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What is the Great Wall of China?
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Quick answer
The Great Wall of China is a vast series of fortifications built over centuries to protect Chinese states from northern invaders. Stretching thousands of kilometers, it's one of history's most ambitious building projects and a symbol of China itself. It's a network of walls, not one single continuous wall.
Key things to understand
- It's a network of walls, not one single continuous wall.
- Built and rebuilt over many centuries by different dynasties.
- It stretches thousands of kilometers across northern China.
- It guarded against invasions and controlled trade and movement.
People also ask
Why was the Great Wall of China built?
Mainly to defend Chinese states and empires against invasions and raids from northern nomadic peoples.
How long is the Great Wall of China?
Counting all its branches, it stretches over 20,000 kilometers in total.
Can you see the Great Wall from space?
Despite the myth, it's generally not visible to the naked eye from space — it's long but narrow.