Learn more about China from this video from Learn Bright.
Learn more about the Great Wall in this video from Bedtime History.
About the Great Wall
- The Great Wall of China stretches for over 13,000 miles (including all the offshoots and overlapping places), making it the longest wall in the world. That's like going on a walk around the Earth's equator.
- This colossal wall was not built in a day. It was constructed over many dynasties and centuries, with the earliest sections dating back over 2,000 years to the 7th century BC.
- There's a popular myth that the Great Wall can be seen from space, but it's quite challenging due to its narrow width. However, it's still an incredible sight from a plane.
- The Great Wall served multiple purposes, including defense against invasions, allowing the transportation of people and goods, and functioning as a form of border control.
- The wall is made from various materials, such as earth, wood, and stone. The specific materials used depended on the region and the available resources.
- Many parts of the Great Wall have deteriorated over time, partly due to natural elements and tourism. Conservation efforts are ongoing to preserve this iconic structure.
- In 1987, the Great Wall of China was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognizing its historical and architectural significance. It's a testament to the remarkable engineering and fortitude of the people who built it.
Facts About China
Official Name: People's Republic of China
Capital: Beijing
Population: 1,413,142,846
Area: 3,705,405 square miles (9,596,960 square kilometers)
Currency: Yuan Renminbi
Government: Communist Party-led State
Head of State: President Xi Jinping
Head of Government: Premier Li Qiang
Language: Mandarin Chinese
