Care for some history: the great wall of china

Standing out as one of the world’s greatest wonders, the Great Wall of China was enlisted in the world heritage by UNESCO in 1987. Just like a gigantic dragon, the Great Wall winds up and down across deserts, grasslands, mountains and plateaus, stretching approximately 4,163 miles from east to west of China. Owing to its history of more than 2000 years, some of the sections of the great wall are now in ruins or even entirely disappeared. In spite of the disarray fact, it is still one of the most appealing attractions all around the globe due to its architectural grandeur and historical significance. Excitement abounds in the origin, vicissitude and nature of the Great Wall of the Qin, Han, and Ming dynasties. Originally built in the spring, autumn, and Warring states, the Great Wall acted as a defensive fortification by three states: Yan, Zhao and Qin. It went through constant extensions and repairs in later dynasties. In fact, it began as independent walls for different states when it was first built, and did not become the “Great” wall until the Qin dynasty. Emperor Qin Shihuang succeeded in his effort to have the walls joined together to fend off the invasions from the Huns in the north after the unification of China. Since then, the great wall has served as a monument of the Chinese nation throughout history. A visit to the Great Wall is like a tour through history backwards. Each step of the wall brings excitement to many tourists. But what amazes me is the mystery in the construction of the wall. What kind of down to earth engineers put up this structure? Its construction for sure drew heavily on the local resources for construction materials and was carried out in line with the local conditions under which lay the management of contract and responsibility system. Manpower composed of soldiers, prisoners, and local people stood up the wall. The result of the construction demonstrates the manifestation of wisdom and tenacity of the Chinese people. How about its use? Is it also methodical? The Great Wall has long been incorporated into Chinese mythology and popular symbolism. The most beautiful of several legends is about the collapse of the Great Wall caused by Meng Jiagnu, who wailed bitterly over the death of her husband in the wall’s construction. This legend has been spread widely through textbooks, folksongs and traditional operas and is well known in China. I, forthwith, dare all adventurous spirits to take a trip to China and unleash more discoveries since this was just a tip of the iceberg. Email: benjis07@yahoo.co.uk