Packed full of ancient monuments, home to hyper-futuristic mega-cities and world-beating beaches, bursting with dramatic mountain scenescapes, and the birthplace of an unbeatable culinary culture… China is the perfect holiday destination. Yet, despite all of these incredible options, there’s no doubt that the major attraction in this vast nation is the famous Great Wall of China. If you’re heading to the country and want to impress the new friends you make on your China trip, then check out our list of 10 interesting facts about the Great Wall of China!
1. Work officially began on the wall in 220 BC under the reign of Emperor Qin Shi Huang
A lot of information about the Great Wall of China is hard to pin down as it is so old. However, it’s widely accepted that work officially began on the wall under the Qin Dynasty. Emperor Qin Shi Huang was keen to stop nomads from crossing the northern border, and so began the official story of this architectural marvel.
Image source:Contiki
2. However, there’s evidence it was first started in the 7th century BC, during the warring states period
If the structure was only started in 220 BC, the Great Wall would still be an ancient wall. However, there is strong evidence that many sections of it have a history that stretches back as far as 500 years prior to the Qin Dynasty. One of the most mind-blowing facts about the Great Wall of China.
3. The busiest section was built by the Ming Dynasty
One of the facts about the Great Wall of China that surprises many people is that it isn’t just one long structure, but instead an amalgamation of many fortifications. And, of all the sections of the Great Wall of China, the most iconic was built by the Ming Dynasty. When you see pictures of the Great Wall, it’s often this section of the famous barrier that is photographed.
Image source:Getty images / unsplash
4. There are dozens of incredible hikes along the wall
Unsurprisingly, the Great Wall of China is home to several places to hike. Some sections, like Mutianyu, follow well-preserved parts of the wall and are easier for those with mobility issues. Others require a good level of fitness, but reward you with some truly astounding views.
5. The wall only became a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1987
The long wall has a famous history, and has been considered a treasure for many years, yet one of the more interesting facts about the Great Wall of China is that it was only deemed worthy of UNESCO World Heritage status in 1987. Better late than never!
Image source:Jamie Street / unsplash
6. No, you can’t see it with the naked eye from space
One of the most repeated so-called facts about the Great Wall of China is that it’s visible from space with just the naked eye. This is untrue, but astronauts on the International Space Station have been able to see the structure with the right equipment, so in that sense it is visible from outside our planet.
7. In the flat, dry plains of northwest China, rammed earth was used
China is a huge land that’s full of differing terrain, from verdant mountains to harsh, dry deserts. This means that construction of the wall needed to be differently constructed in various parts of the nation. In practice, this led to rammed earth being used in the flat, dry plains of the country’s northwest, rather than standard building materials you’d expect.
Image source:Contiki
8. The total length of the wall is over 13,000 miles long
The most visited part of this long wall is in Hebei Province, and is accessible from Beijing within around 90 minutes. However, to get to the farthest part of the wall from the capital would take a fair bit longer, as the structure stretches to 13,171 miles, or 21,196 kilometres, according to official estimates.
9. Over 10 million people visit the wall every year
There are plenty of things you should know before visiting China, but one of the main points is that it’s a very busy country, with lots of domestic and international tourism. So, it makes sense that their most famous attraction attracts a ton of visitors: in this case, well over 10 million. If you’re not big on crowds, consider going to a less popular section of the wall.
Image source:Getty images / unsplash
10. The Great Wall is at risk
One of the saddest facts about the Great Wall of China is that it is under threat from nature and humans alike. It’s estimated that around 30% of the original structure has been erased, partly through natural erosion, but mostly because visitors are prone to taking stones or not treating fragile sections with care. While there are plenty of cultural differences to be mindful of on your trip here, one thing that will remain consistent is the need to respect this wonderful treasure.
Why was the Great Wall of China created?
The Great Wall of China was created to protect the country from marauders across the northern border, although earlier sections were crafted to stop internal enemies rather than northern tribes. As China’s power and territory grew, so did the length of the wall.
How old is The Great Wall of China?
The oldest parts of the Great Wall of China are nearly 3,000 years old, with construction believed to have begun in the 7th century BC.
