How Old is the Great Wall of China?
The Great Wall is a man-made architectural wonder with the largest scale and the longest construction process in the world. Almost every dynasty in China has joined the building of the walls since Qin Dynasty (214 BC - 204 BC). The 3 representative ones in the history are ，the Qin Great Wall (over 2,200 years), the Han Great Wall (over 2,000 years) and the Ming Great Wall (over 400 years). Among them, the Ming Great Wall is the most commonly visited site for tourist due to its well-preserved and magnificent architectural style.
Timeline of the Great Wall
Pre-Qin Great Wall (7 Cen. BC – 3 Cen. BC)
In the early beginning, the Duke of Chu ordered to build the first city wall, "Chufang City Wall" (楚方城), in order to defend themselves from attack from other neighboring states. Later, the other states began to strengthen their own walls. The primitive walls at that time have a history over 2500 years.
Qin Great Wall (214 BC – 204 BC)
After State Qin had come to unify all the states, the first empire of China came into form. As Qin's conquering process, the great wall of each state was progressively connected. In 221 BC, the first emperor, Qin Shi Huang unified China. In order to maintain and consolidate the security of the Great Empire,he began to order the construction and restoration of the Great Wall, which is the first literally "Great" wall, stretching far for over 14,000 kilometers. Qin's Great Wall can be traced back to 2200 years ago.
Han Great Wall (201 BC – 8 AD)
In Han Dynasty, to extend the empire and protect the silk road to the west, the Emperor Wudi began to build the Great Wall in the northwest of China. Another 5,000 kilometers' walls were built, and the Han Great Wall is over 2,000 years.
Sui/Song/Yuan Great Wall (581 AD – 1279 AD)
In other coming dynasties (Sui Dynasty, Tang Dynasty, Song Dynasty, Yuan Dynasty), to defend themselves from the nomadic tribes of the north and northwest regions, the construction of the Great Wall never stopped. However, the whole length of the wall built at that time is not that large-scale as the walls in Han and Qin Dynasty.
Ming Great Wall(1368 AD – 1644 AD)
During the ruling period of the Ming Dynasty, the construction of the Great Wall hardly stopped in over 200 years. The most common scenic site of the Great Wall belongs to the Great Wall of the Ming Dynasty. Almost all the Great Wall Attractions in Beijing are Ming Great Wall, enduring for over 400 years.
Thereafter & The Great Wall Today
Only small sections of the Great Wall were constructed in the Qing Dynasty and it is the last feudal dynasty in China. Later, the Great Wall construction stopped and some sections of the Ming Great Wall have been restored for tourism in the 1980s.
The Han Great Wall at Dunhuang, Gansu Province
The Ming Great Wall Relics at Huairou, Beijing (400 Years ago)
How to Plan A Great Wall Tour
There are several sections of the Great Wall around Beijing, each requiring about one day to visit, explore, and return to the city. For most travelers visiting Beijing, a trip to the Great Wall is a must-do. The Mutianyu Great Wall is a popular choice for many, as it offers stunning views, is less crowded, and is relatively close to Beijing. It is also equipped with convenient cable cars for easy access.
For hiking enthusiasts or those seeking a more in-depth experience, we recommend exploring some of the other iconic sections of the Wall. The Jingshanling Great Wall is one of the most scenic sections, while the Simatai Great Wall offers a more rugged, less-developed experience with a breathtaking night view. For a unique lakeside experience, visit the Huanghuacheng. If you're looking for a more traditional experience, the Badaling Great Wall is the most famous and beautiful, though it tends to be quite crowded. Since they are close to each other, the Mutianyu and Huanghuacheng sections can be visited in one trip, while Jinshanling and Simatai are often combined. A daytime visit to Jinshanling followed by a nighttime exploration of Simatai offers a unique experience you won't forget.
Top-Recommended Great Wall Hiking Tours
☛ 2 Days Jinshanling and Simatai Great Wall Wild Hiking
☛ 2 Days Jinshanling & Simatai Night Great Wall Tour
☛ 2 Days Mutianyu & Huanghuacheng Lakeside Great Walls Hiking Tour
If it's your first time in Beijing, don't miss the city's other iconic attractions, such as the Forbidden City, a masterpiece of imperial architecture, and the serene Summer Palace with its beautiful gardens and lakes. Be sure to visit the Temple of Heaven, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, or explore the Lama Temple for a taste of Tibetan Buddhism in Beijing. With so much to see, Beijing offers a rich blend of history and culture that’s sure to leave you inspired!
Top-Recommended Beijing Tours including Great Wall Experiences
☛ 4 Days Classic Beijing Tour Package with Mutianyu Great Wall
☛ 4 Days Beijing Essence Tour with Simatai Great Wall Night Sightseeing
☛ 4 Days Classic Beijing Tour with Jinshanling Great Wall Hiking
Jinshanling Great Wall
Mutianyu Great Wall
Forbidden City
Great Wall of China Facts
- Why was the Great Wall of China Built
- Can You See the Great Wall from Space
- How was the Great Wall of China Built
- Where is the Great Wall of China Located
- Who Built the Great Wall of China
- When was the Great Wall of China Built
- How Long is the Great Wall of China
- How Big is the Great Wall of China
- How Tall is the Great Wall of China
Great Wall of China Guide
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