Why the Great Wall Is More Than Just a Wall

by Ermiyas Abiy, age 9

The Great Wall of China is one of the most remarkable wonders of the world. It is a very well-known tourist attraction and a national icon in China.

The Great Wall was built in 221 B.C. and is most known for its tremendous length. The total length of this wall is approximately 21,000 kilometers long and 15-30 feet tall.

The initial purpose of the wall was to protect people from invasions. There are castle-like stands that intersect with the wall, which serve as watch and signal towers. These towers allowed soldiers to look out for potential threats and dangers. If you thought that the Great Wall of China was just one big wall, you are wrong. The wall consists of multiple walls that intersect with one another. During the campaign against the Xiongnu, a tribe from the area of Mongolia, the Chinese strengthened the wall due to conflict with the tribe.

Despite the fall of the Ming Dynasty in 1644 AD, people have tried to preserve the Great Wall of China and have recognized it as a remarkable historical and cultural landmark. Though the wall has faced deterioration, subsequent efforts to preserve its structure have allowed the wall to remain. Today, it stands as a tourist attraction more than a defensive border.

This amazing structure is such a great place for anybody to visit and learn about the history of China. The Great Wall of China is one of the new Seven Wonders of the World and is considered the largest man-made structure on Earth!

[Source: Encyclopedia Britannica Kids]