China’s Wonder: The Great Wall

Hop in your car at the far end of the North Pole and drive all the way down to the southernmost tip of Florida. Only then will you have traveled the amazing length of the Great Wall of China!

Stretching more than 3,106 miles, the Great Wall of China earns its name Wan-Li Qang-Qeng or “10,000-Li Long Wall” (The Li is an ancient unit of measure). It is the longest and largest construction ever completed, winding across the northern China mountains and snaking north and northwest from Beijing. Built from rocks, bricks, and packed-earth, the Great Wall beckons hundreds of thousands of visitors around the world to come to China to witness its grandeur. Even astronauts claim (with much-heated debate) that the Great Wall can be seen from the Earth’s orbit.

More than 2,000 years ago, during the Warring States Period (475-221 B.C.), construction of the Great Wall began. The Ming Dynasty then built the wall even longer and stronger to prevent invasions by other states and outer tribes. Armies often lined the wall as a first line of defense as signal fires warned of attacks. By the Qin Dynasty in Third Century B.C., different sections were linked together with watchtowers and cannons to create the Great Wall as we know it today.

The Great Wall of China has become a symbol of the Chinese nation – both for its historical and present-day impact.

The Great Wall was constructed as a bulwark to protect Chinese territory from invaders and plunderers, but it was also intended to insulate Chinese people and society from the influences of foreign ideas and cultures. Ironically, the Great Wall contributed to an isolation from the rest of the world that undermined and weakened China’s society. What, at first glance, is a human marvel and cultural touchstone also harkens to days of slavery when the wall was created. But its awe-inspiring breadth and depth remains a worldwide phenomenon, responsible for flourishing tourism in China.

But how long can the wall remain? And what, if anything, should be done to preserve it?

Scientists, environmentalists, and the people of China struggle with the ever-changing shape and form of the Great Wall. Mother Nature and man have ravaged much of the structure, leaving less than 30 percent in solid condition. Sand, wind, graffiti, and construction have taken its toll, leaving many questioning how – or if – to preserve it.

Some argue that reconstructing the wall would protect both an ancient symbol and an economy that thrives on its tourism. Others struggle with modern technology altering the appearance of a piece of Chinese heritage. Archaeologists fear losing the ability to trace ruins if the wall is altered in any way. The debate over how to navigate this fine line continues today.

While the Great Wall may deteriorate over time, one thing remains intact: Climb the ruins of this wonder to the very top and you can see the breathtaking view of China amidst magnificent mountains and sky. It is then you will truly understand the Chinese phrase: "You are not a man if you never climbed the Great Wall."

Still Curious?

http://magma.nationalgeographic.com/ngm/0301/feature1/
National Geographic site including information and photos.

www.travelchinaguide.com/china_great_wall/
Detailed information about the history and construction of the Great Wall.

http://travel.discovery.com/ideas/culture_attractions/101/histcult/5.html
Information about the Great Wall.

www.chinavista.com/travel/greatwall/greatwall.html
A virtual tour of the Great Wall.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_Wall_of_China
History and photos of the Great Wall.

www.cnta.com/lyen/landscape/heritge/great wall/index.html
Photos of the Great Wall.