A Wall Across Mountains and Deserts
The Great Wall of China is one of the most famous structures in the world. It was built over many centuries to protect China from invasions. The first walls were started as early as the 7th century BCE. Later, during the Qin Dynasty in 221 BCE, Emperor Qin Shi Huang ordered the walls to be joined together. This was the beginning of the Great Wall we know today.
The wall was not built all at once. Different dynasties added to it. The most famous parts were built during the Ming Dynasty (1368–1644). These sections are made of strong bricks and stone, with watchtowers and fortresses. Soldiers used the towers to watch for enemies and to send smoke signals as warnings.
The Great Wall stretches across mountains, rivers, and deserts. Altogether, it is more than 21,000 kilometers long. Building it took millions of workers—soldiers, farmers, and prisoners. Many worked in very hard conditions, and some lost their lives during construction.
The wall was not only a military defense. It also helped control trade along the Silk Road, collecting taxes and protecting merchants. Villages grew along the wall, and markets opened for travelers. The wall connected people as well as defended them.
Today, the Great Wall is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Millions of visitors come to walk on its stones and see its towers. It is a symbol of China’s strength, history, and determination. Even though it was built to keep people out, today it welcomes people from all over the world.
Vocabulary List
- invasion When an army enters another country by force.
- dynasty A line of rulers from the same family.
- fortress A strong building used for defense.
- watchtower A tall tower used to look for danger.
- smoke signal A way of sending messages by making smoke in the air.
- merchant A person who buys and sells goods.
- UNESCO An international group that protects cultural and natural sites.
- heritage Valued traditions or buildings from the past.
- determination The quality of never giving up.
- symbol Something that represents an idea or quality.
Comprehension Questions
- Why was the Great Wall first built?
- Which dynasty began connecting the walls together?
- What special features did the Ming Dynasty add to the wall?
- How long is the Great Wall in total?
- What does the Great Wall represent today?