When was the Great Wall of China Built | Great Wall History
The Great Wall of China is an ancient defense project which has consumed the longest construction time in the world. Since the the Western Zhou Dynasty (1046 BC - 771 BC), different sections of the great wall have been continuously constructed for more than 2500 years. Scattered in the vast land of northern and central China, the Great Wall stretches over 20,000 kilometers.
How Old is the Great Wall of China
From the beginning of the Warring States Period to today, the oldest great wall site has a history of about 2500 years. Even the most commonly visited Great Wall of the Ming Dynasty has a history of four or five hundred years.
When did the Great Wall of China Start
The history of the Great Wall can be traced back to the Western Zhou Dynasty (1046 BC - 771 BC). In order to defend against the attack of nomadic people in the north, the Zhou Dynasty used it for military defense. The earliest building was the "Chu Fangcheng" (楚方城) in the 7th century BC. Later, the small States, such as Qi, Han, Wei, Zhao, Yan, Qin, Zhongshan also built the "Great Wall of Duke Mutual Defence" to defend themselves.
When was the Great Wall of China Finished
By the time of emperor Kangxi in the Qing Dynasty (1622 AD - 1722 AD), although large-scale construction of the Great Wall had stopped, it had been built in some places since then. It can be said that the construction of the Great Wall had not stopped for more than 2500 years from the Spring and Autumn Period (770 BC - 476 BC) to the Qing Dynasty (1616 AD - 1912 AD).
Which Dynasty Built the Great Wall of China
Almost all the dynasties that ruled the Central Plains of China has built the Great Wall. There are more than ten dynasties, including Pre-Qin, Qin, Han, Sui, Song, Ming, Qing dynasties, which built the Great Wall on different scales.
The Pre-Qin Dynasty (7 Cen. BC – 3 Cen. BC)
The Great Wall of the Pre-Qin Dynasty can be roughly divided into the North Great Wall and the South Great Wall according to the object of defense. The main purpose for the great wall is to resist the attack from other kingdoms.
The Qin Dynasty (214 BC – 204 BC)
The first emperor, Qin Shihuang unified China in 221 BC. In order to maintain and consolidate the security of the Great Empire, Qin Shihuang began to order the construction of the Great Wall, which connected all the dukes’ great wall and built it into the Qin Great Wall, stretching far for over 10,000 kilometers.
The Han Dynasty (201 BC – 8 AD)
During the period of Emperor Wudi of Han Dynasty (156 BC - 87 BC), he launched many wars against Huns. To expel them, he ordered to restore the Great Wall of Qin Dynasty and built the Great Wall of Outer China. At this time, the Great Wall was about 10,000 kilometers long, and its main function was to attack and defence.
The Sui Dynasty (581 AD – 608 AD)
In order to deal with the South attack from the Turks in north, Emperor Yang Jian of the Sui Dynasty used the Great Wall for defense since the founding of Sui’s empire.
The Song Dynasty (960 AD– 1279 AD)
The construction began in Mingchang five years (1194) and was stopped in the same year because of drought.
The Ming Dynasty (1368 AD – 1620 AD)
During the ruling period of 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 Ming Dynasty.
The Qing Dynasty (1638 AD – 1878 AD)
The Qing Dynasty was the last feudal dynasty in China. The Great Wall was built to maintain unity. The Great Wall was relatively rough, short and not much preserved.
The Great Wall of China in Han Dynasty
The Great Wall of China in Ming Dynasty
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
- How Old is the Great Wall of China
- 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
- 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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