Facts about the Great Wall of China

The Great Wall of China, which has been in the list of Seven Wonders of the World is a masterpiece of architecture located in China. Although its visibility from space might be a myth, the Great Wall of China has been a part of the Chinese history and still continues to be a major tourist attraction for tourists across the world. Here is all the interesting information and facts about the Great Wall of China.

Do you know where the Great Wall of China is located?

The Great Wall of China stretches over approximately 4,000 miles from Shanhaiguan in the east to Lop Nur in the west. Simply put, the path of the Great Wall of China stretches from a seaport on China's east coast to Xinjiang in China's northwest and in between it passes through a variety of mountains, plateaus and deserts.

Do you know who built the Great Wall of China?

The labor force used in the construction of the Great Wall of China was made up of three main groups: the soldiers, common people, and criminals. The soldiers were the primary workforces, while the criminals were forced into labor as punishment.

Do you know how long it took to build the Great Wall of China?

The Great Wall of China was never built at one go. Initially, powerful regional kingdoms built their own walls, which were solely meant for their own defensive military requirements. The earliest known sections of the Great Wall of China were constructed in the 7th century BC. After the emergence of unified China in the Qin Dynasty (221-206 BC), the Great Wall of China became a collective entity. Around 1700 years after this the Great Wall of China was enlarged and enhanced.

Do you know the length of the Great Wall of China?

The Great Wall of China stretches over approximately 6,400 km across a variety of terrains like mountains, plateaus and desserts.

Do you know the width of the Great Wall of China?

The width of the Great Wall of China is different at various positions and hence ranges from 15 to 30 feet.

Do you know the height of the Great Wall of China ?

The Great Wall of China has an average height of about 25 feet.

Do you know the purpose for which the Great Wall of China was built?

The Great Wall of China was built to serve as a site for lookout posts, as means to provide the armies a swift warning system and to create an elevated military roadway through the rugged terrain. Owing to the differences between agricultural and nomadic economies in China, the Great Wall provided a protection to the economic development and cultural progress. The Great Wall of China also safeguarded the trade routes such as the Silk Road, and facilitated safe transmission of information and transportation.

Do you know what the Great Wall of China is made of?

In the nascent stages the Great Wall of China was mainly built from earth, stones and wood. The use of bricks was a later development. Owing to the enormous amount of quantities of raw materials required to construct the Great Wall of China, the builders usually used materials that were available easily. For example while building over the mountain ranges, the stones of the mountain were used; while in the plains earth was pounded into solid blocks to be used in construction, whereas inn the deserts, the sanded reeds and juniper tamarisks were put to use.