Wall of China

The Great Wall of China is an ancient Chinese fortification built and rebuilt between the 5th century BC. C. and the 16th century (Modern Age) to protect the northern border of the Chinese Empire during successive imperial dynasties from attacks by Xiongnu nomads from Mongolia and Manchuria.

Counting its ramifications and secondary constructions, it is estimated to be about 21,200 kilometers long, 1 from the Korean border, on the edge of the Yalu River, to the Gobi Desert, along an arc that roughly delineates the southern edge of Inner Mongolia, although today only 30% of it is preserved.2 On average, it is 6 to 7 meters high and 4 to 5 meters wide.

The wall was designated a World Heritage Site by Unesco in 1987.3

On January 26, 2007, it was announced that the Chinese wall was chosen as one of the winners in the list of The New Seven Wonders of the Modern World.

The Great Wall is twinned with the Roman wall of Lugo, Galicia (Spain), also designated a World Heritage Site.