General Knowledge

The Great Wall of China was originally built during the 7th century BC, but it wasn't until the 3rd century BC that it began to take on its current form. At that time, the first emperor of China, Qin Shi Huang, ordered the walls of several existing states to be connected to form a single defensive line against invaders from the north. This project took over a decade to complete and involved hundreds of thousands of laborers. Over the centuries, subsequent Chinese dynasties continued to build and repair the wall, extending its length to over 13,000 miles (21,000 kilometers). The wall was primarily used as a defensive barrier against nomadic tribes from the north, such as the Mongols and Manchus, who periodically invaded China. The wall was also used for border control, as well as to regulate trade and transportation. Maintaining the wall was a massive undertaking, requiring constant repairs and rebuilding due to natural erosion and human damage. Throughout its history, the wall has been rebuilt and repaired many times, with some sections being entirely reconstructed. In recent years, the Chinese government has undertaken extensive restoration efforts to preserve the wall and protect it as a cultural treasure. There are many interesting stories and legends associated with the Great Wall of China. One famous story involves a general named Meng Jiangnu, whose husband was conscripted to work on the wall and died during construction. According to legend, she wept so bitterly that a section of the wall collapsed, revealing her husband's bones. Another story involves the Great Wall's famous signal towers, which were used to send messages across long distances. According to legend, a young girl named Meng Liang was able to use these signal towers to alert her husband, a general, of an impending invasion. Her quick thinking and bravery saved his army from defeat. Overall, the Great Wall of China is a remarkable achievement of human engineering and ingenuity, with a fascinating history and cultural significance.