Majestic View of the Great Wall of China The Great Wall of China is one of the most remarkable feats of human engineering and a symbol of China’s long and rich history. Stretching over 13,000 miles across northern China, it is the longest wall in the world and has become a global icon of perseverance and strength. Historical Significance The construction of the Great Wall began in the 7th century BC, with the wall as we know it today primarily built during the Ming Dynasty (1368–1644). Its purpose was to protect the Chinese states and empires from invasions by nomadic tribes from the north, particularly the Mongols. The wall also served as a means of border control, allowing the Chinese to impose duties on goods transported along the Silk Road and to control immigration and emigration. Construction and Architecture The Great Wall is not a single continuous wall but a series of walls and fortifications made of various materials including stone, brick, tamped earth, wood, and other mat