The Great Wall of China is not a single continuous wall, but a series of walls and fortifications built by different Chinese dynasties over 2000 years.
The Great Wall is the longest wall in the world, stretching over 13,000 miles (21,196 kilometers) through northern China.
It was built to protect China from invading nomadic tribes from the north, particularly the Mongols.
The earliest sections of the Great Wall date back to the 7th century BC, but the most famous sections were built during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644).
The Great Wall of China is not visible from space with the naked eye, contrary to popular belief. However, it can be seen from low Earth orbit.
The Great Wall is not just a wall but also includes watchtowers, barracks, and other fortifications that served to protect China's northern borders.
The materials used to build the wall varied by region and included brick, tamped earth, and stone.
The construction of the Great Wall of China required the labor of millions of soldiers, peasants, and prisoners, and it is estimated that over 400,000 people died during its construction.
The Great Wall is now a popular tourist destination and is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Great Wall has inspired many legends and stories, including the tale of Meng Jiangnu, a woman whose tears caused a section of the wall to collapse, revealing the bones of her husband who had died while building the wall.