The Great Wall of China stands as an iconic testament to human engineering, stretching thousands of kilometers across a historic border between China and Mongolia. It is one of the seven wonders of the world.
Built over centuries by various dynasties, this monumental structure was intended to protect China from northern invaders, including nomadic people. However, recent events have shed light on the need to safeguard this ancient treasure.
In Shanxi province, two workers were apprehended for their shocking act: driving construction equipment through a section of the wall dating back to the Ming dynasty (1368-1644) to create a shortcut to their work site.
This careless act caused irreversible damage to the Great Wall of China that has endured for centuries, prompting both public outcry and an official commitment to protect and restore this historical wonder.
The Great Wall of China is not just a historical monument; it symbolizes China's identity and history. In 1987, the wall was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site.
It represents the determination and resourcefulness of the ancient people, who surmounted countless challenges to construct this magnificent engineering marvel.
Furthermore, the wall mirrors the multifaceted history of many nations, reflecting varying political, economic, and military influences on its different segments.
This iconic structure also shares a unique connection with Mongolia, frequently serving as the frontier between these two civilizations. The Mongols, among the most formidable adversaries of Chinese dynasties, often launched raids and invasions.
Genghis Khan (Chinggis Khan), the renowned founder of the Mongol Empire, breached the Great Wall several times and conquered significant parts of China during his rule. Additionally, the Mongols played a role in constructing and maintaining the wall, as they established the Yuan dynasty (1271-1368) in China, inheriting and expanding the wall system.
The Great Wall of China is not merely a physical barrier but a cultural bridge connecting China and Mongolia. It underscores the rich interactions and exchanges between these two distinct peoples, who shared history.
It also witnessed the conflicts and collaborations between the nations, as they fought and negotiated for their interests and survival. Consequently, the Great Wall of China stands as a testament to the dynamic histories of both China and Mongolia.
Hence, the preservation and protection of the Great Wall of China are vital, as it represents a shared heritage for both nations and the world. The wall deserves not only respect but admiration for its remarkable role in human civilization.
It is a stark reminder that the Great Wall of China should be cherished and safeguarded, not marred by destruction and disregard.
How long is the Great Wall of China?
All the parts of the Great Wall of China ever built, even the ones that overlap because they were rebuilt, together measure about 21,196 kilometers (around 13,171 miles) in total length. The most well-kept section, built during the Ming dynasty, is about 8,850 kilometers (which is approximately 5,499 miles) long.
Why was the Great Wall of China built?
The Great Wall of China was built over centuries by China's emperors to protect their territory from northern nomadic people. Today, it stretches for thousands of miles along a historic border between China and Mongolia.
How long did it take to build the Great Wall of China?
It took around 2,500 years to build the Great Wall of China. It is one of the seven wonders of the world.