong, Hebei, and Shanxi.
As per an archaeological survey, the total length of the wall is 21,196 km which includes all of its branches. The average height of the wall is about 6-7 m and it has a maximum height of 14 m. The average width of the wall is 6.5 m.
Basic Concept of the Structure
The main purpose behind the construction of the wall is to keep out northern invaders. Although, many emperors built the smaller walls in the past. But, the major portion of the wall built by the first emperor of China Qin Shi Huang to protect his northern border.
He ordered to build a single strong wall with many towers where shoulders could guard the empire.
Apart from securities, these are the main another purpose of this great wall
- To Control the border limit.
- Impose duties on goods transporting through Silk Road
- make regulation on trade.
- Serve a transportation corridor.
Structural Specification
The Great Wall of China was not just a wall. It was a combination of a military defense system for surveillance with watchtowers and a beacon tower for communication.
All the chines workers built this wall with the wisdom, sweat, blood and dedication. With that many workers have died during its construction.
The Wall
With the loopholes and crenels the wall was of 1.8 m high and the parapet wall was of 1.2 high.
Flanking towers
There was a Flanking tower at every 500-meter distance which helps the shoulders to attack attackers.
Fortress
There were forts at the important access points with many arches, windows and gates. It is the strongest structure on the wall. Shanhai Pass Fortress, Juyong Pass Fortress, and Jiayu Pass Fortress are the best examples of the fortress.
The wall was constructed at all kinds of terrain also at mountains. The highest point of the wall is 5000 feet above sea level. Furthermore, In the Dynasty of Ming (1368-1644) to increase it’s strength, it was reconstructed with better construction techniques,
Materialistic Specification
Around 100 million tonnes of bricks, stones, and soil were used for the construction of this huge structure that was transported by soldiers, farmers and animals using basic equipment like rope, wood, and basket.
The wall sections in the wall made of different materials –
Stone Wall Section
In mountain areas the wall section built with the stones of the mountain. At the outer layer the wall built with the stone block and inner side with the uncut stones.
Soil Wall section
On the plain area, the wall was made by ramming it into layers with the use of local soil. Amazingly, these soil sections remain after 2000 years.
Sand Wall section
The wall was built with the use of reeds and willow sand in many areas. As the Gate Pass Wall (Yumenguan) was built of sand with reed with a 20 cm layer
Brick Wall Section
In the Ming Dynasty, The wall was built with bricks and the lime mortar is used for the binding material. Due to the erosion, about 2000 Km or 30 percent of the wall has been destroyed.
Although, Chines Government has taken measures to protect it like passed law to protect walls and raising funds for maintenance and restoration.
Services of the Great Wall of China
The Great Wall of China using for the many purposes like
Delivering the battle signal
At the Great wall, Shoulders were stationed in beacon towers, to look at the enemy position. Through the beacon tower, it was easy to transfer signals to other towers.
Providing Daily Supplies
The great wall was design in such a way that supplies of foods, weapons and basic needs can easily supply to the shoulders.
Boosting Economy
On the southern side of wall agricultural works happened mostly while on the northern side of wall animal products produced. Exchanging between these through great wall helps to boost the economy.
Protecting Silk Road
Silk Road was developed with the Great Wall, during the Han Dynasty (202 BC-220 AD). This action protects the Silk Road safety and economic exchange between China and other countries.
At present
Today, The Great Wall of China is a major tourist attraction in China and thousands of visitors comes to visit this amazing structure.
The myth about the Great Wall of China
It is said that this is the only structure on the earth which is visible from moon, but it is only an implausible myth. The truth is that it is only visible from the Low Earth Orbit under a nearly perfect condition which is claims by NASA.
Awards and Records
The Great Wall of China is the longest wall of the world. Therefore, It is list in the “seven wonders of the world”.
Vising The Great wall of China
After getting so much information about this amazing structure, everyone wants to get a tour of this. So, if you plan a trip to China, your trip is not complete without visiting this Wall.
Best time to visit
The best time to visit The Great wall of china is
- April-May: In this time of period mountains is cool and green plants and flowers make this wall beautiful.
- September-November: It is the best time for hiking due to the clear weather which allows you to see the wall from a far distance.
Selection of best section to visit
The Great Wall of China is very long. So, it is impossible to visit the whole wall at one time. That’s why before visiting you should decide the best section for you to visit.
Way to reach at Great Wall of China
The only way to reach at The Great Wall of China is to take the private vehicle as per your requirement because no tour buses take you to here.
Hiking tour
If you want to experience the hiking tour of The Great Wall of China Jiangsu is the best option for you. This section of the wall is having broken stairs and wild great which make this section more adventures.
Conclusion
In nutshell, we can say that The Great Wall of China is one of the marvels structure in the history of civil engineering. Therefore, It is list in the seven wonders of the world.
It was not a outcome of any one king but it is the efforts of the many dynasty to save their country from others and now it become symbol of the whole country.
Also read – Great Pyramid of Giza- World’s Most Mysterious Structure
The Colosseum- Most Famous Amphitheatre of the Roam
Frequently Asked Questions
It was completed between the 15th and 17th centuries.
It was built by many dynasty but the major portion of the wall built by the first emperor of china Qin Shi Huang.
Apart from securities, these are the main another purpose to built the wall to
Control the border limit.
Impose duties on goods transporting through Silk Road.
Make regulation on trade.
Serve a transportation corridor.
Yes, it exits but due to the erosion and human damage about 30 percentage of the wall was destroyed.
It is said that this is the only structure on the earth that is visible from the moon but it is only an implausible myth. The truth is that it is only visible from the Low Earth Orbit under a nearly perfect condition which is claims by NASA.
It is mainly located in the northern part of China and few parts in southern china which is known as the southern great wall. The 15 regions of the northern part are Beijing, Mongolia, Heilongjiang, Jilin, Liaoning, Tianjin, Xinjiang, Qinghai, Ningxia, Gansu, Shaanxi, Henan, Shandong, Hebei, and Shanxi.
As per an archaeological survey the total length of the wall is 21,196 km which
includes all of its branches.
Civil Engineer | Building Planner | Content Writer | Freelancer
Hello there,
I am Passionate of planning and designing of buildings. Skilled in AutoCAD, Revit, 3d Max and Etabs.
With that I also like to writing blogs and content.
