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Interesting Facts about Great Wall of China

Posted On : Jul-10-2010 | seen (453) times | Article Word Count : 527 |

Some two thousand years ago, one of the most extensive manmade constructions in the world was built out of stone, wood, grass, and earth in northern part of China. The massive construction that started in the early seventh century B.C is today listed as one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the world and has been recognized as a unifying symbol of nation.
Some two thousand years ago, one of the most extensive manmade constructions in the world was built out of stone, wood, grass, and earth in northern part of China. The massive construction that started in the early seventh century B.C is today listed as one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the world and has been recognized as a unifying symbol of nation. The Great Wall of China that continues to attract millions of tourists from all over the world has an intriguing history and is the highlight of any sightseeing tour of China. Here are some interesting facts that will enhance your visit to the Great Wall during your China tour:

* The Great Wall of China was built to protect the Chinese agricultural lands from invasion and to keep the nation’s people from vacating the empire.

* That the Great Wall is a single, continuous wall built all at once is a myth. In reality, the wall is a discontinuous network of wall segments built by various dynasties to protect China’s northern boundary.

* The wall was renovated in the Qin dynasty (221-206 BC) to link the old sections that were built in previous dynasties, which were unified to build a whole entity.

* Over 1700 years, the Great Wall of China was enhanced and enlarged which gradually became a world renowned manmade wonder.

* Contrary to common belief, the Great Wall of China cannot be seen from the moon without aid.
* It used to be called the Ten Thousand Li Wall which referred to the wall’s length. (1 li equals half a kilometer or one third of a mile).

* The sections of the Wall in the eastern part of China were built out of bricks and stones while in the western sections of the Wall were made out of less durable material – earth and grass.

* The mortar that has been used to bind the stones that make the Wall has been made up of rice flour.

* The most visited section of the Great Wall is in Badaling, close to Beijing, which was built during the Ming Dynasty. It was the first section of the wall to open to tourists in 1957.

* President Nixon’s visit to China in 1972 increased tourism to the Great Wall. Increased tourism to view the Wall instigated restoration of disparate sections of the Wall.

* The highest point of the Great Wal is in Beijing at Heita Mountain (5,033 feet/1,534 meters). The lowest point is at Laolongtou (sea level).

* While the Great Wall is currently a symbol of national pride, China has to invest in resources to manage and preserve the Wall. The organizations, China Great Wall Society and the International Friends of the Great Wall, are dedicated to preserving it.

Article Source : http://www.articleseen.com/Article_Interesting Facts about Great Wall of China_22826.aspx

Author Resource :
sightseeing tour of China;
China tour;
www.asiaimpressions.com

Keywords : Great Wall of China, China tour, Laolongtou, Badaling,

Category : Travel and Leisure : Destinations

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