China is the largest country in Asia and the
world’s most populous nation. It also has one of the world’s oldest and continuous civilizations. The Chinese have occupied their vast territory for thousands of years and China boasts numerous achievements in a variety of disciplines. The country has produced many great thinkers and philosophers, and numerous artists and inventors from China have introduced creations that have changed perhaps billions of lives. Some of these creations include the compass, gunpowder, paper and printing, porcelain and silk. But perhaps the most well-known and recognized symbol of China is the Great Wall.
The Great Wall, or Chang Cheng in Chinese, is
massive. It begins in the east at the Yellow Sea, Beijing, and continues west
through numerous provinces. For thousands of miles, it winds like a snake
through China’s varied terrain. Smaller walls extend from the main wall.
According to conservative estimates, the Great Wall’s length is approximately
2,400 miles, its thickness ranges from 15-30 feet wide, and it reaches in
height to about 25 feet. For many centuries, the Great Wall has been considered
one of the world’s wonders.
Although it is often mistakenly thought of as a
single wall, the Great Wall is a series of walls that were constructed,
reconstructed and expanded over several centuries and, depending on the
location, using different materials. The massive construction project was the
idea of China’s first emperor, Shi Huangdi, who ended more than 250 years of
regional fighting between several independent states, and united China. Once in
control, Shi Huangdi wanted to maintain his power and position. The idea to
create a massive wall along the northern border of the country was conceived by
the emperor to bar assailants from kingdoms to the north of China. Construction
of the Great Wall continued long after the reign of Shi Huangdi, particularly
during the Han and the Ming dynasties. During these periods, features such as
watch towers, gates and garrisons were added or enhanced and the Wall’s design
was unified.
The Great Wall is of great significance as it
reflects much of China’s extensive history. The wall helped define the empire
and mark a boundary between the Chinese and foreigners. The great emperor, Shi
Huangdi, wanted to keep the Chinese people together and at the same time
isolate the foreigners, especially those to the north. The Great Wall survives
today, more than 2,000 years after its initial construction. It attracts
thousands of visitors from all over the world each day, being one of the most
toured and significant monuments in the world. This has helped boost China’s
economy through tourism and foreign exchange.
The Great Wall is undeniably one of humankind’s
most prominent and enduring architectural feats. It is a testament to a
people’s ability to plan, organize, create and work diligently together. The
wall is a monument to the Chinese civilization, one that came at great costs
and through countless sacrifices.
