The Great Wall of China is a magnificent ancient fortification that stretches over 13,000 miles (21,000 kilometers) across the northern borders of China. It is not a single continuous wall, but a series of walls, towers, and fortifications built over centuries by various Chinese dynasties to defend the country from invasions by nomadic tribes.
The Great Wall of China starts at Shanhaiguan Pass, located in Qinhuangdao City, Hebei Province, in northeastern China. This pass is also known as the “First Pass Under Heaven,” and it marks the eastern terminus of the wall. It then heads west, passing through several provinces, including Hebei, Beijing, Tianjin, Shanxi, Shaanxi, Ningxia, Gansu, and Qinghai. The westernmost point of the wall is in Jiayuguan, located in Gansu Province, in northwestern China.
The Great Wall of China passes through a diverse landscape, including mountains, plains, and deserts. It crosses the Yellow River, the second-longest river in China, and the Yalu River, which forms the border between China and North Korea. It also passes through several mountain ranges, including the Yanshan Mountains, the Taihang Mountains, and the Qinling Mountains.
The Great Wall of China consists of many different sections, each with its own unique features and characteristics. Some of the most popular sections include Badaling, Mutianyu, Jinshanling, and Simatai. These sections have been restored and are open to tourists, offering stunning views of the surrounding countryside and providing a glimpse into the history of China.
Other facts about the Great Wall
- When was the Great Wall of China built?
- Which dynasty started the Great Wall?
- How long is the Great Wall of China?
- How long did it take to build the Great Wall of China?
- Who built the Great Wall of China
- Why was the Great Wall of China Built?
- Why is the Great Wall of China important?
- How many workers did it take to build the Great Wall of China
- Where does the Great Wall of China end?
- What major river crosses the Great Wall?
- How tall and wide is the Great Wall of China?
- Are there bodies in the Great Wall of China?