By Kent Ninomiya
The Great Wall of China is a 4,163-mile barrier running roughly east to west in northern China. It was built over the course of several centuries, beginning in the fifth century B.C. Its primary purpose was to keep barbarian tribes from the north from invading China.
Dimensions
The Great Wall of China is the largest man-made structure in the world. It runs from the city of Shanhaiguan in the east to Gansu province in the west. The wall is 20 feet thick and 26 feet high in some places.
Cultural Significance
The Great Wall of China is a significant symbol in Chinese culture. It was a major part of many historical events and is a monument to the work of dozens of generations of Chinese workers, soldiers and emperors. An estimated 1 million men stood guard on the Great Wall of China in its prime during the Ming Dynasty. An estimated 3 million workers died while building it.
Architectural Significance
The Great Wall of China is an engineering wonder. Ancient Chinese civilizations constructed the wall along steep cliffs using little more than stone, dirt and wood. Bricks were later used to construct barracks, guard towers and defensive fortifications. A project of its immensity has never been equaled.
Tourist Site
The Great Wall of China is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is one of the world's most popular tourist destinations. Approximately 4 million tourists travel there every year. It is thought that 100 million people have been to the most popular stretch of the Great Wall at Juyongguan pass.
What It Is Not
The Great Wall of China is not the only man-made structure visible from outer space. This is a widely believed urban legend. Astronauts have tried to find it with the naked eye without success.
About the Author:
Kent Ninomiya is a veteran journalist with over 23 years experience as a television news anchor, reporter and managing editor. He traveled to more than 100 countries on all seven continents, including Antarctica. Ninomiya holds a Bachelor of Arts in social sciences with emphasis in history, political science and mass communications from the University of California at Berkeley.
