The Great Wall of China

The Great Wall of China is among the world’s most widely known landmarks. Shanhaiguan in the east to Lop Nur in the west and stretches for 8,851.8 km. Most believe this barrier was built in the names of war and bloodshed. However, it’s true purpose was for peace. Qi, Jin, Chu, Qin, Lu and Zheng States were the most powerful states among the 149 located in China. Each struggled for power. Thus leading to each section being built between 5th century B.C. and the 16th century. The first wall was arguably built around seven centuries B.C. by the Chu State, powerful prince enfeoffed by the Zhou Kingdom and flourish during the Spring and Autumn Period (B.C. 770 ~ 476). Although, it’s true origins is unknown.

Each state added a section or more all for similar purposes. More than twenty states and dynasties built their own walls throughout history. Some parts are of different materials and various shapes. Some sections were made from rammed Earth and gravel between boards. Others bricks, tiles, lime or stones. Built to withstand the attack of small arms such as swords and spears. Signal towers were built upon hill tops or other high points along the wall for their visibility in case reinforcements needed to be called in or warn of approaching garrisons. This Wonder of the World continues to be of great fascination for historians. It’s also believed to be one of the most haunted locations in the world.

Two to three million people died created The Great Wall from accidents or other methods. Tourists have met with sudden uneasiness and illnesses such as nausea, headaches and body pains. Others have reported seeing apparitions, being grabbed, punched and slapped. There’s even a myth that states “If you visit the Great Wall, the spirits of the fallen workers will haunt you until you cross a line of firecrackers to scare them away”.

Comments

Nice Post! China’s most legendary and massive structure, If we sum up all the branches of Great Wall is 8,851.8 km, The Great Wall of China, wiggles sporadically from its dispersed remnants in Lianing toward Jiayugaun province in Gobi Desert. www.travelasia360.net
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Anonymous said…
I always thought people being buried dead under the Great Wsll was false, all due Respect to the Dead and everything, anyway, that I find a bit, both amazing that the Dead were placed under one of China's greatest Wonders of the Earth and a little Macrebre, a bit, but, does tend to show, I suppose, how much the world's moved on from there, if you get my drift.
Anonymous said…
We did a private hike of the 'Wild' Jiankou section of the wall in 2012. We also camped overnight in the isolated section there, just beside the wall. It was only myself, my wife, and the guide. The guide had his own tent and helped us set up ours, after which he prepared dinner. After eating and a bit of a chat, we went to sleep in our tent and the guide retired to his. Shortly afterwards, we heard someone walking around outside our tent. The sound of footsteps on rocks was unmistakable, as it was otherwise very silent there. I quickly unzipped the tent, thinking maybe it was the guide walking around, but I couldn't see anyone. I walked a few meters over to his tent to ask if he was still awake and he unzipped his tent before asking if I needed something. I told him we heard footsteps and asked if it was him and he said no, he had been in the tent since after dinner. In the morning he told us that other tourists had also heard footsteps over the rocks in the middle of the night. Hmm...

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