Fascinating Great Wall Facts for Kids
Welcome to an exciting journey of discovery as we delve into the wonders of the Great Wall, one of the most impressive man-made structures in the world. Let's uncover the secrets, mysteries, and astonishing facts that make the Great Wall an absolute must-know for children of all ages. Get ready to be captivated and inspired by this extraordinary piece of history!
1. The Great Wall is Incredibly Long
The Great Wall runs through diverse landscapes, including mountains, plateaus, deserts, and grasslands, each with its own challenges. To effectively safeguard the border, the wall had to traverse these different terrains, resulting in its need for a vast length.
2. The Great Wall Covers 15 Regions in Northern China
The Great Wall primarily stretches across northern China, extending through various provinces and regions.
The wall is not contiguous throughout its entire length but consists of different sections, some of which are more well-preserved than others. This includes sections that pass through provinces like Liaoning, Hebi, Beijing, Tianjin, Shanxi, Shaanxi, Inner Mongolia, and Gansu, among others.
3. The Great Wall is Not Just a Solitary Wall
The Great Wall of China is much more than just a single wall. It is a vast defensive system that stretches over thousands of kilometers in northern China. Originally built to protect China from invasions by various nomadic groups, it consists of many interconnected walls, watchtowers, and fortifications.
4. The age of the Great Wall is Ancient
The ancient portions of the Great Wall of China have stood for over 2,600 years, dating back to the 7th century BC.
These sections were built during the Spring and Autumn Period (770-476 BC) and the Warring States Period (475-221 BC). The Great Wall of China is believed to have been built over several centuries, beginning during the 7th century BC and continuing until the Ming dynasty, which ruled from 1368 to 1644 AD.
5. The Great Wall Cannot be Seen from Space
Although it's a common myth, the Great Wall cannot be seen from space with the naked eye. It's not visible from low Earth orbit without the aid of a telescope or zoom lens.
6. Glutinous Rice Flour is Used as a Binding Material.
The majority of the Great Wall is constructed using bricks that are bonded together using a mixture of lime mortar and glutinous rice flour. Undoubtedly, this is one of the most fascinating facts about the Great Wall of China, as it is so different from the sand and cement we use in modern construction.
7. The Great Wall Was Built to Protect China
The Great Wall of China was built a long time ago to keep China safe from enemies who wanted to invade.
Back then, China was worried about incursions and invasions from nomadic tribes. the Great Wall was built to deter and impede their advances, providing a defensive line that would make it difficult for invaders to penetrate deeper into Chinese territory.
8. The Construction of the Wall Involved the Use of Various Materials
The construction of the wall involved the use of various materials, including bricks, stones, and wood.
By combining these different materials, the constructors were able to create a wall that was both robust and visually appealing. The choice of materials and their placement depended on factors such as the location, purpose, and design of each section of the wall.
9. There are about 7,000 Beacon Towers on the Great Wall
Along the Great Wall, there were beacon towers used for communication purposes. Smoke signals or fire beacons were employed to relay information across long distances. These towers were used to transmit signals and messages across long distances, allowing for rapid communication and early warnings in case of invasions or attacks.
10. The Great Wall is the Symbol of China
The Great Wall of China is considered to be one of the most iconic symbols of China. The Great Wall stretches over thousands of kilometers and stands as a testament to China's ancient civilization and its ability to create monumental structures. In addition to its historical significance, the Great Wall is also a popular tourist attraction, attracting millions of visitors from around the world each year.