The Great Wall of China is one of the largest construction projects ever taken up. The extensive barricade was built along the northern border of the country to protect it from nomadic invaders. Rulers of each successive Chinese dynasty continued the construction of the Great Wall from the 3rd century BC to the 17th century AD. At the end, the total length of the wall was more than 20,000 km. Out of this, the 8850 km length of the wall that runs east to west-from Mount Hu to Jiayu Pass- is the most extensive and best-preserved. This portion of the wall dates from the Ming dynasty (1368-1644).
In addition to the walls, the main body of the Great Wall also has watch towers, fortresses, passes and horse tracks. The wall was used not just for defence; it was also useful to manage commercial activities. Imposition of duty on goods transported through the Silk Route and regulation of trade, immigration and emigration were made possible by the Great Wall.
UNESCO added the Great Wall of China to the list of World Heritage Sites in 1987. This impressive structure is still one of the greatest architectural achievements in history.
Picture Credit : Google
