It is a man-made wonder that stretches for nearly 6,000 miles. Between the 5th century B.C. and 221 B.C., the wall went through many additions, transformations, and fortifications by the Qi, Yan, and Zhao states. The first Great Wall of China was primarily constructed of tamped earth or beaten clay as stone was not always available. The wall was built in ten years by an army of 300,000 at a rate of 25 miles a month through marshes, deserts, mountain ranges, and altitudes of up to 8,000 feet. Imagine driving from Houston, Texas to Anchorage, Alaska. It is approximately 4,300 miles, far short of the length of the Great Wall…

The Great Wall is more complex than many people may know. It consists of forts and passes as well as more than 10,000 watchtowers and beacon towers. These towers housed troops and weaponry and were used to signal enemy approaches. Much of the original wall had been torn down or destroyed by weather until the Ming Dynasty rebuilt it stronger and more elaborately by using bricks and stone. Despite this, parts of the wall today lie in ruin or are completely missing. However, in 2009, an additional 180 miles of the Great Wall from the Ming Dynasty were discovered. They had been entombed by centuries of sandstorms.

The Great Wall of China is a masterpiece of human creation and is still a marvel to behold. Years of corrosion have greatly eroded this monumental and historic attraction, but it still continues to draw 1.2 million people a year and amaze all who see it. It is a standing testament to the dedication and tenacity of the Chinese people and a symbol of enduring strength and longevity. It lives in the mythology of China and remains a tangible link between ancient history and today.