Great Wall of China
The Great Wall of China is an iconic ancient defensive barrier crossing northern China. Built by successive dynasties from the 7th century BC onward, the wall’s highlights include lunar brickwork, restored sections near Beijing__, and dramatic mountain passes in the west.
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Geography
| Continent | Asia |
|---|---|
| Region | China |
| Subregion | East Asia |
| Country | People's Republic of China |
| State | Beijing and Hexi Corridor |
| Timezone | AsiaShanghai |
| Latitude | 40.4319 |
| Longitude | 116.5704 |
| Maps |
3:59 AM LOCAL TIMEThe Great Wall of China is a monumental feat of ancient engineering and centuries of **border defense**. Spanning roughly 13,170 miles from Shanhaiguan in the east to Jiayuguan in the west, the wall links a series of regional segments and passes. Key visitor sections near Beijing, such as Badaling, Mutianyu, and Juyongguan, offer restored ramparts, wide walkways, and accessible facilities, while more remote reaches like the Gansu or Shaanxi sites reveal **timber and earthwork remains**. The wall traverses varied terrain — from arid plains and steppe to high mountain plateaus — reaching elevations up to 8,000 meters in the Qilian and Altin ranges. While often associated with the **ming dynasty**, the wall’s origins and construction phases span multiple dynasties, reflecting shifts in military strategy and territory. Visiting the Great Wall__ involves choosing your sections based on scenery, accessibility, and historical focus. Popular sites provide tunnels and restored parapets, ideal for photographic views and short hikes, whereas less developed routes offer quieter encounters with the original rampart construction and fewer visitor amenities. Nearby attractions include imperial tombs, nearby towns, and cultural museums, making the wall part of broader regional sightseeing. Prepare for varied weather — hot summers, cold winters, and high-altitude sun — and plan according to your physical condition and interest level.
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