THE GREAT WALL OF CHINA

Fun Facts about the Great Wall of China

 

Fact 1.

The Great Wall of China is approximately 8,850km (5,500 miles) in length. This estimate includes trenches and natural barriers, the Wall itself is 6,200km (3,900 miles).

 

Fact 2. 

The Great Wall of China cannot be seen from space, contrary to the myth.

 

Fact 3.

The sections of the Great Wall that we mostly associate with The Great Wall of China were built by the Ming Dynasty. This was the last part of the wall that was built and has been made with brick and features many tall watch-towers. (Figure 1)

 

Fact 4.

The Great Wall of China has been called the longest cemetery on Earth. Over a million people died building the Wall.

 

Fact 5.

Over 10 million people visit the Great Wall of China every year. Making it the most visited tourist attraction in the world.

 

Fact 6.

During the Cultural Revolution (1966-1976), many bricks of the Great Wall were taken away to use in building homes, farms or reservoirs.

 

Fact 7.

The Great Wall of China was built in several stages, not in one continuous effort. Beginning is the 6-7th century BC and ending in the 16th century AD.

 

Fact 8.

In 1987 the Great Wall of China was inscribed onto the UNESCO World Heritage List.

 

Fact 9.

The Great Wall of China is the longest man-made structure in the world.

 

Fact 10.

The Chinese invented the wheelbarrow and used it extensively in building the Great Wall. (Figure 2)

 

Fact 11. 

The Wall is the longest defense fortified wall in the world.