The Great Wall in north China stretches from Shanhaiguan Pass in the east to Jiayuguan Pass in the west traversing provinces of Liaoning, Hebei, Beijing, Tianjin, Shanxi, Inner Mongolia, Ningxia,Shaanxi and Gansu and is 6,700 kilometers long. Hence the name "Wan Li Chang Cheng" or "the long wall of 10,000 li".

Great Wall of China, an ancient gigantic defensive project,is one of the greatest wonders of the world.According to astronauts who looked back from the moon, of all projects built by man, the Great Wall of China is the most conspicuous visible from space.

Construction of the Great Wall lasted for over 2,000 years, from the state of Chu in the seventh century BC to the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) and it ran through more than 20 feudal kingdoms and states ruled by dukes or princes. Excitement abounds in the origin, vicissitude and nature of the great wall of the Qin, Han, and Ming dynasties.

During the Qin, Han and Ming dynasties there was considerable construction with more than 5,000 kilometers built. If all the sections built in various historical periods were put together the Great Wall would be more than 50,000 kilometers(10,000 li) long. If building a wall which is one meter thick and five meters high with the earth and stones of the Great Wall, the wall can circle the earth.

Much of the Great Wall is like a high city wall stretching thousands of kilometers following and crossing the highest mountain peaks. Along its length there are some 100 passes and tens of thousands of watch and beacon towers. These structures and the undulating topography that the wall traverses add to its wonder. The section in Beijing's Badaling is strong and intact and is a good place to enjoy. There are also interesting sections in Jinshanling, Mutianyu, Simatai and Gubeikou. Other well known and popular spots along the wall are the Huangya Pass in Tianjin, Shanhai Pass in Heibei Province and Jiayu Pass in Gansu Province. The Great Wall is a bridge that links the Chinese people with people from other countries and regions.

The laboring people of different dynasties demonstrated their intelligence and wisdom while building this great project. They left behind a precious heritage deserving our everlasting care.

Included in the UNESCO world heritage list in 1987.