What exactly is the Great Wall of China?
Posted on Feb 24, 2026 / Travel
The Great Wall of China is a massive series of fortifications built across northern China to protect against invasions and raids by nomadic groups. It’s not one single continuous wall, but thousands of miles of walls, passes, and watchtowers built by different dynasties over more than 2,000 years. The best‑known sections you see today were mostly built during the Ming Dynasty. This huge defensive system stretches roughly 21,196 km when you add up all the surviving parts and ruins. It winds across deserts, mountains and plateaus, making it one of the most impressive human‑made structures ever. Because of its historical and cultural importance, it’s listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site and draws millions of visitors every year. Even though parts of it are restored, lots of the original wall is in disrepair or only visible as ruins.
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