Historical Places of China

The Great Wall of China

Great Wall is one of the world’s miracles. The length is 4.160 miles. It was built in order to protect the borders of China during several dynasties. From 5th century BC to 221 BC, the states of Qi, Yan, and Zhao, constructed the fortress in order to defend their areas. In 221 BC, Qin Shi Huang invaded all the states and unified China, setting up the Qin Dynasty. In order to protect the empire against interventions by Xiongnu, people from the north, Qin instructed to build the new wall to connect the remain fort along the empire’s new northern boundary. This was the beginning of The Great Wall.

Afterwards, the Han, Sui, Northern, and Jin dynasties, continued to repair, rebuild, even expand the wall in order to protect them against the northern invaders. In Ming Dynasty, the construction of Great Wall was repaired. In Ming, the construction was stronger by using bricks and stone instead of rammed earth in Qin Dynasty.

Towards the end of Ming Dynasty, Great Wall contributed to defend the empire against the Manchu invasions around year of 1600. Unfortunately, in Shun Dynasty year 1644, the Manchus were finally able to cross the Great Wall. It is because the gates at Shanhanguan were opened by Wu Sangui, a Ming border general who distaste for the activities of Shun Dynasty. Next, the Manchus defeated the Shun Dynasty and took over Beijing. The Manchus established the Qing Dynasty. In Qing Dynasty, the construction of Great Wall was discontinued. (Evelyne)