History of Great Wall-after Yuan Dynasty

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The last massive construction on the Great Wall in Chinese history

Ming Dynasty was the last one who ever built the Great Wall in history. To strive against Tartars tribes, the Ming government never stopped the construction of the Great Wall. From Emperors Hongwu to Wanli after 20 times of massive construction, a 6,350 kilometer-long wall was accomplished. The Ming wall ran from the Jiayu Pass in Gansu to the Hushan in Liaodong. The Ming Wall can be roughly divided into north and south wall between Beijing and Pianguan of Shanxi. Many sections of the Ming all consist of main walls and many other sidewalls. Outside of the Yanmen Pass, there are 3 main stonewalls and 23 sidewalls altogether. The main body of the Great Wall elongating 12,700 kilometers long from Shanhai Pass to Jiayu Pass is well preserved, especially the sections from Shanhai Pass to Beijing renovated by Qi Jiguang. The construction work of Ming Dynasty lasted almost 200 years. It was Ming Dynasty that the Great Wall took on its present form. The greatest of all wall builders were the Ming, whose astounding accomplishments dwarfed what had been done earlier. The Ming not only built more walls than any other dynasties, but theirs was also bigger, longer, more ornate and more imposing. Theirs is the wall that we are familiar. The wall rises and falls with the precipitous mountain ridge, while the battle forts, watchtowers and beacon towers are located high up the hills. For all its seeming timelessness, the Ming Wall constitutes a symbol of Chinese ingenuity and will.

The last feudal dynasty and the Great Wall

As the last feudal dynasty in chinese history, Qing Dynasty used to be believed that it contributed nothing on the construction of the Great Wall. But it was reversed after therecent discovery of the walls in Shandong built by Qing government. Besides, there was afamous "Shengjing Wall" between Liaoning and Jilin, which was built in the early years of Qing Dynasty. the Shengjing Wall, also known as "Liutiaobian", is actually a tamped-earth wall, which was 1 meter high and 1 meter wide. Outside the wall, there was trench. Willows were planted on the top of the wall and connected each other by ropes. The main function of the wall was to prevent people from other tribes to collect ginseng, graze or hunt here in Northeast China. Some restoring work was undertaken on some important passes such as Shanhai, Juyong, Yanmen and Jiayu Pass. The prupose was to enforce regular security check, which differentiaed its origin. No measures were ever adopted to massively renovate the Great Wall after the midterm of Qing Dynasty.

Why Qing Dynasty stopped the massive constructiion of the Great Wall? The answer might be the followings: first of all, the modern weapons developed dramatically after Chinese invention of the gun powder. During Qing Dynasty, the modern cannon began to be introduced into China. Along with the appearance of those destructive weapons, the Great Wall lost its function as a key defensive project. The Qing government then had no interest to renovate the wall. Secondly, the ruling strategies were substantially altered. To consolidate its governing and secure the frontier, the Qing regime took the placatory approach to those Mongolian and Tibetan nobles.

The Great Wall in modern time

Many ancient` walls are crumbling due to the natural erosion and human's destruction. Even the Ming Wall is under the threat of damage. but the Great Wall still remains as one of the world most splendid architectural projects. After the founding of the People's Republic of China, the government invests heavily on the Great Wall to maintain the priceless worle cultural heritage and endeavors to make the wall even more attractive in scenery and versatile in content.

Standing atop, your memory of the past history and battles concerned about the Wall would be readily rekindled by the imposing scene. You will surely be proud of the Great Wall, which can perfectly match the pyramids in Egypt, the Great Arena in Rome, and the leaning Pizza Tower in Italy. As the monument and an emblem of China's civilization, the great Wall depicts Chinese ingenuity and promotes the friendship with all people worldwide.

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History of Great Wall-Han Wall, Northern and Southern Dynasties

History of Great Wall-Qin Wall

Great Wall history-The first construction of the Great Wall

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Notable areas of Great Wall

Visibility of the Great Wall

Recognition of the Great Wall

Watchtowers and barracks

Characteristics and Condition

The General History of Great Wall

General Introduction of Great Wall China