According to the survey results released by the National Cultural Heritage Administration in 2012, the total length of the Great Wall built during various Chinese dynasties is 21,196.18 kilometers (approximately 21,200 kilometers). This official and authoritative figure was derived through a systematic measurement and statistical analysis using traditional archaeology combined with modern mapping technology.
Why Was the Great Wall Built?
Military Defense
The primary purpose of the Great Wall was to defend against invasions by northern nomadic tribes such as the Xiongnu and Mongols. By constructing walls, passes, and beacon towers, a strategic defensive line was established to protect the agrarian civilization of central China.
Political Control and Border Management
The Great Wall helped consolidate centralized authority, delineate borders, monitor minority activities, and strengthen the state’s control over frontier regions.
Economic and Cultural Exchange Hub
The wall facilitated border farming, trade (such as along the Silk Road), and promoted the complementary nature of agrarian and nomadic economies. It became a symbol of the unity and diversity of Chinese civilization.
Historical Development of the Great Wall
Spring and Autumn and Warring States Periods
- Total Length: Approximately 1,000-2,000 kilometers
- Various states (Qi, Chu, Yan, Zhao, Wei, Qin) constructed early sections of the Great Wall for defense against neighboring states and nomadic tribes.
- Chu Great Wall (Chu Fangcheng): Approximately 137.22 kilometers (with 30.51 kilometers of wall and 81.34 kilometers of mountainous terrain preserved).
- Qin Great Wall in Gansu: About 57.4 kilometers in Longxi area (poorly preserved) and approximately 174 kilometers in Jingning area (partially preserved).
Qin Dynasty
- Total Length: Approximately 120 kilometers (primarily connecting and reinforcing existing walls) After unifying the six states, Emperor Qin Shi Huang ordered General Meng Tian to connect and reinforce the walls of Qin, Zhao, and Yan, forming the initial shape of the “Great Wall.” However, only about 120 kilometers were newly built or renovated, mainly in the northwest and north China regions.
Han Dynasty
- Total Length: Approximately 10,000 kilometers (single longest segment) During the reign of Emperor Wu of Han, extensive construction of the “Outer Great Wall” took place, stretching from Dunhuang in the west to the Korean Peninsula in the east, totaling around 10,000 kilometers. The wall was built using rammed earth, gravel, and plant branches (e.g., the “Reed Great Wall” in the Hexi Corridor). It primarily defended against the Xiongnu and protected the Silk Road.
Northern Wei Dynasty
- Total Length: Approximately 1,000 kilometers To defend against the Rouran, the Northern Wei dynasty built the “Jishang Saiwei” and other sections of the Great Wall, forming a networked defensive system.
Sui Dynasty
- Total Length: Approximately 2,000 kilometers During the reign of Emperor Yang of Sui, the Great Wall was repaired and extended to defend against the Turks, with key sections located in present-day Gansu and Inner Mongolia.
Tang Dynasty
- Total Length: Approximately 1,000 kilometers The Great Wall of the Tang dynasty mainly consisted of beacon towers and passes rather than continuous walls, primarily found in the northwest (e.g., Ningxia, Gansu).
Song Dynasty
- Total Length: Approximately 2,000 kilometers During the Northern Song period, parts of the Great Wall were built (e.g., in Shaanxi, Shanxi) to counter the Western Xia and Liao states, mostly using rammed earth structures.
Jin Dynasty
- Total Length: Approximately 5,000 kilometers (“Border Moat”) To defend against the Mongols, the Jin dynasty built the “Jin Border Moat,” spanning Jilin, Heilongjiang, and Inner Mongolia, forming a defensive system over 10,000 li (approximately 5,000 kilometers).
Ming Dynasty
- Total Length: 8,851.8 kilometers (6,259.6 kilometers of artificial walls, 359.7 kilometers of trenches, and 2,232.5 kilometers of natural barriers) The Ming Great Wall is the best-preserved and most technologically advanced section, stretching from Hushan in Liaoning to Jiayuguan in Gansu, covering 8,851.8 kilometers. Constructed using brick and stone, it includes watchtowers and passes (such as Shanhaiguan, Juyongguan, and Jiayuguan), forming the “Nine Frontier Towns” defensive system.
Why Visit the Great Wall?
Historical and Cultural Impact
The Great Wall is one of ancient China’s greatest defensive engineering feats, spanning over 2,000 years of history and blending military wisdom, architectural artistry, and national spirit. Standing on the Great Wall, you can feel the grandeur encapsulated in the phrase “He who does not reach the Great Wall is not a true man,” and appreciate the bravery and resilience of ancient border guards. Different sections of the wall (such as Badaling, Mutianyu, Simatai) showcase varying architectural styles from different dynasties, such as the sturdy brickwork of the Ming dynasty and the weathered earthen ramparts of the Warring States period.
Magnificent Natural Scenery
The Great Wall winds through majestic mountains, blending seamlessly with the natural landscape. In spring, the hills are adorned with blossoms; in autumn, they are covered in red leaves; and in winter, snow blankets the dragon-like wall. Each season offers breathtaking views. Mutianyu Great Wall is known for its lush vegetation and pristine environment, making it ideal for photography enthusiasts. Simatai Great Wall is famous for its steep and intricate design, resembling a giant dragon suspended on cliffs.
Unique Travel Experiences
- Adventure and Exploration: Simatai’s steep steps and perilous passes are a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts.
- Cultural Activities: Some areas (like Mutianyu) offer night tours featuring light shows, intangible cultural heritage performances (such as Sichuan Opera face-changing and diabolo), and immersive theater experiences, bringing ancient history to life.
- Family-Friendly Attractions: Badaling Great Wall offers cable cars and slides, making it easy for families with elderly members or children to reach the top and enjoy local delicacies like Peking duck and “donkey roll” (a traditional Beijing snack).
