THE GREAT WALL OF CHINA

Figure 1: The Great Wall of China (Doucin, B., & Lalaité, N.D.)

Figure 2: The Great Wall of China (Ribarska, A., 2007)

The Great wall of China is an historic network of walls and defenses that is located in
Northern China. The Great Wall's most well-known and well-preserved part was constructed
from the 14th to the 17th century A.D., during the reign of the Ming dynasty. This wall is more
than 13,000-mile-long and it starts at Shanhaiguan, Hebei province, in the east, and finishes in
Jiayuguan, Gansu province, in the west. Its basic structure is made up of walls, horse tracks,
watchtowers, shelters, and fortresses. The Great wall of China represents China due to its
extensive and vivid history of being a defensive structure against raids and clashes between
agrarian and nomadic civilizations. With that being said, this is a major physical proof of the
powerful military might and national defense capabilities of the central empires of ancient China.
However, it was never able to completely keep invaders out of China, but it is still a potent
representation of the resilience of Chinese civilization. It is also a remarkable example of the
exceptional military architecture, technology, and art of the time. As the nation's emblem for
maintaining the safety of the state and its citizens, it has unrivaled significance.

Preserving and maintaining this structure is important for the Chinese people because it
symbolizes the unification of China. However, there are factors that affect its integrity and also
façade. These factors are natural and human activities. For natural factors, planting trees and
protective forest belts is a good way to preserve and maintain the Great wall of China since it
will reduce the damage from storms and rains. In addition, adding waterproof layers and
waterproofing agents to protect it from rains. As for human activities, having regulations that are
implemented will protect the Great wall. With this, the tourists will know that some actions may
alter or destroy the structure such as visitors who litter, spray paint, or engage in other damaging
behavior may face severe penalties. Furthermore, educating tourists would also help in protecting
the heritage since they will learn its historical and cultural value and see its importance for the
country. With all these in mind, the heritage will be maintained and the value of it will remain for
generations to come.

References:

Great wall of China. (2010, August 24). Retrieved August 17, 2022, from
https://www.history.com/topics/ancient-china/great-wall-of-china

Pang, K. (2021, October 15). Great Wall Threat and Protection. Retrieved August 17, 2022, from
https://www.chinahighlights.com/greatwall/fact/protection.htm

The Great Wall. (n.d.). Retrieved August 17, 2022, from https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/438/