By Iruni Kalupahana, JadeTimes News
An Ancient Wonder of the World
It is one of the Seven Wonders in the world, extending over 6,700 kilometers from Jiayuguan Pass in the west to Shanhaiguan Pass in the east. The Great Wall winds its way across deserts, grasslands, mountains, and plateaus in an imaginative manner with its beauty and grandeur. Constructed over 2,000 years ago and later extended under Emperor Qin Shi Huang, it is the leading icon representing Chinese culture and national pride. It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987 and is considered one of the most famous and mysterious places in the world.
Construction and Expansion
It was a great feat that called for hard work by soldiers, prisoners, and the people of the locality. They built this giant structure with materials such as stone, bricks, and earth according to the local environment and condition. In the Ming Dynasty, more was added to the wall, including garrison towns, watchtowers, and signal towers. Its strategic importance has served as inspiration for countless films and stories, adding to the appeal of it as a cultural and historical treasure. The wall is so huge and carries many interesting stories that millions of tourists flock to see its historic significance and timelessness.
Architectural and Strategic Significance
The Great Wall itself was an ancient wonder in terms of engineering skill and strategic foresight, built as a barrier to serve the Chinese empire against invasions. It had passes, watchtowers, moats, and whatever else might be deemed necessary to pose a barrier to northern tribes, including the Huns and Xiongnu. Further strengthening of the wall in its defensive function, during the Ming Dynasty, included the addition of garrison posts and other wall constructions. All the history and legends of the wall have been brought to life in many films and books, therefore making it even more culturally important. Today, apart from architectural features, an endless array of stories and legends intertwined in the stones captivates visitors, making it a living and breathing symbol of resilience and creativity in China.
A Symbol of Cultural Heritage and Endurance
The Great Wall of China was built as one of the most attractive miracles in the world, standing not just as a fortification, but also as a connection between tradition, cohesion, and stability. Despite the decay wrought by nature itself and the intervention of human beings, this single wall manages to bring people from different parts of the world with its incomparable beauty and historical depth. The Wall became legendary in movies and literature, which has kept its stories alive for the next generations. Although only part of it is in good condition today, it still is an icon of China's rich history and the extraordinary spirit of its people, reminding each and all that "the man who doesn't visit the Wall has never been to China."
Timeless Wonder of Legend
