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For
any average traveler who visits China for the first
time, the Great Wall is
always an indispensable fixture on the itinerary.
Without it, a trip to China would be incomplete. The
reason is simple: it is one of China’s most
important cultural and historical symbols. It is
also
one
of the best known ancient
constructions in the world. The massive project
stretches from Shanghaiguan in the east to Jiayuguan
in the west, a distance of over 6,300 kilometers,
covering eight provinces, municipalities and
autonomous regions.
The
Great Wall |
The Great Wall was first built as a defense line
against nomadic incursions. Its military and
strategic importance was unmatched by any other
projects in ancient China. The construction of the
wall began around the 7th-4th century BC during the
Spring and Autumn Period (770-476BC).
At that time, feudal states built walls for self-defense
against the invasion of nomadic tribes. In 221 BC,
after unifying China, Qinshihuang, the first emperor
of China, had the walls linked up, reinforced and
extended to form the Great Wall. During succeeding
dynasties in later years, renovations were made in
line with local geographic conditions, creating many
enchanting sights. It was listed by UNESCO as its
World Heritage in 1987.
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