The Great Wall of China, a symbol of immense power and enduring human effort, isn't just one continuous wall but a series of fortifications built and rebuilt across centuries. Its history stretches back to the 7th century BC, when individual states constructed walls for defense. Qin Shi Huang, the first emperor of China, famously connected and strengthened these disparate sections in the 3rd century BC, marking a crucial phase in its development.
However, much of what we see today dates from the Ming dynasty (1368–1644), who undertook extensive rebuilding with stronger materials like brick and stone. The wall served primarily to protect the Chinese Empire from nomadic groups from the north and also controlled immigration and emigration. Walking along its winding path offers a tangible connection to China's rich and complex past, a testament to both its military might and its enduring spirit.
