The Great Wall of China

The Great Wall of China is one of the most famous walls in the world. It stretches across hills, mountains, and deserts in northern China. People started building it more than 2,000 years ago. It was made to keep enemies out and to protect the people inside. Today, it is a world wonder that millions of visitors come to see each year.

How It Was Built

The wall was built by many workers over hundreds of years. They used stone, brick, wood, and packed dirt. Some parts were built on steep mountains. It was very hard work. Soldiers, farmers, and even prisoners helped build it. Tall towers were placed along the wall so guards could watch for enemies.

A map showing how the Great Wall stretches across China.
A map showing how the Great Wall stretches across China. (Maximilian Dörrbecker (Chumwa) / Wikimedia Commons)

Why It Was Built

The wall was built to keep China safe. Long ago, groups of fighters on horses would ride in and attack villages. The wall helped stop them. Guards lit fires on the towers to send warnings. The wall also helped control who came in and out of the country. It kept trade and travel safer.

Fun Facts

  • The Great Wall is more than 13,000 miles long if you add up all its parts.
  • Workers sometimes used sticky rice in the mix that held the bricks together.
  • It is the longest wall ever built by people.

Did You Know?

Many people say you can see the Great Wall from space, but that is not really true. It is too thin to spot from that far away.