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Let’s debunk the myths about the Great Wall of China. You’ll be surprised.
Is it true that the Great Wall of China is visible from space? What was its original name? Are there the bones of workers within the walls? Here are 9 facts worth knowing.
The Great Wall of China likely spans 21,196 kilometers. It has become a symbol of China, almost an emblem of the empire. Its image appears on important documents, such as visas. It also features on most postcards sent from China. A stroll along the restored section of the Great Wall at Badaling, near Beijing, is a must-do during a visit to China, whether you’re a tourist or a VIP: from singer Justin Bieber to Queen Elizabeth II.
When was the Great Wall of China built?
The construction and completion of the Great Wall took over 2000 years. Archaeologists indicate that the beginning of the work dates back to the 6th-8th centuries BCE. Interestingly, the wall we know today was built only in the 15th century. These were the times of the Ming dynasty. The last section of the structure was built relatively late, in 1878. An important figure in the history of the wall is the first emperor of the Qin dynasty, Qin Shi Huang. It was during his reign that the construction…